The ten Greatest Payroll Companies for One Worker

1. Sq. Payroll: Greatest general

Our score: 4.00 out of 5

Sq. Payroll helps small companies handle their on-line payroll operations. It runs payroll routinely and handles tax submitting throughout federal, state, and native tax jurisdictions, together with end-of-year tax reporting. It helps varied worker fee choices, akin to handbook paychecks, direct deposits, and prompt payouts by way of the Sq. Money software. That is not like different suppliers, akin to QuickBooks Payroll, which requires you to improve to its greater plans to get same-day funds.

As well as, Sq. Payroll is appropriate and integrates with consumer fee processing and accounting software program, akin to Sq. POS and QuickBooks On-line. The automated information syncs between Sq. and its companion applications make tip monitoring and bookkeeping simple.

Pricing

Sq. Payroll presents two pricing plans:

• Full-service payroll: $35 monthly plus $6 per worker monthly.
• Contractor-only payroll: $6 per worker monthly.

With an general rating of 4 out of 5 in my analysis, Sq. Payroll is cheaper than Gusto and OnPay (each with month-to-month charges of $40 + $6 per worker). Nevertheless, it has restricted HR instruments. Sq. Payroll additionally costs an annual charge of $3 per kind in order for you them to mail paper copies of payroll tax kinds—though digital variations of tax paperwork are free.

Sq. Payroll execs and cons

Why I selected Sq. Payroll

In case you have a retail or service-based enterprise, Sq.’s intensive product suite makes it a superb possibility for managing funds, point-of-sale transactions, and payroll for one worker. Its totally different merchandise sync simply, and you may switch funds out of your Sq. stability to the Sq. Money app to pay your self immediately or ship funds to your checking account for two- or four-day direct deposit payouts.

I additionally like its on-line vendor group or discussion board, the place you possibly can join with different small enterprise house owners and Sq. customers. That is useful for those who want recommendation on boosting gross sales or have questions on utilizing Sq. Payroll’s options.

2. Justworks: Greatest for compliance help

Our score: 3.91 out of 5

As a skilled employer group (PEO) service supplier, Justworks handles the intricacies of pay processing to present you extra time to run your small business. Nevertheless, other than its PEO service, it has a payroll-only possibility that features computerized wage and deduction calculations, tax submitting help, and payroll compliance. That is nice for one-employee companies on the lookout for a dependable payroll instrument as a result of most PEOs require no less than two staff if you wish to join its companies.

Even with its payroll-only possibility, you get devoted cellphone help and integration choices with accounting instruments like QuickBooks On-line for simple pay information transfers and correct bookkeeping. It additionally offers real-time alerts to assist preserve you on prime of federal and state compliance necessities. This leaves you with extra time working your small business as a substitute of continually checking labor legal guidelines and federal rules for updates.

Pricing

Justworks Payroll prices $50 monthly plus $8 per worker monthly. This selection doesn’t embody well being or retirement plans like a lot of the software program on my checklist. Nevertheless, if wish to get medical, dental, and imaginative and prescient insurance coverage, its medical health insurance add-on for the payroll-only plan prices $8 per worker monthly. For those who determine to increase your small business globally and need assistance hiring and paying worldwide employees, you may get its employer of file (EOR) companies for $599 per worker monthly.

For its PEO companies, Justworks presents two plans:

• Primary: $59 per worker monthly.
• Plus: $109 per worker monthly.

With a 3.69 out of 5 rating, Justworks Payroll could also be pricier than the others on my checklist, but it surely presents greater than processing payroll for 1 worker. You get the good thing about its compliance experience as a PEO, so that you’re assured that pay processes all the time meet federal and state rules. You even get devoted help from HR specialists for those who want steerage navigating difficult pay-related points. Observe that this service usually prices further or requires upgrading to costly plans with different suppliers.

Justworks execs and cons

Why I selected Justworks

As a solo worker, dealing with payroll for your self and staying up to date on tax modifications could be complicated. With Justworks, you don’t have to fret about inaccurate payouts and late tax filings as a result of it would handle these processes. This minimizes the chance of compliance points and tax computation errors, which might result in expensive penalties.

