CheckMark Payroll
Compare CheckMark Payroll to RUN Powered by ADP, Gusto, and TriNet Zenefits. Includes a detailed review of CheckMark Payroll, pricing information, and FAQs.
Updated on July 18th, 2022
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Updates:
Updated 16th of February 2022
We updated mentions of Zenefits to TriNet Zenefits.
Updated 10th of November 2021
We updated the review format and added comparisons to RUN Powered by ADP, Gusto, and Zenefits.
CheckMark Payroll is a complete solution for small to medium-sized businesses, accountants, and professional payroll services. It enables unlimited payroll processing, direct deposits, and other stand-alone payroll functions.
Also Consider
Gusto Payroll Software
Set up an account free.
Try GustoNo extra fees.
Made for mobile.
Auto tax filing and digital paystubs.
Pricing:
Plan | Pricing |
---|---|
CheckMark Payroll Pro | $449.00 /license.* |
CheckMark Payroll Pro+ | $519.00 /license.* |
Add-on: Cloud Backup - 1 Month | $6.00 |
Add-on: Cloud Backup - 12 Months | $59.00 |
*The software can be downloaded after the purchase at no additional cost. Updates are available via the Product Details page. CDs with the software and updates can be purchased at an additional cost.
Review:
CheckMark Payroll software includes a variety of helpful payroll features, including compliance management, multistate payroll calculations, and multiple pay rates. However, features that payroll administrators would expect to have, like automatic payments and an employee self-service portal, are not available.
Pros:
- Users can choose to download the software or purchase CDs with the software and updates.
- There is a 60-day free trial.
- CheckMark Payroll allows for unlimited pay runs and an unlimited number of companies and employees can be added.
- Unlike Payroll Mate, CheckMark Payroll software is also compatible with Mac.
- Users can set up multiple incomes and deductions, define different tax expense accounts, and run off-cycle payrolls.
Cons:
- CheckMark Payroll does not include employee self-service features or automatic payments.
- Both software packages include only a limited number of minutes for customer support within 12 months.
Reputation:
CheckMark, Inc. is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau but has an A+ rating on the platform. On G2, CheckMark Payroll has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, based on four reviews. Users described the software as user-friendly and lauded the customer service.
At-a-Glance:
Feature | CheckMark Payroll |
---|---|
Free plan | 60-day free trial. |
Unlimited payrolls | ✓ |
Automatic payments | x |
Contractor payments | ✓ |
Automated tax calculations | ✓ |
Off-cycle pay runs | ✓ |
Employee self-service portal | x |
Built-in timesheets | x |
Direct deposits | ✓ |
Mobile access | x |

CheckMark Payroll vs. RUN Powered by ADP:
Unlike CheckMark Payroll, RUN Powered by ADP automatically calculates and files payroll taxes and features an employee self-service portal. CheckMark Payroll, on the other hand, allows for off-cycle pay runs, which is something RUN Powered by ADP doesn't include. Overall, RUN Powered by ADP offers more intuitive features.
CheckMark Payroll vs. RUN Powered by ADP Comparison:
Feature | CheckMark Payroll | RUN Powered by ADP |
---|---|---|
Starting price | $449.00 /license. | Contact for quote. |
Off-cycle payroll | ✓ | x |
Employee self-service portal | x | ✓ |
Direct deposits | ✓ | ✓ |
Mobile access | x | ✓ |

CheckMark Payroll vs. Gusto:
While CheckMark Payroll may be more affordable in the long run and depending on company size, Gusto offers a better and broader feature profile with conveniences such as mobile access, an employee self-service portal, and payroll on autopilot. Both platforms are easy to use.
CheckMark Payroll vs. Gusto Comparison:
Feature | CheckMark Payroll | Gusto |
---|---|---|
Starting price | $449.00 /license. | $40.00 /mo. + $6.00 /employee /mo. |
Off-cycle payroll | ✓ | ✓ |
Employee self-service portal | x | ✓ |
Direct deposits | ✓ | ✓ |
Mobile access | x | ✓ |

CheckMark Payroll vs. TriNet Zenefits:
Unlike CheckMark Payroll, TriNet Zenefits is not a stand-alone payroll solution but an HR solution that offers payroll as an add-on. While CheckMark Payroll requires users to purchase a software license, TriNet Zenefits charges a base fee and a fee per employee per month. CheckMark Payroll may be more affordable long-term but offers fewer features.
CheckMark Payroll vs. TriNet Zenefits Comparison:
Feature | CheckMark Payroll | TriNet Zenefits |
---|---|---|
Starting Price | $449.00 /license. | $10.00 + $6.00 /employee /mo. |
Off-cycle payroll | ✓ | ✓ |
Employee self-service portal | x | ✓ |
Direct deposits | ✓ | ✓ |
Mobile access | x | ✓ |
Key Information:
Legal Name | CheckMark, Inc. |
Founder | Jim Mathre |
Founding Date | Jan 01, 1984 |
Address | 323 W Drake Rd., Ste. 100, Fort Collins, CO 80526 |
Number of Employees | 60 |
Number of Customers | 12000 |
Telephone | |
Website |
FAQs:
What is CheckMark Payroll?
CheckMark Payroll is a desktop-based payroll software solution for medium-sized businesses.
How much does CheckMark Payroll cost?
CheckMark Payroll's pricing starts at $449.00 per software license.
What tax tables does CheckMark Payroll include?
CheckMark Payroll allows you to access up-to-date tax tables for federal and state taxes in addition to tax rate changes for the year. If you purchase CheckMark Payroll during the last three months of the year, you will receive the following year's update and tax tables for free.
Is CheckMark Payroll compatible with iOS and Windows?
Yes, CheckMark is compatible with Mac and Windows.