Running payroll can be an incredibly tedious task for small business owners. We can all agree that manually calculating taxes, printing checks, and keeping compliant records takes valuable time away from growing your business.
Luckily, Gusto offers an intuitive payroll solution built specifically to simplify payroll for small businesses. With features like direct deposit, time tracking integration, and paperless payroll, Gusto promises to reduce the payroll burden for small business owners.
In this review, we'll take a deep dive into Gusto's payroll features, examine pricing plans, compare Gusto against top competitors like QuickBooks, and walk through the process of setting up and running payroll from start to finish using Gusto. By the end, you'll understand if Gusto is the right payroll software to simplify payroll tasks for your small business.
Introduction to Gusto Payroll
Gusto payroll software aims to simplify payroll and HR for small businesses. With its user-friendly interface and wide range of features, Gusto strives to make running payroll easy and efficient.
Some of the key things to know about Gusto include:
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All-in-one platform: Gusto combines payroll, benefits, time tracking, and HR tools in one integrated system. This eliminates the need for multiple platforms.
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Ideal for small businesses: Gusto focuses specifically on the needs of small businesses with 1-100 employees. The platform is designed to scale with companies as they grow.
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Easy to set up and use: Getting started with Gusto takes just minutes. The platform uses clear workflows to guide users through tasks like adding employees, managing timesheets, and running payroll.
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Multiple pricing tiers: Gusto offers three monthly pricing plans - Basic, Core, and Complete - starting at $39 per month base fee. Additional per employee fees apply.
In summary, Gusto aims to provide an all-in-one payroll and HR solution tailored for startups and small businesses. Its cloud-based system, intuitive interface, and wealth of features simplify critical but often complex tasks for companies with limited resources.
What is the easiest way to do payroll for a small business?
Running payroll for a small business can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be complicated. Here are the key steps to process payroll easily and efficiently:
Have Employees Fill Out W-4 Forms
The W-4 form tells employers how much tax to withhold from an employee's paycheck. Have all new hires complete this critical form when they start.
Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
An EIN uniquely identifies your business to the IRS and is required for payroll tax purposes. Obtain your EIN for free from the IRS website.
Choose Your Payroll Schedule
Decide if you want to run payroll weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly or monthly. Setting a consistent schedule makes payroll administration simpler over time.
Calculate Tax Withholdings
Use IRS resources to determine how much income tax to deduct from employees' gross wages. Stay up-to-date on latest state and federal withholding rates.
Pay Payroll Taxes
In addition to income tax, you must pay your share and your employees' share of Social Security and Medicare taxes. Pay these payroll taxes regularly to avoid penalties.
File Necessary Tax Forms
Complete required quarterly and annual payroll tax forms. Provide employees with W-2 forms documenting their annual wages and withheld taxes.
Following these essential steps makes in-house payroll administration manageable without expensive software or services. Consider automating payroll processes as your small business grows for added convenience and efficiency.
Is Gusto for small business?
Gusto is an excellent payroll and HR solution designed specifically for small businesses. Here are some of the key reasons why Gusto is a great fit for small business owners:
Affordable Pricing
Gusto offers affordable payroll pricing plans starting at just $39 per month plus $6 per person. There are no hidden fees or upcharges. For small teams, Gusto provides exceptional value and keeps costs low.
Easy-to-Use Platform
Gusto's software is intuitive and easy to navigate. You don't need any payroll or HR expertise to run it. The guided payroll setup helps you configure everything correctly, and Gusto's award-winning support team is available to help anytime you need assistance.
Robust Features
Gusto packs a ton of value into its platform beyond just payroll, including time tracking, benefits administration, HR tools, and more. This means you can manage multiple critical business functions from one centralized hub tailored for SMBs.
Compliant and Accurate Payroll
Gusto guarantees 100% compliance and accuracy for your payroll. Their team handles all tax calculations, filings, and payments automatically, so you avoid IRS penalties. Gusto also audits every payroll to ensure accuracy.
In summary, Gusto simplifies payroll, HR, and benefits for lean small business teams. The platform is easy to use, affordable, packed with features, and ensures full compliance. This makes Gusto a fantastic solution for any small business owner looking to spend less time on administrative tasks and more time growing their company.