Justworks additionally offers professional HR and payroll recommendation. Its on-line platform means that you can entry pay-related paperwork and different HR options, like employees onboarding and time monitoring—excellent for whenever you want further HR instruments to handle employees in your small enterprise.

3. QuickBooks Payroll: Greatest for its accounting integration

Our score: 3.9 out of 5

QuickBooks Payroll is one other in style one-business payroll resolution with options that will help you automate payroll processes. The platform can streamline your tax and monetary info to get your payroll processes up and working. It collects all obligatory info out of your checking account particulars, tax ID numbers, IRS filings, and W-2s. Over 15 customizable payroll studies are additionally constructed into QuickBooks Payroll, enabling you to view financial institution transactions and tax deductions in actual time.

Along with working payroll for one worker, it connects seamlessly with QuickBooks On-line. Let’s say you’re utilizing this technique to handle your accounting processes. You don’t need to enter pay-related gadgets to your normal ledger manually—QuickBooks Payroll will routinely switch the relevant information to QuickBooks On-line for simple bookkeeping.

Pricing

QuickBooks Payroll presents three plans:

• Payroll Core: $50 monthly plus $6 per worker monthly.
• Payroll Premium: $85 monthly plus $9 per worker monthly.
• Payroll Elite: $130 monthly plus $11 per worker monthly.

For those who’re on the lookout for each payroll and accounting software program, QuickBooks presents packages that embody each programs.

• Payroll Core + Easy Begin: $85 monthly plus $6 per worker monthly.
• Payroll Premium + Necessities: $115 monthly plus $6 per worker monthly.
• Payroll Elite with Plus plan: $184 monthly plus $9 per worker monthly.

For each choices, QuickBooks presents a reduction of fifty% off the bottom worth in your first three months of service. Or, as a substitute of a reduction, you possibly can join a 30-day free trial of any plan.

Whereas Patriot’s accounting and payroll packages could also be cheaper than QuickBooks’ bundles (charges begin at $47 + $5 per worker monthly vs $85 + $6 per worker monthly), QuickBooks’ starter bundle has extra accounting functionalities, akin to receipt administration, bill fee reminders, and customizable invoices. Additional, Patriot’s payroll module lacks entry to the medical, dental, and imaginative and prescient plans that QuickBooks presents by way of its companion supplier, Allstate Well being Options.

These functionalities contributed to its general rating of 3.90 out of 5. Nevertheless, it didn’t rank greater on my checklist as a result of its HR options are restricted in comparison with suppliers like Gusto and OnPay.

QuickBooks Payroll execs and cons

Why I selected QuickBooks Payroll

QuickBooks On-line is among the world’s hottest accounting software program, so it’s extremely possible that you just additionally use the identical accounting system. And for those who join QuickBooks Payroll, you get a platform that’s simply as user-friendly and intuitive as QuickBooks On-line. Working with an interface you already perceive is useful, particularly for those who’re apprehensive about making frequent payroll errors as you get used to single-employee payroll processing.

Even for those who don’t use its accounting software program, QuickBooks Payroll presents automated pay runs and tax funds with quick direct deposit choices. Just like Sq., it has a web based group the place you possibly can ask different QuickBooks customers questions in regards to the platform or payroll processing.

4. Gusto: Greatest for ease of use

Our score: 3.88 out of 5

Gusto persistently ranks as one of many finest payroll software program for small firms due to its user-friendly interface. It helps one-employee companies navigate payroll complexities by automating most HR- and payroll-related duties. Pay runs solely take just a few clicks, and you may even set it to run routinely.

It presents fundamental to premium help that addresses complaints and questions promptly. With built-in advantages administration and Gusto as your dealer, you possibly can depend on its licensed advisors to seek out the correct well being advantages plan. Its Gusto Pockets app additionally offers monetary administration instruments that will help you construct wholesome spending habits by setting finances limits for purchases and payments, akin to meals and utilities.

