Compare quotes & offers for Payroll Services

Think about how you process payroll now and look over the results of your last payroll audit. What aspects of running payroll do you want to improve? Business owners often wish to save time while preventing tax and payroll errors. The ability to offer employee self-service options, direct deposit, and payroll cards and benefits may also appeal to you.

To assess payroll service providers, you must understand which features and resources will benefit your company the most. For instance, small businesses with fewer than 50 employees face fewer labor and tax regulations than larger companies but may want help complying with paycheck recordkeeping laws. Also, consider the experience levels of your HR staff and what types of tools would help them fulfill their roles.

Think about the following questions:

• How many employees and contractors do you have?
• Do you need to process payroll in multiple states or foreign countries?
• Will you pay out bonuses, commissions or expense reimbursements?
• Which third-party software applications need to integrate with your payroll service?
• Do you want HR support, resources or features?
• Should your system include benefits management and administration?
• Are you in a niche industry with specific payroll requirements?

Make a list of payroll service providers and your criteria. Read professional reviews involving user testing to get an idea of the pros and cons of deploying and using various tools. Also, check out user reviews and software ratings. Look for patterns of complaints or positive points.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to your professional network. Often, other business leaders readily share insights and recommendations. Track your findings in a spreadsheet or project management platform.

Once you’ve narrowed your list, contact the best online payroll services to request demonstrations, quotes and free trials. Involve staff members who will use the software, and encourage them to ask questions. Remember to call or message customer service and interact with various representatives to get a feel for how the company handles support tickets.