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Best Payroll Service For Small Business

By Majedul Haque Shakil Last Updated -- Monday, 2025-01-06
best payroll service for small business

Companies should use the best payroll service for small businesses to ensure their employees are paid accurately and on time. The software solution manages, maintains, and automates employee payments. In any type of business, big or small, the human resource department is undoubtedly the most valuable and integral. Human resource and payroll services are mandatory in a corporate setup to ensure maximum productivity by increasing employee output.

There are many HR and payroll services out there. It is tough to select which one is good and which is not. However, in this blog, we are gathering some of the best payroll services for small businesses. As a result, small business owners select payroll services based on their needs.

So, let's start.

What is Payroll Software?

what is payroll software

Payroll software helps manage, maintain, and automate employee payments. It easily maintains all payments and payment records. Payroll software can be on-premises or cloud-based automation systems. It speeds up the online payroll system free process, reducing technical errors and enabling managers to easily customise paychecks. Payroll service handles many things for the employees and the office management. Let's take a look at some of that in the list given below 

  • Tax filing with the IRS, CRA & more 
  • Digital payments and deposits
  • Tax payments 
  • Employer insurance coverage
  • Benefits management for employee
  • Bookkeeping management 
  • Tax management 
  • Payroll reports 
  • Year-end summary report 
  • Attendance and time 
  • Human resource functions 
  • Direct deposit & more 

The main goal of using the best payroll service for small businesses is to increase the complete accuracy of payroll management. Also, make sure that the employees are always paid on time.

What is a Payroll Service?  

Payroll Service is a third-party provider that helps manage payrolls for different businesses. These providers maintain a lot of tasks, including time-consuming payroll tasks, saving time for company owners and their teams.

Here are some functions typically provided by payroll providers: 

  • Payroll calculation
  • Direct deposits
  • Tax compliance
  • Employee attendance tracking
  • Benefits administration
  • Reporting 
  • Expense Management
  • Shift Management
  • Time & Attendance Management
  • Leave Management
  • Data Imports/exports
  • Reporting And Analytics

Payroll service works in many different ways. In this very next section, we will describe how payroll software works as a service.

How Payroll Software Works - As A Service 

Managing the payroll cycle for any organisation, big or small, is tough work. But how does payroll software work exactly? All the work starts with data collection. First, payroll software collects all the data from different employees, including their time, attendance, salary, bonus, and other data.

In the next step, this software calculates the different variables from all employees. These can include tax withholdings, retirement contributions, and health benefits. With this system, any small or big organisation can check the total amount of data on its employees. It also ensures that paychecks are accurate, minimising human error.

After that process, this software helps to match the latest payment processes with the latest regulations. It's imperative to maintain the latest local and global regulations. With the best small business payroll, you can easily preserve your business in line with regional and national requirements.

When the regulations from the software are checked, it's time for payment. A manual payroll process is always risky and increases the risk of mistakes. A proper payroll system takes control of distributing pay to the right people. Any kind of direct or digital wallet payroll software ensures secure transactions.

It also integrates with other business functions like giving reports of overall pay circles.

Why You Need A Payroll Service For Small Business 

One of the hardest tasks in running any business is maintaining the payroll service. It is really hard, and sometimes, doing this job manually can cause errors. As a result, it also affects the employee's satisfaction and the company's productivity. Your company, big or small, does not matter; it matters to maintain the proper payroll service.

A software solution can fix the organisational damage for you. We already know that payroll software can easily automate the payroll service. It helps to reduce the risk of manual payroll data entry. Another reason to implement payroll software in your small business is that it helps to save your valuable time.

Payroll work is time-consuming, and you need to be alert before inputting every single data point. If you make any mistake when inputting the data, then it will be a big problem in the long run. But with the help of payroll services, it's easy. With a single click, you're all set and good to go.

Finally, one of the most important reasons for using the best free payroll software is that it is always updated. It has the latest tax regulations and codes system.

