QuickBooks Payroll supports independent contractor payroll and keeps track of when, what and how much for each contractor payment. It automatically imports necessary data and prepares 1099s that you just need to download and email to the contractors. Please note that this is available as a separate QuickBooks feature. For a more detailed analysis of the user sentiment around each product, read our individual reviews of Zoho Books and QuickBooks Online. We don’t incorporate user reviews in our star ratings, because we can’t verify every user’s individual experience. However, small-business owners’ perspectives are still worth taking into account to get a more complete overview.

Next-day or same-day direct deposit

Like many other payroll vendors we reviewed, QuickBooks Payroll manages your year-end tax form responsibilities. If you use automatic payroll processing services, QuickBooks will prepare and file your W-2 forms with the IRS. You can print them, or employees can view them in the workforce portal. You can also create and e-file unlimited 1099-MISC and 1099-NEC forms and have copies sent electronically to contractors.

Is QuickBooks Payroll SOC 2 compliant?

Although Intuit (QuickBooks’ parent company) has a A- rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), customers have logged more than 3,100 complaints. Most users complain of slow, unhelpful phone support—a huge frustration when a software problem keeps you from paying employees on time. This feature allows you to schedule the system to run payroll without any additional manual work. If you need to make changes, you can review the latest payroll before it’s processed. We evaluate uncommon, standout features that go above and beyond the core functionality defined and typically found in payroll software. A high score reflects specialized or unique features that make the product faster, more efficient, or offer additional value to the user.

Time tracking solution
for any business specifics

Business owners are always on the lookout for better, more efficient ways to do things. When it comes to accounting, payroll and all of those other daily admin tasks, a solution like the high-profile QuickBooks makes a lot of sense. However, it’s now possible to supplement this with Intuit Online Payroll. The two can work in unison to make one of the best payroll software options currently on the market. The combination allows you to do a little bit of everything, which is exactly what business owners are looking for in these challenging times. Any business owner who wants to streamline accounting and payroll tasks will find the mating of Quickbooks and its Payroll counterpart an ideal pairing.

• Employees can also track their time on higher subscription tiers.
• We also look for the presence of client and employee portals, benefits administration, PTO and time management tools, and many more vital features.
• Has customizable invoicing features, advanced inventory control in higher tier plans and a capable mobile app.
• As a business, we need to generate revenue to sustain our content.
• Both QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Payroll are owned and distributed by the same company, Intuit, which also owns TurboTax.

QuickBooks’ Tax Penalty Protection is a stand-out feature in its Elite plan. For tax notices not in collections, it will deal directly with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and cover up to $25,000 per year in penalties, regardless of who’s at fault. However, you must submit IRS notices to QuickBooks within 15 days of receiving them, and it must have reviewed your payroll setup before the incident.

• Has millions of users, so your accountant will likely be familiar with it.
• QuickBooks Payroll protects against tax penalties by automating tax calculations and filings.
• The best choice for you depends on your budget, business complexity and how you plan to work with an accountant.
• If you sign up for the Elite plan, you can choose a callback option to limit the time spent waiting on the phone.
• Its collection of getting started videos guides you through all initial steps from adding an employee to updating tax info.

If you work with accountants, it’s highly likely they will be familiar and comfortable with Quickbooks, too. Because of its smooth integration with QuickBooks, QuickBooks Time is a perfect payroll solution for small businesses. Intuit also has a healthy community vibe going on, which is great for networking with likeminded business people who can often supply answers to any kind of question.

It has modules for comprehensive payroll processing, compliance management, and direct integration with QuickBooks for businesses of all sizes. $8/user/month plus $20 base fee on the Premium plan, which includes all time tracking features and QuickBooks integration. Sierra Campbell is the lead small business editor for USA TODAY Blueprint.

QuickBooks Online Payroll Elite + Plus

QuickBooks Online Payroll has month-to-month contracts and no early termination fees. Payments are monthly, and you can cancel your subscription at any time. QuickBooks Payroll also requires a higher subscription tier for payroll setup services, unlike some other options. Its Elite plan will assign an expert to get it done, as long as you give them quickbooks online payroll reviews the required documents beforehand. And if you want reassurance that everything has been set up correctly, the middle-tier Premium plan comes with an expert review to catch any mistakes you might have made in the setup process. After getting set up, you can automatically run payroll for your employees.

