Handling payroll for the small business owner can be a very difficult task. It is not uncommon for owners to have to take on many different tasks, but the idea of spending hours upon hours with calculators and spreadsheets could be frustrating, confusing, and downright depressing. On the other hand, if the size of your staff is relatively small you may not see the need to hire a full-time professional service to take over the payroll computation job for you. It may be enough to utilize a payroll software system to automate much of the work you're already doing by hand. Below is a list of the best payroll software for small businesses to help you to decide which one is best for you.
Intuit Online Payroll
This is a highly respected software company that offers services in three different tiers. On the lowest tier, the service is a paycheck only option. The top tier offers a full package including direct deposit, electronic tax filing, and the convenience of running the payroll from a mobile device. The convenience of this program is that it is compatible with QuickBooks accounting software or you can opt to purchase it as a single program. Depending on the tier you choose the cost could range anywhere from $20 to $99/month.
Patriot Payroll
Another good software package for small business is the Patriot Software package that specializes in human resource systems for small businesses. The program can handle as many as 50 employees and can include tax services, hiring, and accounting. It can be easily used with a number of operating systems and can be accessed from most mobile devices. The cost for this program can run anywhere from $10-$33/month.
ezPaycheck Payroll
The ezPaycheck software promises to be so simple to use that you don't even need to be an accountant to use it. It works best for those businesses that have a very small number of employees (10 or less). The program offers simply the basics; it calculates payroll taxes, prints tax forms and paychecks. It can also provide needed support of customized wage systems like an hourly system or a commission-based system. If you're looking for a service that supports direct deposit or you need to be able to access the system from mobile devices you won't find it here, but if you're looking for just the basics, then this is a system that will help you get your payroll done on time. While it may be one of the best payroll software for small businesses it is not for businesses that are looking for the whole package. The cost is only $89/year.
Learning to manage your payroll can be a tedious process. It requires a careful attention to detail that may be difficult for small business managers to do. The amount of time invested in learning how to classify and calculate taxes and paperwork may not be time you have to spare. Instead, look for best payroll software for small businesses that is capable of handling all of your specific payroll needs so that you are well prepared and all of your payroll and tax requirements can be handled in a timely fashion.