Quick Overview
- 1#1: Payroll4Churches - Specialized payroll solution designed exclusively for churches, handling clergy housing allowances, FICA exemptions, and minister tax withholding.
- 2#2: Aplos - Cloud-based nonprofit accounting and payroll software tailored for churches with fund accounting and church-specific tax features.
- 3#3: ParishSOFT - Comprehensive church management and accounting platform with integrated payroll for handling staff and clergy compensation uniquely.
- 4#4: ChurchTrac - Affordable all-in-one church management software featuring a payroll module for easy staff payments and tax compliance.
- 5#5: Planning Center Payroll - Integrated payroll tool within the Planning Center suite for streamlined church staff payroll and scheduling.
- 6#6: Gusto - Modern payroll and HR platform that supports church-specific designations like housing allowances and minister tax elections.
- 7#7: QuickBooks Online - Versatile accounting software with payroll add-on widely used by churches for financial tracking and employee payments.
- 8#8: Servant Keeper - Church management system with built-in payroll for processing staff checks and managing compensation records.
- 9#9: CDM+ - Flexible church database and financial software including payroll for detailed staff and ministry expense tracking.
- 10#10: PowerChurch Plus - Complete church administration software with payroll capabilities for handling employee wages and tax forms.
We ranked these tools based on their focus on church-specific requirements—including tax handling, specialized compensation structures, and user-friendliness—paired with overall functionality, reliability, and value to support seamless ministry operations.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores key church payroll software options, including Payroll4Churches, Aplos, ParishSOFT, ChurchTrac, and Planning Center Payroll, highlighting how each tool aligns with diverse organizational needs. Readers will gain insights into features, usability, and financial management integration to find the best fit for their church operations.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Payroll4Churches Specialized payroll solution designed exclusively for churches, handling clergy housing allowances, FICA exemptions, and minister tax withholding. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 2 | Aplos Cloud-based nonprofit accounting and payroll software tailored for churches with fund accounting and church-specific tax features. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 | ParishSOFT Comprehensive church management and accounting platform with integrated payroll for handling staff and clergy compensation uniquely. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 4 | ChurchTrac Affordable all-in-one church management software featuring a payroll module for easy staff payments and tax compliance. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 5 | Planning Center Payroll Integrated payroll tool within the Planning Center suite for streamlined church staff payroll and scheduling. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Gusto Modern payroll and HR platform that supports church-specific designations like housing allowances and minister tax elections. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | QuickBooks Online Versatile accounting software with payroll add-on widely used by churches for financial tracking and employee payments. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 6.7/10 | 8.4/10 | 6.9/10 |
| 8 | Servant Keeper Church management system with built-in payroll for processing staff checks and managing compensation records. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 6.4/10 | 7.3/10 |
| 9 | CDM+ Flexible church database and financial software including payroll for detailed staff and ministry expense tracking. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 10 | PowerChurch Plus Complete church administration software with payroll capabilities for handling employee wages and tax forms. | specialized | 7.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 6.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
Specialized payroll solution designed exclusively for churches, handling clergy housing allowances, FICA exemptions, and minister tax withholding.
Cloud-based nonprofit accounting and payroll software tailored for churches with fund accounting and church-specific tax features.
Comprehensive church management and accounting platform with integrated payroll for handling staff and clergy compensation uniquely.
Affordable all-in-one church management software featuring a payroll module for easy staff payments and tax compliance.
Integrated payroll tool within the Planning Center suite for streamlined church staff payroll and scheduling.
Modern payroll and HR platform that supports church-specific designations like housing allowances and minister tax elections.
Versatile accounting software with payroll add-on widely used by churches for financial tracking and employee payments.
Church management system with built-in payroll for processing staff checks and managing compensation records.
Flexible church database and financial software including payroll for detailed staff and ministry expense tracking.
Complete church administration software with payroll capabilities for handling employee wages and tax forms.
Payroll4Churches
specializedSpecialized payroll solution designed exclusively for churches, handling clergy housing allowances, FICA exemptions, and minister tax withholding.
Seamless dual-status tax handling for ministers, automatically designating housing allowances as nontaxable while generating compliant W-2s.
Payroll4Churches is a cloud-based payroll software tailored exclusively for churches, ministries, and religious nonprofits, streamlining payroll for clergy and staff with unique tax considerations. It automates calculations for housing allowances, love offerings, accountable reimbursements, and dual-status W-2/1099 filings to ensure IRS compliance. The platform also supports direct deposit, employee portals, and integration with popular church accounting software like QuickBooks and Aplos.
Pros
- Specialized church payroll features like automated housing allowance tracking and clergy tax exemptions
- Affordable, scalable pricing with no long-term contracts
- Responsive U.S.-based customer support and free onboarding training
Cons
- Limited to U.S. churches (no international support)
- Fewer advanced HR tools compared to general payroll giants like ADP
- Occasional delays in multi-state tax updates
Best For
Small to mid-sized U.S. churches and ministries needing compliant, hassle-free payroll for clergy and staff without enterprise complexity.
Pricing
Starts at $49/month for up to 10 employees, plus $4 per additional employee; includes unlimited payroll runs and free direct deposit.
Aplos
specializedCloud-based nonprofit accounting and payroll software tailored for churches with fund accounting and church-specific tax features.
Church-specific payroll handling for housing allowances and designated offerings integrated directly with fund accounting
Aplos is a cloud-based accounting platform tailored for churches and nonprofits, with an integrated payroll module that handles W-2s, 1099s, direct deposits, and church-specific needs like housing allowances and mission reimbursements. It combines fund accounting, donation tracking, and payroll into one system, simplifying financial management for religious organizations. The software ensures compliance with nonprofit regulations while providing real-time reporting and online giving tools.