Is Gusto payroll good?
Gusto is considered one of the best payroll software options for small businesses. Here are some of the key reasons why:
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User-Friendly Interface: Gusto has an intuitive, easy-to-use interface that makes running payroll straightforward even for beginners. Features are clearly laid out and simple to navigate.
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Robust Payroll Features: Gusto handles all essential payroll tasks like calculating wages and tax withholdings automatically. It supports payroll for hourly, salaried, 1099 contractors. Additional features like direct deposit, pay cards, and employee self-onboarding further simplify payroll.
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Integrations: Gusto integrates with over 100 popular small business tools like accounting, time tracking, benefits admin and more. This eliminates the need for manual data entry and reconciliation across systems.
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Excellent Customer Support: Gusto is known to provide exceptional customer service and support via phone, email and chat. Most users find answers to questions quickly without frustration.
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Affordable Pricing: Gusto offers competitive pricing, with subscription plans starting at $19/month base fee plus $6 per person per month. Volume discounts available as company size increases.
In summary, Gusto makes running payroll uncomplicated for small business owners through an easy-to-use platform, robust features, helpful support and affordable pricing. This combination of factors is why Gusto is regarded as one of the top solutions in the market.
What is the difference between Gusto and QuickBooks?
Both Gusto and QuickBooks offer payroll and HR solutions for small businesses. Here are some of the key differences:
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Scalability: Gusto accommodates businesses scaling from a few to several hundred employees. QuickBooks limits payroll to 150 employees.
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Benefits administration: Both Gusto and QuickBooks enable employers to offer benefits packages to employees. Gusto may provide more flexibility for larger or complex benefits plans.
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Payroll taxes: Gusto handles all payroll tax calculations, filings, and payments automatically. With QuickBooks, businesses need to calculate some taxes manually.
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Time tracking: Gusto has basic time tracking built-in. QuickBooks provides more advanced time tracking capabilities through integrations.
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Reporting: Both have standard payroll reports. QuickBooks may offer more customization for financial reporting tied to accounting.
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Support: Gusto specializes in payroll and HR, while QuickBooks supports integrated accounting/finance tasks too. Gusto may provide more personalized support.
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Ease of use: Gusto focuses on user-friendly payroll workflows. QuickBooks configures extensive preferences/settings due to accounting focus.
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Cost structure: Gusto charges per employee per month. QuickBooks payroll pricing involves multiple factors like number of employees, pay periods, filings etc.
In summary, Gusto offers a streamlined solution specialized for payroll and HR, while QuickBooks provides deeper accounting ties. Consider which features suit your business needs and size.
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Exploring the Best Payroll Software Features with Gusto
Gusto is considered one of the best payroll software solutions for small businesses due to its user-friendly interface and robust features that simplify payroll processes.
Intuitive Payroll Software Interface
Gusto offers an intuitive dashboard that makes it easy for small business owners to set up payroll and calculate paychecks, withholdings, and deductions automatically. Key features include:
- Step-by-step payroll setup wizard
- Ability to add employees in minutes
- Automatic calculation of federal, state, and local payroll taxes
- Integration with accounting software like QuickBooks
With Gusto, business owners can focus on their operations rather than wrestling with complex payroll tasks.
Direct Deposit Alternatives and Payroll Cards
In addition to standard direct deposit into employee bank accounts, Gusto also supports:
- Payroll debit cards that allow employees without bank accounts to access their wages
- Payment apps like Venmo to provide payroll flexibility
These alternatives make it easier for small businesses to pay employees quickly and securely.
Time Tracking Integration for Accurate Payroll
By integrating with popular time tracking tools, Gusto pulls in hours worked automatically to guarantee accuracy for per-hour and salaried workers. This saves time and prevents manual errors in payroll.
Benefits of Paperless Payroll with Gusto
Gusto is a paperless payroll system, enabling businesses to:
- Reduce waste and errors of printed pay stubs
- Securely access digital pay stubs and tax documents
- Streamline payroll reconciliation and reporting
Going paperless improves payroll efficiency, security, and sustainability.