Pricing

Gusto’s starter charge of $40 monthly plus $6 per worker monthly is probably not as low-cost as Roll by ADP or Deel’s US Payroll plan—priced at $39 plus $5 per worker monthly and $19 per worker monthly, respectively—but it surely makes up for it with the variety of options supplied. Even with its starter tier, you get Gusto-brokered well being advantages, full-service payroll with tax submitting companies, and fundamental HR instruments to make managing time without work insurance policies, vacation pay, and worker profiles simple for you. It has three plans:

• Easy: $40 monthly plus $6 monthly per worker.
• Plus: $80 monthly plus $12 monthly per worker.
• Premium: $180 monthly plus $22 monthly per worker.

Gusto even has state tax registration companies for those who need assistance setting this up for your small business. Nevertheless, pricing varies relying on the state, so for those who’re on this service, let Gusto’s gross sales workforce know to allow them to create a quote for you.

Whereas the above options contributed to Gusto’s 3.88 out of 5 rating, it didn’t outrank Sq. Payroll—the primary on my checklist—due to pricing. It additionally doesn’t have a cellular app that permits you to run payroll whereas on the go, a performance that Roll by ADP excels in.

Gusto execs and cons

Why I selected Gusto

Gusto is among the hottest payroll software program within the small- and midsize-business market. It doesn’t take a lot time to get used to and handles wage calculations and tax filings, making it a superb choice to run payroll for one worker. And for those who use third-party apps, like an accounting system, Gusto integrates with tons of of software program to make your life as a enterprise proprietor simpler. It additionally has a community of 401(ok) suppliers, permitting you to discover a low-cost retirement plan with deductions that sync simply with Gusto’s payroll platform.

5. Paychex Flex: Greatest for tax and enterprise companies

Our score: 3.65 out of 5

Paychex Flex is Paychex’s all-in-one payroll, HR, and advantages platform designed for various ranges of enterprise. With this software program, you possibly can run automated payroll from desktop or cellular gadgets with the choice to work with a devoted payroll specialist. It additionally comes with a number of fee choices, akin to direct deposits and same-day ACH funds. For a hands-off strategy to paying your self, its Paychex Voice Help function permits you to use voice prompts to deal with payroll critiques, approvals, submissions, and updates—a novel performance with Paychex.

Paychex even presents solopreneurs a single-employee payroll service with 24/7 help and entry to a solo 401(ok) plan. Along with managing your self-employment taxes, Paychex presents professional recommendation on lowering tax liabilities by way of deductible contributions and S Corp financial savings. For those who need assistance with incorporation and startup companies, Paychex’s partnership with MyCorporation permits it to assist safe state and federal tax IDs, company formations, and enterprise licenses. Gusto might have comparable companies, however Paychex’s is extra intensive.

Pricing

Paychex doesn’t publish its pricing info on its web site—it’s a must to name its gross sales workforce to request a quote. For its Paychex Flex product, it presents three plans:

• Choose: Customized pricing.
• Professional: Customized pricing.
• Enterprise: Customized pricing.

It scored 3.65 out of 5 in my analysis, primarily due to non-transparent pricing. A lot of its options are additionally included in greater tiers or price further. For instance, quick fee choices (akin to same-day ACH and real-time funds) are paid add-ons to Paychex Flex plans. Worker onboarding prices further with Paychex however is free with ADP, OnPay, and Gusto. You might also must pay further charges for those who join Paychex Flex with third-party accounting, HR, and hiring software program.

Paychex Flex execs and cons

Why I selected Paychex Flex

Paychex is the one supplier I reviewed that has a single-employee payroll service with incorporation companies and a retirement plan for solopreneurs. I’m impressed with its enterprise companies, which embody assist with company formations.