Maintaining and checking all the employee's taxes is painful, with payroll service is easy and effective. By ensuring organisations get tax and compensation right the first time, payroll software can minimise the risk of businesses receiving penalties for non-compliance. 

10 Best Payroll Service For Small Businesses 

best payroll service for small businesses 

Whether new to or switching to a new business, getting the right one for your small business is crucial. But fear not—we have put together and guided you to find the best payroll service for small businesses.

1. HRMS Software

Best global payroll services with an HR management platform

HRMS is one of the best and most trusted payroll & hr management solutions. It also works for small and large businesses. It offers a wide range of payroll & hr services. With its payroll option, you can easily manage salary advance, salary generation, manage employee, salary & more.

Key features of HRMS 

  • Employee database management system
  • Payroll management system
  • Performance management system 
  • Time management system
  • Attendance management system
  • Financial management 
  • Training and development system
  • Technical support system
  • Analytics and document management
  • Leave management system
  • Compensation management 
  • Project management system 
  • Application management
  • Safety and security management
  • Recruiting and hiring system
  • Benefits management system 
  • Talent management system

HRMS payroll service is undoubtably the best option for new and small business owners. It's also budget-friendly and easy to use. It provides a flawless working environment and experience for all the employees associated with the organisational goal. 

Why did you choose this HRMS software?

With this HRMS software, you get total encryption, access controls, and regular security updates to safeguard sensitive employee information. One of the best reasons is that this software is lower cost than the normal payroll software or service. It also has the best payroll app.
 

2. ADP Workforce 

Best simple payroll software and provider 

ADP is a comprehensive global provider of cloud-based human capital management (HCM) solutions that unite HR, payroll, talent, time, tax and benefits administration, business outsourcing services, analytics, and compliance expertise. ADP's experience, deep insights, and cutting-edge technology help transform human resources from a back-office administrative function to a strategic business advantage.

Key features of ADP HR 

  • Payroll management 
  • Employee Self Service
  • Time And Attendance Tracking
  • Benefits Administration
  • Compliance Management
  • Hr Support
  • Performance Management
  • Document Management
  • Expense Management
  • Shift Management
  • Time & Attendance Management
  • Leave Management
  • Data Imports/exports
  • Reporting And Analytics
  • Mobile Access
  • Garnishment Services
  • New Hire Reporting
  • Wage And Hour Compliance
  • Retirement Services
  • Workers' Compensation
  • Onboarding Services
  • Employee Handbook Assistance
  • Background Checks
  • Talent Management
  • Tax Filing
  • Direct Deposit

3. Moonworkers

Best small business accounting and payroll software

This payroll software is ideal for small businesses with complicated payrolls involving hourly workers or contractors, as it is the only market solution that automates payroll for all types of employees. In addition to the typical payroll features such as payslip creation and RTI submissions, you can easily schedule shifts, track time and attendance, automate payroll calculations, and find replacements or extras. 

Moonworkers provides access to payroll advisors who can help you set up payroll for the first time or switch to them and provide ongoing support.

Key features of Moonworkers

  • Access Controls/Permissions
  • Payroll management 
  • Approval Process Control
  • Background Screening
  • Benefits Management
  • Compliance Management
  • Customizable Reports
  • Data Import/Export
  • Document Management
  • Employee Management 
  • HR Management
  • Activity Dashboard
  • Alerts/Notifications
  • Reporting & Statistics
  • Self Service Portal
  • Sick Leave Tracking
  • Tax Compliance
  • Third-Party Integrations
  • Time Off Management
  • Vacation/Leave Tracking

4. Gusto

Best small business payroll service solutions 

Gusto is a powerful and easy-to-use cloud-based HR management system that handles all payroll duties smoothly. It is suitable for small businesses and all other types of companies. Gusto supports domestic and international contractor payroll and integrates with over 100 apps, including accounting software like QuickBooks. Customer support is available via phone, email, and web chat.

