Overview

QuickBooks Payroll is a cloud-based platform for payroll services developed by Intuit. This can be used on its own or integrated with QuickBooks Online. QuickBooks Payroll offers a decent range of features as a stand-alone payroll processing software for companies with less than 150 employees. You will find all the typical features in a payroll service such as unlimited payroll runs, benefits administration, and automatic tax calculations and filing. But if you’re looking for tools beyond these aforementioned, you’ll find a few key features missing from this service.

 

Products and Services

For a small business, QuickBooks Payroll is a great app, optimized for use by companies with 50 employees. If your business is currently using QuickBooks Online to manage your accounting, it will be easy to integrate these two services. This allows you to manage your payroll and accounting in one platform.

Business owners do not have to worry about calculating payroll month after month since Quickbooks will automatically do it for them. Simply enter the required employee information in the platform, determine the day you want to run the payroll, and set up the payment rules. The app can also manage independent contractor payroll.

QuickBooks Payroll offers three service tiers to customers – Simple Start, Essentials, and Plus. All plans offer the following payroll features:

• Unlimited payroll runs

• Automatic payroll

• Payroll reports

• Health benefits

• Garnishment and deduction tools

• Automated federal and state tax and forms

• Next-day direct deposit

• Workforce portal

• Expert product support

The Payroll Core + Simple Start plan comes with all the Payroll Core features plus:

• Income and expense tracking

• Miles tracking

• Receipt capture

• Cash flow management

• Sales and tax tracking

• 1099 contractor management

• General report

• Connecting one sales channel to the account

The Payroll Core + Plus plan comes with all the features in the Simple Start tier along with the following:

• Time tracking

• Inventory tracking

• Project profitability tracking

• Bills management and payment

QuickBooks Payroll also provides live guidance to users, which makes it a great tool for business owners that need to quickly get their payroll needs sorted. There is an extensive resource collection for new users and 24/7 chat support.

Intuit also has a collection of other products and services that can be integrated seamlessly with QuickBooks Payroll, creating a network of tools to run your business. If budget is a concern, however, it will be better to look for cheaper options that offer the same features.

Features

QuickBooks Payroll is designed with a clean and intuitive interface, making it easy for users to navigate and get started quickly. When logging in to your QuickBooks Payroll account for the first time, the setup process is straightforward and requires minimal details to get up and running. the clean and intuitive interface contributes to a user-friendly experience that allows users to efficiently begin managing their payroll processes.

Here are some of the futures employers can access once they set up an account.

Onboarding

The premium tier of QuickBooks Payroll now includes a professional review service. Additionally, QuickBooks Online plans have recently introduced live support. You can receive one-time live setup support during the initial 30 days if you do not subscribe to the free trial. An experienced QuickBooks specialist will assist you throughout the entire setup process, which includes tasks like linking bank accounts and credit cards, configuring automation, and providing guidance on best practices. Moreover, there is round-the-clock chat support available in case you encounter any difficulties during subsequent steps.

Tax Filing

With QuickBooks Payroll, you can effortlessly streamline your payroll operations. It takes care of calculating, filing, and processing payments for both federal and state payrolls. Furthermore, year-end filings are automated saving you valuable time and effort. The software generates all the necessary tax forms for both regular employees and contractors automatically.

If you require tax filing for additional states, QuickBooks Payroll is accessible in all 50 states, providing comprehensive payroll solutions. There is a charge of $12 per state. Meanwhile, the QuickBooks Payroll Elite plan includes the advantage of free multi-tax state and federal tax filing.

Compliance

With QuickBooks Payroll, you gain access to a wide range of features. This includes the ability to track employee time, ensuring accurate payroll processing. The software simplifies the process of filling out and submitting forms and also facilitates timely filing and payment of taxes, to help you avoid penalties.

Benefits Administration

Through its integration with AP Intego, QuickBooks Payroll facilitates the management of workers’ compensation. QuickBooks Payroll also works with SimplyInsured to provide employees affordable and comprehensive health benefit options. This includes medical, dental, and vision insurance packages that are tailored to meet the needs of your workforce.

Analytics

Efficiency is a key feature of QuickBooks Payroll reporting. By marking reports as favorites, you can easily access them with just a single click the next time you need them. You can add or remove columns according to your preferences before running the reports to focus on the relevant data. Furthermore, you can export these reports to Microsoft Excel or print them out for physical record keeping.

Workforce Portal

The Workforce Portal is an employee self-service platform that empowers employees by granting them access to view important information and perform various tasks. Employees can conveniently access and view their paychecks and W-2 forms, apply for leave, enter their time sheets, and record their hours directly through the portal. Employers have control over whether to grant employees access to the Workforce Portal.

Pricing

When you sign up for QuickBooks Payroll, you have the opportunity to take advantage of a 30-day free trial, allowing you to explore and experience the features and benefits of the service before making a commitment. Once you have decided to invest in QuickBooks Payroll, there are three subscription levels available to choose from. The first option is QuickBooks Payroll Core, which is the most affordable version. It is priced at $45 per month, with an additional charge of $5 per employee per month.

The Payroll Core + Simple Start plan is priced at $75 per month while the Payroll Core + Plus costs $160 a month. You can choose between the 30-day free trial or a 50% discount on your first three months.

Customer Support

QuickBooks offers an extensive range of resources and support through its Learn and Support portal. This platform provides a wealth of valuable materials to assist users in navigating the software effectively. Additionally, QuickBooks offers support through chat and phone. Support channels are available from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday.

Conclusion

If you are already utilizing Intuit products, specifically QuickBooks Online for your accounting needs, integrating QuickBooks Payroll can provide a seamless experience. However, if you are not currently using QuickBooks and are open to exploring other options or if your team is comprised of more than 150 members, it is worth considering other top payroll applications available in the market.