This is a sponsored resources page with affiliate links, kept separate from our factual company directory. We may earn a commission if you sign up through a link. See our disclosure. This is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice.
Payroll services for US small businesses
Payroll software calculates wages, withholds and files payroll taxes, and pays employees and contractors. Once you have a single employee, payroll compliance becomes a recurring obligation.
What to look for
- Automatic federal, state, and local tax filing
- Direct deposit timing
- Contractor (1099) support
- Benefits and workers-comp integration
- Clear per-employee pricing
Compare providers
Provider comparison is being finalized. This slot is wired for vetted, FTC-disclosed affiliate partners and will list them once each program is verified live.
Common questions
When do I need payroll software?
As soon as you pay a W-2 employee. It handles tax withholding and filings that are error-prone to do by hand.