QuickBooks Payroll
Compare QuickBooks Payroll with Gusto, TriNet Zenefits, and Fingercheck. See a detailed review, pricing, key information, and FAQs.
Updated on August 3rd, 2023
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QuickBooks, in addition to providing accounting software, also offers payroll services to businesses of all sizes. QuickBooks Payroll offers plans to suit different business needs and is available as a standalone solution or as an add-on product for existing QuickBooks customers.
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At-a-Glance:
Feature | QuickBooks Payroll |
|---|---|
Number of pay runs | Unlimited. |
Automated tax payments and filings | ✓ |
Manage garnishments and deductions | ✓ |
Same-day direct deposit | Available on the Premium and Elite plans. |
Workers’ compensation administration | Included on the Premium and Elite plans. |
Employee portal | ✓ |
Payroll reports | ✓ |
Review:
QuickBooks offers a fast and efficient way to run payroll and a convenient solution for businesses that already use QuickBooks for other accounting tasks. Most users report that QuickBooks is easy to manage, even without a financial background. The software is feature-rich, allows for unlimited payroll runs, and is available in all 50 states.
All QuickBooks Payroll plans include full-service payroll with automated tax calculations and filings, a workforce portal from where employees can access pay stubs and W-2s, and payroll reporting features. The Elite plan also includes 24/7 expert product support, tax penalty protection, and a personal HR advisor.
Pros:
- The platform offers 30-day free trial.
- All plans include unlimited payroll runs, automated taxes, a workforce portal, and payroll reports.
- QuickBooks Payroll is available in all 50 states.
- The software allows businesses to easily manage and administer health benefits and deductions.
- QuickBooks Payroll integrates with other QuickBooks solutions and is available as an add-on for QuickBooks Desktop.
- The Elite plan includes tax penalty protection and automatic deductions.
- Other services include compliance management, payroll on autopilot, reimbursements, garnishments, and contractor payments.
Cons:
- QuickBooks Payroll does not offer lifetime accounts or federal R&D tax credits.
- The Core package does not include time tracking.
- The software can be costly for larger teams.
Reputation:
QuickBooks has a strong reputation overall as most users find it easy to use, efficient, and affordable. However, we found some complaints from customers on G2, where the software has a 3.8-star rating based on more than 60 reviews.
Some users felt the software could be easier to use, while others were satisfied with the platform's user-friendliness. While many users also noted its robust feature profile, some considered the software to be costly.
Pricing:
Plan | Monthly Pricing* |
|---|---|
Core | $45.00 (base price) +$5.00 /employee. |
Premium | $80.00 (base price) +$8.00 /employee. |
Elite | $125.00 (base price) +$10.00 /employee. |
*QuickBooks frequently offers discounted rates for the first three months of service. Be sure to check their website for updates on these.
QuickBooks Payroll vs. Gusto:
Gusto starts at $40.00 per month plus $6.00 per employee per month, with the exception of the Contractor plan, which has no monthly base fee. By contrast, QuickBooks Payroll starts at $45.00 per month plus $5.00 per employee per month. Both offer full-service payroll and health benefits administration with its starting plans.
Comparison Between QuickBooks Payroll and Gusto:
Feature | QuickBooks Payroll | Gusto |
|---|---|---|
Free trial | 30 days. | 30 days. |
Payroll only | $45.00 /mo. +$5.00 /employee /mo. | $40.00 /mo. +$6.00 /employee /mo. |
Payroll and HR | From $80.00 /mo. +$8.00 /employee /mo. | From $80.00 /mo. +$12.00 /employee /mo. |
QuickBooks Payroll vs. TriNet Zenefits:
TriNet Zenefits offers payroll as an add-on to the HR platform. Prices start at $8.00 or $10.00 per employee per month plus $6.00 per employee per month, depending on the billing frequency. QuickBooks, by contrast, offers a standalone payroll solution from $45.00 per month plus $5.00 per employee per month. Both target small and medium businesses.