With its user-friendly interface, flexible wage payment options, seamless time tracking integration, and paperless functionality, Gusto provides comprehensive and accessible payroll features for small businesses. This enables accurate, automated payroll so owners can focus on their business goals.
Gusto Pricing Plans Guide
Affordable Core Plan for Small Businesses
Gusto's basic Core plan starts at $39/month base fee plus $6 per person. It includes essential payroll processing features like:
- Direct deposit
- Employee profiles
- Tax filings
- Payroll reports
- Integrations with accounting software
The Core plan is best suited for small businesses looking for an affordable way to run payroll and handle taxes. It covers the basics without advanced HR tools.
Complete Plan with Advanced HR Tools
For more robust capabilities, Gusto offers a Complete plan starting at $39/month plus $12 per person. It builds on the Core plan by adding:
- Health insurance administration
- Workers' compensation
- Advanced HR features like org charts, employee directories, etc.
The Complete plan suits growing businesses that need extra HR functionality beyond basic payroll. It automates insurance, provides visibility into your workforce, and reduces the burden of people management.
Concierge Plan for Premium Support
Gusto also provides a high-touch Concierge plan for those wanting personalized account guidance. Pricing starts at $149/month plus $12 per employee. It includes everything in Complete, plus:
- Dedicated account manager
- Proactive recommendations
- Custom integrations
- VIP customer service
The Concierge option offers white-glove support and tailored solutions for more complex or regulated businesses. It's ideal for those needing a payroll/HR expert to manage the technical details.
Gusto's Position Among the Best Payroll Services
Gusto is a leading cloud-based payroll and HR solution designed specifically for small businesses. It stands out from competitors like QuickBooks Payroll, OnPay, Patriot Software, and SurePayroll in a few key ways:
Gusto vs. QuickBooks Payroll
QuickBooks Payroll is popular for its seamless integration with QuickBooks accounting software. However, Gusto offers more flexibility for businesses not using QuickBooks, with lower base subscription fees starting at $19 per month plus $6 per person per month.
Key differences include:
- Cost: Gusto has lower monthly base fees but charges per employee. QuickBooks Payroll has higher base fees but includes more employees in base plans.
- Integration: QuickBooks Payroll integrates directly with QuickBooks Desktop and Online. Gusto offers some integrations but focuses more on standalone usage.
- Payroll Features: Both support key payroll tasks like direct deposit, tax payments, filings, and W-2s. Gusto has more automation while QuickBooks Payroll offers more DIY customization.
Overall, Gusto beats QuickBooks Payroll on price while the latter excels at seamless accounting integration.
OnPay and Gusto: A Comparative Analysis
OnPay competes directly with Gusto, offering full-service payroll processing, tax filings, HR features, and benefits management. How do they compare?
- Pricing: OnPay has slightly higher base subscription fees but charges per employee like Gusto.
- HR Features: Both provide core HR workflows like hiring, onboarding, PTO tracking, and document management. Gusto has more advanced features while OnPay focuses on essentials.
- Customer Satisfaction: Gusto enjoys higher customer satisfaction ratings across review sites. OnPay users frequently cite poor customer service.
- Payments: Gusto only supports ACH direct deposit while OnPay offers physical checks. Both enable expert tax filings and payments.
For most small businesses, Gusto comes out ahead of OnPay for price, features, and reputation. But OnPay remains a viable alternative.
Patriot Software: A Gusto Competitor for Small Businesses
Patriot Software targets a similar small business market to Gusto, with competitive pricing and specialty payroll packages by industry.
Compared to Gusto, Patriot Software has some advantages:
- Customer Support: Patriot Software receives rave reviews praising its exceptional U.S. based support. Gusto relies more on self-service support docs.
- Industry Packages: Patriot Software tailors its payroll features and pricing to over 10 specific industries. Gusto uses a one-size-fits-all model.
However, Gusto excels in other areas:
- HR Features: Gusto provides complete hiring, onboarding, time tracking, PTO management, and other robust HR tools. Patriot Software does payroll well but lacks these extras.
- Automation: Gusto automates more payroll tasks like tax calculations, payments, and filings. Patriot Software enables customization yet requires more manual input.