Like ADP and Gusto, Paychex Flex presents a number of on-line instruments to automate day-to-day payroll. I like how versatile it may be—you can begin pay runs from a desktop laptop and decide up the place you left off by way of its cellular app. Whereas it could not have Roll by ADP’s chat-based prompts, you need to use its Voice Help function to course of payroll for one worker. That is nice if you wish to do a number of duties, akin to working payroll whereas answering enterprise emails or going by way of your checklist of consumer product orders.

6. OnPay: Greatest for simple setup

Our score: 3.59 out of 5

With OnPay, you get a web based platform that may deal with pay runs for companies in all industries. This contains these with area of interest pay processing wants, akin to firms within the agriculture sector. It processes payroll in minutes and automates tax processes—from calculations to tax fee remittances and kind filings.

OnPay additionally has a workforce of pros who can deal with the payroll system setup and even create {custom} third-party software program integrations, akin to {custom} pay merchandise mapping to accounting instruments like Xero or QuickBooks. These companies are free for brand spanking new OnPay shoppers however might price further with some payroll suppliers. It even offers free information migration help, which helps you save time from manually inputting firm particulars and former pay info into the brand new system.

Pricing

For $6 per worker monthly plus a base charge of $40 monthly, you get all of OnPay’s HR and payroll options. Whereas it prices the identical as Gusto’s starter plan, OnPay offers higher worth for cash for those who’re solely on the lookout for a platform with full-service payroll and entry to advantages plans and fundamental HR instruments to handle onboarding, employees information, PTOs, and org charts.

In my analysis, it earned a 3.59 out of 5 rating. Whereas pricing is cheap and also you get environment friendly instruments, it lacks a cellular app and has restricted integration choices. For accounting, you possibly can solely join it with QuickBooks and Xero.

OnPay execs and cons

Why I selected OnPay

OnPay’s free consumer help covers extra companies than different payroll software program suppliers. This lets you concentrate on working your one-employee enterprise slightly than worrying about further duties, like establishing a brand new payroll system. You additionally get price financial savings with OnPay since you don’t must pay further for information migration or {custom} software program integrations.

Additional, for those who’re not sure whether or not your one-employee enterprise meets state compliance necessities, OnPay has a web based compliance checker instrument. Whereas it’s for accounting corporations and accountants providing payroll companies, you need to use it to establish state compliance gaps you need to tackle.

7. RUN Powered by ADP: Greatest for scalability

Our score: 3.58 out of 5

ADP is a payroll companies supplier that provides quite a lot of customizable and scalable payroll options for companies of all sizes. You can begin with its RUN Powered by ADP product—or ADP RUN—which comes with automated payroll options, tax submitting companies, and advantages plans. For those who determine to rent staff, this platform can deal with advanced payroll and HR processes like multi-state pay runs, state unemployment insurance coverage (SUI) administration, applicant monitoring, and background checks. It even contains paycheck signing and supply companies in case employees favor to obtain their wages by way of paper checks.

For those who outgrow this product and wish enhanced HR and payroll options, the supplier’s ADP Workforce Now product is good for midsized to giant firms. And for those who’d slightly not deal with payroll, you possibly can select ADP’s PEO service, ADP TotalSource.

Pricing

ADP doesn’t checklist pricing for many of its payroll options on-line. Nevertheless, it does checklist pricing for its Roll by ADP cellular payroll instrument, which begins at $39 a month plus $5 per worker monthly.

Most ADP merchandise have a number of plans. ADP RUN, as an example, has 4 custom-priced tiers:

• Important: Contains full-service payroll with tax submitting companies, direct deposit funds, paycheck supply to your workplace (for those who favor it), payroll studies, worker reductions, and entry to a Google Advertisements instrument for working campaigns
• Enhanced: Important + job costing and paycheck signing companies with safe checks
• Full: Enhanced + wage benchmark and entry to HR kinds and paperwork
• HR Professional: Full + internet optimization instruments, advertising and marketing recommendation from Upnetic advisors, and authorized help from Upnetic authorized companies

The Important plan is good for fundamental payroll processing. For those who join its greater tiers, you get further HR functionalities and payroll companies, akin to paycheck signing and SUI administration. Nevertheless, it solely scored 3.58 out of 5 in my analysis as a result of, just like Paychex, pricing isn’t clear. You’ll want to contact the ADP gross sales workforce to get the worth for every ADP RUN plan.