Comparison Between QuickBooks Payroll and TriNet Zenefits:
Feature | QuickBooks Payroll | TriNet Zenefits |
|---|---|---|
Free trial | 30 days. | 14 days. |
Payroll only | $45.00 /mo. +$5.00 /employee /mo. | $6.00 /employee /mo. (only available as an add-on). |
Payroll and HR | From $80.00 /mo. +$8.00 /employee /mo. | From $14.00 /mo. billed annually or $16.00 /employee month-to-month. |
QuickBooks Payroll vs. Fingercheck:
Fingercheck offers good value with a starting price of $39.00 per month plus $8.00 per employee per month for payroll software with time tracking, HR management, and onboarding features. QuickBooks Payroll also offers time tracking and an HR features in its Premium plan, but users pay more at $80.00 per month plus $8.00 per employee per month.
Comparison Between QuickBooks Payroll and Fingercheck:
Feature | QuickBooks Payroll | Fingercheck |
|---|---|---|
Free trial | 30 days. | 30 days. |
Payroll only | $45.00 /mo. +$5.00 /employee /mo. | Not available as a standalone product. |
Payroll and HR | From $80.00 /mo. +$8.00 /employee /mo. | From $39.00 /mo. +$8.00 /employee /mo. |
QuickBooks Payroll Packages:
Core.
The Core plan is a simple payroll solution that works in all 50 states and allows employers to automate their payroll cycles. Users can generate payroll reports and employees can access the workforce portal to see their pay stubs and tax information.
Users can also set up garnishments and deductions so that they are automatically applied to each paycheck. One significant disadvantage of the Core package is that it does not provide time-tracking tools so that workers can track their hours and have them synced to each payroll run.
Premium.
With the QuickBooks Payroll Premium package, additional features like time tracking, same-day direct deposit, and a complete HR support center are available. The service is significantly costlier than the Core plan. However, the HR support center offers good value as it aids with hiring, employee performance, and compliance with labor laws.
Elite.
The Elite package is the most premium of QuickBooks' payroll offerings. A bonus with the Elite plan is that businesses get tax penalty protection. This means that QuickBooks will cover users' IRS penalties up to $25,000 per year, if necessary. The package also gives users access to their Tax Resolution team, which can assist with tax filing issues.
Key Information:
Legal Name | Intuit Inc. |
Founder | |
Founding Date | Jan 01, 1983 |
Address | 2700 Coast Ave., Mountain View, CA 94043 |
Number of Employees | 200 |
Number of Customers | 2000000 |
Telephone | |
Website |
FAQs:
What is QuickBooks Payroll?
QuickBooks Payroll is a software solution that businesses of all sizes can use to manage their payroll processes. It is available as a standalone solution or as an add-on for QuickBooks Desktop.
How much does it cost to use QuickBooks Payroll?
At the lower end of the spectrum, QuickBooks Payroll's pricing starts at $45.00 per month plus $5.00 per employee per month. Their Elite plan costs $125.00 per month plus $10.00 per employee per month.
How many employees can be paid through QuickBooks Payroll?
QuickBooks Payroll allows users to pay as many employees as they want. Depending on your chosen plan, users will be required to pay a monthly fee of between $5.00 and $10.00 for each employee. Note that users' monthly base fee will remain unchanged.
Can I print checks from QuickBooks?
Yes, QuickBooks has a check printing feature, and they sell customized QuickBooks checks so that you can use the software to create checks without running into a printing error. Just go to the platform's website to place an order.
Can you use QuickBooks Payroll without a subscription?
Yes, you can use QuickBooks Payroll without a subscription by using the desktop program.
Do I need to update QuickBooks Payroll every year?
No, QuickBooks Payroll only needs to be updated every three years.
Is there a QuickBooks Payroll support line?
If you need QuickBooks' assistance, specifically with payroll, visit their online help center. Depending on the product, you may also be able to navigate to the "Help" section of your account to speak with a representative or request a call.