Top features of best payroll service for small business

  • Full-Service Payroll
  • Employee Self Service
  • Direct Deposit
  • Tax Filing
  • Benefits Administration
  • Time Tracking
  • Pto Management
  • New Hire Reporting
  • Workers' Compensation
  • Compliance Alerts
  • Customizable Reports
  • Employee Onboarding
  • Payroll On Autopilot
  • Multiple Pay Rates
  • Off-Cycle Payrolls
  • Customer Support
  • Attendance Management
  • Document Management
  • Employee Self-Service Management
  • Expense Management
  • Role-Based Access Control
  • Payroll Management
  • Taxation Management
  • Data Security
  • Salary Adjustment
  • Events & Reminders
  • Back Office Assistance
  • Self Onboarding
  • Retirement Plan Management
  • Time Off Requests
  • Multiple Pay Schedules

5. Sage Payroll

In-house payroll software & service for small business

Sage Payroll is an ideal payroll solution for small businesses. Its impressive features and security options make it unique. Sage Payroll is integrated with its accounting software to automate the organisation's financial process. Sage Payroll is absolutely the best option if you really need a payroll service and you have a small business.

Features of sage payroll

  • Automated Payroll Processing
  • Employee Self Service
  • Time And Attendance Tracking
  • Benefits Management
  • Compliance Management
  • Customisable Reporting
  • Garnishment Management
  • Mobile Access
  • Integration With Accounting Software
  • Pto And Leave Management
  • Wage And Hour Compliance
  • Onboarding Tools
  • Payroll Deductions
  • Year End Processing
  • Payroll Management
  • Recruitment Management
  • Reimbursement Management
  • Taxation Management
  • Payroll History
  • Customer Support
  • Attendance Management
  • Employee Self-Service Management
  • Time & Attendance Management
  • Employee Document Management
  • Hr & payroll processing software
  • Data Security

6. Quickbooks

Best payroll service for small business

It's payroll software designed for small businesses, made by Intuit. It easily integrates with many business systems, including accounting and invoicing programs. With this software, you can get internal support and technical support. Quickbooks help to automate the overall payroll process tasks and improve the small business workforce.

Features of QuickBooks

  • Automated payroll processing
  • Same-day direct deposit
  • Unlimited payroll runs
  • Customizable payroll reports
  • Compliance updates
  • Mobile app access
  • QuickBooks App Marketplace
  • Automated federal and state taxes
  • Employee self-service portal
  • Time tracking integration
  • Benefits management

7. OnPay

Best global payroll services for small business

OnPay is a cloud-based payroll and HR platform designed for small businesses. It supports multi-state payroll, automated tax calculations, and employee self-service. OnPay integrates with various accounting and time-tracking software and includes features for employee onboarding. Customer support is provided through phone and chat during weekdays. On the weekends, emergency support is available via email.

Features of Onpay 

  • Unlimited monthly payroll runs
  • Multiple pay schedules and rates
  • Automatic tax calculations & filings
  • Streamlined employee onboarding
  • Employee self-service
  • Recruitment Management
  • Task Management
  • Time & Attendance Management
  • Leave Management
  • Expense Reimbursement
  • Employee Database
  • Document Management

8. Rippling

Best global payroll services & software

Rippling is a full-service HR and Payroll service provider. It can handle large and small business employees and all data and information. Its innovative approach and streamlined operations efficiently manage the business workforce and all other resources.

Feature to look at 

  • Automated Payroll
  • Direct Deposit
  • Employee Self Service
  • Time Tracking Integration
  • Benefits Administration
  • Compliance Management
  • Custom Reporting
  • Tax Filing
  • Expense Management
  • Inventory Management
  • Performance Management
  • Recruitment Management
  • Task Management
  • Time & Attendance Management
  • Leave Management
  • Expense Reimbursement
  • Employee Database
  • Document Management
  • Recruiting Management
  • Self Service Portal
  • Workflow Management
  • Employee Lifecycle Management
  • Deduction Management
  • Time Off Management
  • Health Insurance Administration
  • Provider Management
  • Mobile Device Management
  • Onboarding And Offboarding
  • Employee Self Service Portal
  • Automated Bill Payment
  • Employee Payroll History And Records

9. Xero

Best global payroll services 

Xero is the option if you are a small business owner and need perfect accounting software with a payroll system. Xero is one of the best payroll software for small businesses and other business sizes. One of the best of this software is that it integrates seamlessly with 600+ apps, including HR apps.