RUN Powered by ADP execs and cons

Why I selected RUN Powered by ADP

ADP presents a variety of payroll software program services and products for companies of all sizes. Its payroll plans and on-line instruments can scale along with your firm. You possibly can join ADP RUN to course of payroll for one worker every now and then transfer on to different ADP merchandise for those who want extra superior HR instruments to deal with a bigger workforce sooner or later. And because you’re coping with just one payroll supplier, migrating payroll and worker information between ADP merchandise is less complicated in comparison with switching to a web based system supplied by one other supplier.

Whatever the product chosen, ADP helps you keep compliant with IRS and different rules whereas guaranteeing correct and well timed worker payouts.

8. Patriot Payroll: Greatest for versatile pay runs

Our score: 3.49 out of 5

Patriot Payroll is a web based pay processing software program with automated payroll and tax calculations. It has versatile payroll choices that assist you to select a full-service bundle with tax submitting companies or fundamental pay runs the place you deal with all tax filings. I like to recommend getting the primary possibility, particularly for those who’re new to working a one-employee payroll and not sure which tax kinds to file. Nevertheless, for those who’re adept at dealing with self-employment taxes and like to file tax kinds your self, Patriot’s fundamental payroll bundle could also be best for you. In case you alter your thoughts, you possibly can simply improve to its full-service payroll plan to automate tax fee and submitting processes.

Pricing

With Patriot Payroll, you get two plans:

• Primary payroll: $17 monthly plus $4 per worker monthly.
• Full-service payroll: $37 monthly plus $5 per worker monthly.

I gave Patriot Payroll a 3.49 out of 5 for its fairly priced plans and pay processing options. I like that it has an accounting system that connects with its payroll module, making information transfers between the 2 merchandise simple. Just like QuickBooks, you may get it as an add-on resolution however at barely cheaper charges. Month-to-month prices for Patriot Payroll with the accounting module begin at $47 plus $5 per worker, whereas QuickBooks costs month-to-month starter charges of $85 plus $6 per worker for its payroll and accounting bundles.

Nevertheless, for those who want extra invoicing functionalities, QuickBooks presents {custom} invoices and reminder instruments with its starter accounting bundle. Its payroll platform additionally presents next- and same-day direct deposits. Patriot’s customary direct deposit timeline is 4 days. It has a two-day possibility, however just for certified shoppers.

Patriot Payroll execs and cons

Why I selected Patriot Payroll

As a self-service payroll plan, Patriot’s fundamental bundle may also help you lower your expenses, particularly in case you have a restricted finances. Nevertheless, I solely advocate this for solopreneurs with expertise remitting and submitting taxes themselves.

Even for those who join its full-service plan, Patriot Payroll presents a cheaper possibility than Gusto and OnPay. Nevertheless, it isn’t as inexpensive as Deel’s US payroll product—offered you solely must pay one employee. Whereas it could not have the HR functionalities these programs provide, Patriot Payroll has all of the important instruments to compliantly and precisely handle one-employee pay runs.

9. Roll by ADP: Greatest for cellular payroll

Our score: 3.47 out of 5

Roll by ADP is ADP’s chat-based cellular app designed for microbusinesses, together with one-employee firms. It makes use of generative synthetic intelligence (AI) instruments that will help you run and optimize worker fee processes. Not like the ADP RUN app, it solely runs on cellular gadgets and doesn’t embody HR instruments and advantages plans, however it will probably deal with taxes and kind filings, deductions, and garnishments with ease.

Whereas you want to modify to typing chat instructions for Roll by ADP to make payroll changes, replace data, and begin a pay run, the educational curve isn’t steep for those who’re tech savvy. This cellular app additionally guides you thru the relevant steps, though Roll by ADP’s help workforce can be out there to speak 24/7 in case you have questions on its options.

