BizBuddy is here to guide you through the myriad options for managing your small business. Today, we’re focusing on the power of payroll, precisely the benefits of QuickBooks Payroll. This service is often overlooked but is vital in keeping your business running smoothly. Now let’s dive into why this might be your perfect tool.
In the following video, I share my experience of using QuickBooks, while also comparing it with other Payroll services like Paychex, Gusto, and ADP. It’s important to find a good payroll service that will make doing payroll a breeze for you:
Table of Contents
QuickBooks… What is it?
QuickBooks is a renowned financial management software crafted specifically for small businesses. It provides a wide array of tools, from accounting and bookkeeping to payroll services and expense tracking. Developed by Intuit, QuickBooks’ objective is to streamline and simplify business management, so you can concentrate on what truly matters – growing your business.
Why Do You Need a Payroll Service?
Payroll services are the unsung heroes in a company’s successful operations. Payroll isn’t just about ensuring your team gets their paychecks on time; it’s a complex process involving meticulous calculations, adhering to tax regulations, managing employee benefits, and tracking leaves and work hours.
The right payroll service not only guarantees smooth transactions but also fortifies your business’s compliance with financial regulations. Payroll services also play a crucial role in maintaining employee satisfaction, reducing the risk of payroll disputes, and enhancing your company’s reputation.
Now, let’s get into business!
QuickBooks Payroll Review
Among the many payroll service options, QuickBooks Payroll stands out for its integration capabilities, user-friendly interface, and comprehensive set of features. It allows seamless integration with QuickBooks accounting software, eliminating the need for manual data entry and reducing errors. This robust solution offers a hassle-free experience, whether you’re paying your employees, calculating taxes, or generating reports.
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Features
QuickBooks Payroll brings a plethora of features to the table:
- Automated Payroll: It handles payroll runs automatically, ensuring your employees get paid accurately and on time.
- Tax calculations and filing: QuickBooks calculates taxes for each employee, files them with the relevant authorities, and ensures you stay compliant.
- Integration: It integrates perfectly with other QuickBooks services, providing a unified platform for your business operations.
- Employee self-service: Employees can access pay stubs and year-end tax forms online, reducing the burden on your HR team.

The software flawlessly integrates with other QuickBooks services, providing a unified platform for all business operations. It also offers an employee self-service portal, where employees can access their pay stubs and tax forms, reducing HR’s workload.
Price List
QuickBooks Payroll offers three plans to cater to different business needs:
To make it easier for you to decide, let’s compare the features and prices of their popular plans:
TIER | PRICE | FEATURES INCLUDED |
BASIC PAYROLL | $45/month + $4/employee/month | – Automatic payroll calculations – Pay employees with free direct deposit or print paychecks – File payroll taxes automatically – Generate W-2s at the end of the year – Email reminders for upcoming tax payments |
ENHANCED PAYROLL | $75/month + $8/employee/month | – All features from Basic Payroll – Payroll tax forms completed for you – Free expert setup review – Same-day direct deposit for employees – Federal and state tax forms filled in automatically |
FULL-SERVICE PAYROLL | $125/month + $10/employee/month | All features from Enhanced Payroll – Automatic payroll tax filings and payments – Workers’ compensation administration and payments – Automatic filing of new hire paperwork – Assistance with year-end tax forms, such as 1099s |
Hidden Fees?
While QuickBooks Payroll offers transparent pricing, there are a few potential additional fees and charges that users should be aware of. Here are some of the common hidden fees associated with QuickBooks Payroll:
- Per Employee Fees: The base pricing for QuickBooks Payroll typically includes a certain number of employees. However, if you have more employees than the included limit, you may need to pay an additional fee per employee. The pricing tier mentioned earlier already accounts for these additional charges.
- Direct Deposit Fees: While QuickBooks Payroll allows you to pay employees through direct deposit, there might be fees associated with this feature. These fees can vary depending on the payroll plan you choose. It’s advisable to check the specific fees applicable to your plan.
- Tax Penalties and Fines: QuickBooks Payroll automates payroll tax filings and payments. However, if there are errors or discrepancies in your payroll data or if you miss important deadlines, you may be subject to tax penalties or fines imposed by the tax authorities. It’s crucial to review and verify your payroll information regularly to avoid such penalties.
- Additional Service Add-ons: QuickBooks offers various add-ons and integrations that can enhance the functionality of your payroll system. Some of these add-ons may come with their own fees, such as time-tracking solutions or employee benefits management. If you opt for any of these additional services, you may need to pay separate fees.
- Accountant Fees: While not directly associated with QuickBooks Payroll, some users may require assistance from an accountant to handle complex payroll tasks or ensure compliance. Hiring an accountant or seeking professional advice can lead to additional fees outside of the QuickBooks Payroll service itself.
It’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions, pricing details, and any potential additional fees associated with QuickBooks Payroll to have a comprehensive understanding of the costs involved.
What People Say About QuickBooks Payroll
The market response to QuickBooks Payroll has been overwhelmingly positive. Users appreciate its ease of use, automated payroll feature, and seamless integration with QuickBooks accounting. The comprehensive feature set and dedicated customer support make it a worthwhile investment, despite being slightly pricier than its competitors.

If you’re looking at setting up a 401k for your business and you want more hand-holding, then I would recommend a service like ADP. Overall, we think ADP offers a way better service that will help you make sure your 401k is running smoothly.
Conclusion
Wrapping up, QuickBooks Payroll is a reliable, comprehensive solution that takes the stress out of payroll management. Remember, each business is unique, and while QuickBooks Payroll is impressive, always ensure it aligns with your specific business needs before investing.