Features of best payroll service for small business

  • Flexible pay calendars
  • Multiple pay rates 
  • Built-in timesheets
  • Manage employee leave
  • Detailed payroll reports
  • Easily connect with other business apps 
  • Document Management
  • Recruiting Management
  • Self Service Portal
  • Workflow Management
  • Employee Lifecycle Management
  • Deduction Management

10. Multiplier

Best global payroll services for talent onboarding and payment compliance

Multiplier is a global Payroll and HR management system. You can easily handle global payroll by partnering with local payroll providers and tax experts in the countries where its clients have employees. A multiplier is the best option if we are talking about consistency and efficiency. It will help you find accurate and error-free results and overall productivity in the business.

Features to look at in multiplier 

  • Audit Management
  • Benefits Dashboard
  • Compliance Management
  • Compliance Tracking
  • Employee Database
  • Employee Onboarding
  • Employee Profiles
  • Payroll Management
  • Recruitment Management
  • HR Management
  • Multi-Country
  • Reporting/Analytics
  • Self Service Portal
  • Tax Compliance
  • Vacation/Leave Tracking
  • Workforce Management

How to Choose The Best Payroll Software

how to choose the best payroll software

We need to consider a few things before selecting any payroll service or software. What should we do when we go to a grocery store and buy goods? We check the expiry date of the goods and then purchase them. As payroll service providers, we need to check some of the requirements before dealing with payroll software service providers.

Customer Support

For me, customer support is the most important thing to check. You can face any problems in your system, but if you don't find instant support, that will ruin the sound experience. It's the same as missing a payday, which erodes trust with your employees, even due to a technical glitch. So, customer support is your payroll service provider's first and most crucial part.

Business Size

Small businesses might find that more straightforward payroll solutions with essential features such as paycheck processing and tax calculations are sufficient for their needs.

As businesses grow, they may require payroll software to handle a larger workforce, more complex payroll structures, and additional features like benefits administration. Selecting a system that can scale with the business growth is essential.

Industry

Industry is also a significant factor when selecting a cheap payroll service. Different industries have unique payroll requirements due to varying regulations and work patterns. 

For example, restaurants may need a payroll system to handle tipped employees, whereas construction companies might need software to track multiple job sites and union rates. Companies should ensure the system they choose can cater to these industry-specific needs.

Cost 

Another important term to remember is the total cost of the payroll service. Cost mainly depends on the total number of employees of the company or organisation. If your business is small, the price might be lower than the normal range. So, fix your budget and then choose the service provider. Now, a question can come to your mind: How much does payroll service cost?

Business Size 

Monthly 

Small Business 

($60 - $140) 

Medium Business

($300 - $600)

Large Business

$1,000 - $2,500

There are also some additional costs as well. Like set up fees, Year-End Tax Forms, Direct Deposit Fees, Hr integrations & more. The price range will be $50 - $150.

Integrations Capabilities 

Integration capabilities are always a key part of any service. If you need any software, make it easy to integrate with existing software. So, before selecting any payroll service provider, ensure they have integration facilities with another system.

hr software

End Note

The best payroll service for small businesses can bring many increases in the overall profitability of the business. The above tools list we provided streamline processes and eliminate manual tasks that take a lot of management time. Payroll software can help small businesses scale and focus on growth. As a result, small businesses significantly contribute to overall economic growth. 

The use of technology will give a significant boost to their overall health and competitiveness, which will eventually impact the overall economy. Considering the in-house payroll software for small business trends mentioned, the stage is set for small businesses to shine with the help of new apps and services.