Users also appreciate that it integrates so easily with all QuickBooks software, making it worth the money. For businesses on the Elite plan, QuickBooks will reimburse your company up to $25,000 if you receive any fines or interest charges due to inaccurate tax filings. Users should note that they’ll need to send a copy of their payroll tax notice to Intuit within 15 days of the date printed on their first notice in order to be eligible for the reimbursement. See our OnPay payroll software review to learn more about a vendor that provides a tax guarantee for all its clients. Many businesses already use QuickBooks for accounting; it’s widely recognized as one of the best business accounting software solutions available. If you’re already in the QuickBooks ecosystem, QuickBooks Payroll may be an excellent choice for your payroll needs.

Then, select individuals to send QuickBooks Workforce invites via email. Alternatively, you can add employees and invite them to enter their information during onboarding. Each time you run payroll, employees receive an email letting them know their pay stubs are available to view, print or download. We research, evaluate, and test each payroll software app that we review at Merchant Maverick, placing special emphasis on key characteristics to generate granular ratings. Intuit promises that running payroll is as easy as clicking a button. Once your employees are enrolled, their hours and pay scales set, and your pay dates set, running payroll is simple.

But Gusto includes more varied perks, such as health savings accounts and life insurance options. And competitors like ADP, Paychex, and UZIO have better payroll-plus-HR packages with more comprehensive HR solutions than QuickBooks. QuickBooks Payroll is the company’s well-regarded payroll service, boasting comprehensive payroll and HR features. Notably, QuickBooks Payroll offers free direct deposit options, a feature that sets it apart from the competition. Small businesses that are seeking a streamlined solution for complex payroll tasks will appreciate QuickBooks Payroll’s capabilities. Although the features vary by plan, all tax and payroll processing services integrate seamlessly with Intuit’s accounting software.

The Elite plan goes a step further and covers up to $25,000 per year in payroll tax penalties resulting from mistakes an employer might have made. In other words, you’re covered even if QuickBooks isn’t responsible for the error. We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. But if you are not already in the QuickBooks ecosystem, you can consider other best payroll apps available in the market before making a final choice. If you have budget constraints, you can also look at the free payroll apps available.

The other details required for running payroll, such as date of joining, hourly rates, paid time off, etc., can be added later. If you are a QuickBooks Payroll Elite user, you are eligible for tax penalty protection. If you receive a tax notice and send it to QuickBooks within 15 days of the tax notice, QuickBooks covers up to $25,000 of the payroll tax penalty.

As cloud-based software, QuickBooks Online Payroll operates with nearly all internet browsers so long as you have internet access. QuickBooks Payroll comes with free mobile apps for Android, iOS and iPad platforms. Bi-weekly pay is a payment schedule where employees are paid every two weeks. Learn how to calculate bi-weekly pay correctly with our helpful guide. With the integration, you can compare the amount of time spent by teams with the income generated from each client. When TMetric is integrated with QuickBooks, both clients and employees have their hours accurately turned into their billing and salary records.

With QuickBooks Payroll, there’s nothing to sync or troubleshoot when the programs suddenly stop connecting. It simply works, and that’s why QuickBooks Payroll tops our list for businesses that prioritize accounting integration. Business.com aims to help business owners make informed decisions to support and grow their companies.

Additionally, over 15 Intuit product offerings seamlessly integrate with the payroll solution. Its user-friendly interface allows businesses to manage payroll processes efficiently. Features like automatic tax calculations and direct deposits simplify payroll management for users. By focusing on core functionality, standout features, usability, onboarding, customer support, value, and customer reviews, we aim to identify payroll software that exceeds expectations. For the cost and wealth of features, Intuit is well-optimized for mid-sized businesses looking for a full-service payroll solution. As QuickBooks Desktop payroll service does not have a user cap, it’s a better option for companies that plan to grow beyond 150 employees.