Overall Gusto simplifies payroll and HR for most small business. But Patriot Software is ideal for customized industry-specific payroll needs coupled with top-notch customer support.
Setting Up and Running Payroll with Gusto
Gusto offers an intuitive platform to efficiently set up and run payroll for small businesses. Its automation features help reduce administrative tasks while providing transparency into payroll processes.
Choosing a Payroll Provider: Why Gusto Stands Out
When selecting a payroll provider like Gusto, key factors to consider include:
- Cost: Gusto has affordable monthly pricing plans to fit small business budgets. Their Core plan starts at $39/month plus $6 per person per month.
- Number of employees: Gusto can scale to handle payrolls of any size. Their Core plan supports 1-10 employees.
- HR features: Gusto provides extensive HR tools for onboarding, time tracking, benefits management and more, all integrated with payroll.
Gusto is an ideal solution for most small businesses looking to simplify payroll and HR. Their platform automates tax calculations, filings and payments while providing helpful resources like templates for new hire paperwork. Gusto also includes free direct deposit processing and integrates with accounting software. These features reduce administrative tasks for busy business owners and managers.
Successful Onboarding Process with Gusto
An effective onboarding process with Gusto payroll involves:
- Using Gusto's new hire templates to gather tax forms, contact info, banking details and other paperwork to input into employee profiles.
- Setting up payroll deductions like federal and state taxes, health insurance premiums, 401(k) contributions, etc. Gusto automatically calculates deductions each pay period.
- Configuring direct deposit for each employee using their bank account information. Gusto also offers pay cards.
- Having new hires electronically sign key documents right within Gusto to go paperless.
Following these steps enables businesses to accurately and quickly input employee data into the system to start smooth payroll operations.
Transitioning to a Paperless Payroll System
Going paperless with Gusto payroll provides several key benefits:
- Digital pay stubs can be accessed anytime by employees within their Gusto accounts, reducing printing/delivery costs.
- Tax forms like W-2s are electronically filed and accessible through Gusto for easy end-of-year tax reporting.
- Secure online signatures on legal documents like offer letters, workplace policies, tax forms and more help minimize paperwork.
Businesses can take full advantage of these paperless features by:
- Enabling employee access to online accounts and pay stubs.
- Adjusting direct deposit amounts instead of issuing paper checks.
- Setting up Gusto system notifications to prompt digital signatures.
Transitioning to Gusto's modern, paperless payroll system cuts administrative costs and clutter for managers and employees alike.
How to Run Payroll Efficiently Using Gusto
Key steps for running payroll smoothly with Gusto include:
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Enter employee hours for the pay period using Gusto's web interface or integrated time tracking features. Hours can also be imported from other systems.
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Review automated tax calculations and payroll summaries. Gusto handles deductions and tax payments seamlessly.
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Approve final payroll using one-click confirmation for efficient processing.
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Access detailed reports on payroll costs, liabilities, payments and more for transparency.
This straightforward process takes advantage of Gusto's automation and simplifies the complex tasks of tax calculations, filings and payments. By reducing administrative work, Gusto enables managers to run fast, accurate payroll themselves and focus their time on strategic priorities.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Gusto Payroll
Gusto aims to simplify payroll and HR tasks for small businesses through an intuitive platform, reasonable pricing, and quality support. Here are some final thoughts:
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Gusto makes running payroll easy with features like direct deposit, contractor payments, and automated tax filings. Their interface is clean and simple to navigate.
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Pricing starts at $39 per month base fee plus $6 per person per month. There are no contracts or hidden fees. Additional services like health insurance and workers comp have extra fees.
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Gusto offers phone, email, and chat support with short wait times. They also provide an extensive help center and community forum for DIY troubleshooting.
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For small companies that want an all-in-one platform to handle payroll, benefits, HR, and more, Gusto is a strong choice to consider. The platform scales as businesses grow.
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Competitors like OnPay, Patriot Software, and QuickBooks Payroll may better suit certain niches like accounting firms, restaurants, or large enterprises. But Gusto holds its own for most small business needs.
In summary, Gusto aims to make payroll and HR easy and modern. Their platform simplifies critical but complex tasks for employers. For the right type of small business, Gusto can provide immense value and stress relief around payroll and compliance.