Pricing

Roll by ADP is the one ADP product that provides clear pricing. For a base month-to-month charge of $39 plus $5 per worker monthly, you get full-service payroll with tax submitting companies. That is cheaper than Gusto, OnPay, and QuickBooks Payroll—all of which lack downloadable cellular apps that may run payroll when you’re on the go.

Its cellular pay processing options might have contributed to its general rating of 3.47 out of 5, but it surely wasn’t sufficient to rank greater on my checklist due to its restricted companies. You received’t get suggestions for a solo 401(ok) plan and enterprise incorporation help as you’ll with Paychex. It additionally solely integrates with QuickBooks—so for those who’re utilizing a unique accounting system, take into account different payroll software program suppliers like Gusto, ADP, or Sq. Payroll.

Roll by ADP execs and cons

Why I selected Roll by ADP

Processing one-employee payroll with Roll by ADP is straightforward. You solely must kind “Run payroll” or an analogous chat command (e.g., “Begin payroll”), and it’ll deal with all wage/tax calculations and deductions. It additionally walks you thru the method and sends real-time pay error alerts.

What impressed me most is its AI instruments, which be taught out of your chat instructions. For instance, you don’t want to inform Roll by ADP to create and comply with a payroll schedule. It seems at whenever you sometimes ask it to run payroll, enabling it to line up your subsequent worker fee duties and ship reminders about it. The opposite payroll programs on my checklist don’t have this function.

10. Deel: Greatest for affordability

Our score: 3.47 out of 5

Deel presents a variety of world and US payroll instruments, together with a US PEO possibility and an employer of file (EOR) service for hiring and paying world employees. On your one-employee enterprise, Deel has a US payroll possibility with month-to-month charges that begin at $19 per worker. This plan contains automated tax and wage calculations, tax filings in any respect ranges (federal, state, and native), on-demand payroll compliance help, and registration help in 50 states. It additionally assigns a devoted customer support supervisor who can reply your Deel-related questions.

It additionally presents varied assist articles, payroll guides, and a library of templates and HR sources with tricks to make managing a worldwide workforce simple for you. For those who want a fast information to utilizing its key US payroll options, it has a web based demo you possibly can entry.

Pricing

Month-to-month charges for Deel’s US payroll product begin at $19 per worker. That is the most affordable plan on my checklist—offered you solely use it to pay one worker. Nevertheless, for those who determine to develop right into a multi-employee enterprise, Deel’s US payroll bundle is pricier than the opposite pay processing software program on my checklist. For instance, in case you have 10 employees, Deel will cost you $190 monthly, whereas Roll by ADP and Gusto solely price $89 and $100 monthly, respectively.

Along with its US payroll product, Deel presents a US PEO service and world instruments for hiring and paying worldwide employees.

• Deel US PEO: Begins at $89 per worker monthly.
• Deel Payroll: Begins at $29 per worker monthly; contains world payroll-only instruments.
• Deel Contractor: Begins at $49 monthly; contains contractor funds in additional than 150 nations.
• Deel EOR: Begins at $599 monthly; contains worldwide payroll and hiring instruments.

Deel scored solely 3.47 out of 5 in my analysis as a result of whereas it presents an inexpensive US payroll product, it lacks the automated pay runs and quick fee choices offered by some suppliers on my checklist. It additionally solely presents chat and e mail help to its shoppers.

Deel execs and cons

Why I selected Deel

Whereas Deel tops our checklist of the finest EOR companies, its US payroll product can be a superb possibility for paying just one worker. It presents the automated payroll calculations and tax submitting companies that Gusto, OnPay, and QuickBooks Payroll present of their subscription plans, however at a lesser month-to-month charge. This allows you to save on payroll software program prices and use what you saved for product enhancements or promoting applications to advertise your small business.

Like ADP and Justworks, Deel has a PEO possibility for those who don’t wish to deal with payroll. If your small business plans embody increasing to nations outdoors the US, Deel’s EOR companies may also help handle your worldwide payroll and hiring wants.