Pros
- Seamless integration of payroll with church-specific fund accounting
- Handles unique clergy compensation like housing allowances accurately
- User-friendly dashboard with real-time financial insights
Cons
- Additional per-employee fees can increase costs for larger churches
- Limited advanced HR tools compared to enterprise payroll providers
- Steeper learning curve for non-accountants
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches seeking an all-in-one solution for accounting, donations, and payroll without needing multiple vendors.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month for core accounting; payroll add-on is $59/month base + $5 per active employee/month (billed annually).
ParishSOFT
specializedComprehensive church management and accounting platform with integrated payroll for handling staff and clergy compensation uniquely.
Church-specific payroll automation handling unique tax treatments like non-taxable housing allowances and minister's housing exclusion
ParishSOFT is a comprehensive parish management software suite designed specifically for Catholic churches, offering robust payroll processing tailored to ecclesiastical needs such as clergy stipends, housing allowances, and FICA exemptions. It integrates payroll with accounting, member management, and contribution tracking for seamless operations. The platform ensures compliance with IRS regulations unique to religious organizations while supporting multi-location parishes.
Pros
- Specialized church payroll features like automated clergy tax exemptions and reimbursements
- Full integration with parish accounting and donor management
- Strong compliance tools for religious organization regulations
Cons
- Dated user interface that feels clunky
- Pricing is opaque and requires custom quotes
- Primarily geared toward Catholic parishes, less flexible for other denominations
Best For
Catholic parishes needing an all-in-one management system with specialized payroll for clergy and staff.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing based on parish size and modules; typically $500-$2,000/month for mid-sized parishes—contact for quote.
ChurchTrac
specializedAffordable all-in-one church management software featuring a payroll module for easy staff payments and tax compliance.
Automated clergy tax calculations including housing allowances and dual tax status (W-2 employee vs. 1099 independent contractor)
ChurchTrac is an all-in-one church management software with a dedicated payroll module tailored for churches, handling payroll for staff, volunteers, and ministers. It automates calculations for unique church needs like housing allowances, minister self-employment taxes, W-2/1099 forms, and direct deposits. Integrated with member database, giving, and attendance tracking, it streamlines administrative tasks for church leaders.
Pros
- Church-specific payroll features like housing allowances and minister tax handling
- Seamless integration with church management tools for unified workflows
- Affordable pricing with straightforward tiers
Cons
- Payroll is an add-on module, not standalone
- Limited advanced reporting and customization options
- Slower processing for very large churches
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches needing integrated management and reliable, church-tailored payroll without high costs.
Pricing
Core plan starts at $37/month (up to 75 people); payroll add-on $19/month for first 50 employees, plus $5 per additional 50; higher tiers up to $297/month.
Planning Center Payroll
specializedIntegrated payroll tool within the Planning Center suite for streamlined church staff payroll and scheduling.
Seamless bi-directional sync with Planning Center People for automatic payroll pulls from HR data
Planning Center Payroll is a cloud-based payroll solution tailored for churches, seamlessly integrated with the Planning Center suite including People for HR management. It handles church-specific needs like minister housing allowances, love offerings, stipends, and multi-state tax compliance, automating W-2/1099 forms, direct deposits, and year-end reporting. Designed for non-profits, it supports variable staffing schedules and volunteer reimbursements with minimal manual entry.
Pros
- Deep integration with Planning Center People and other modules for unified church management
- Specialized features for clergy payroll including housing allowances and tax exemptions
- Intuitive interface with mobile access and automated compliance tools
Cons
- Requires existing Planning Center subscription, limiting standalone use
- US-only support with no international payroll capabilities
- Pricing scales quickly for larger staffs and lacks advanced analytics
Best For
Mid-sized churches already using the Planning Center ecosystem who need integrated, church-specific payroll without complex setups.
Pricing
Starts at $39/month base + $4 per active employee/month; requires Planning Center People subscription.
Gusto
enterpriseModern payroll and HR platform that supports church-specific designations like housing allowances and minister tax elections.
Automated clergy housing allowance designation as non-taxable income with IRS-compliant W-2 handling
Gusto is a cloud-based payroll and HR platform tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, including churches and non-profits. It automates payroll processing, tax filings, benefits administration, and compliance, with specialized support for church-specific needs like clergy housing allowances and minister tax exemptions. The software integrates with accounting tools and offers employee self-service portals for streamlined operations.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick setup for church payroll
- Handles clergy housing allowances and IRS compliance automatically
- Strong integrations with QuickBooks and church management software
Cons
- Pricing scales up quickly for larger churches with many staff
- Limited advanced reporting tailored specifically for non-profits
- Some niche church reimbursement tracking requires manual adjustments
Best For
Small to medium-sized churches with 1-50 employees seeking an all-in-one, user-friendly payroll solution without deep non-profit customization.
Pricing
Simple: $40/mo + $6/person/mo; Plus: $80/mo + $12/person/mo; Premium: Custom quote; additional fees for tax filings.
QuickBooks Online
enterpriseVersatile accounting software with payroll add-on widely used by churches for financial tracking and employee payments.
Deep integration of payroll with full accounting suite for streamlined church financial management
QuickBooks Online is a versatile cloud-based accounting software with integrated payroll features, enabling churches to manage employee payments, tax withholdings, and filings alongside financial tracking for tithes and offerings. It supports direct deposits, W-2/1099 forms, and automated tax calculations, but lacks built-in tools for church-specific needs like housing allowances or clergy tax exemptions. While powerful for general use, it often requires manual adjustments or third-party add-ons for full church payroll compliance.
Pros
- Seamless integration between payroll and accounting for unified church finances
- Automated federal/state tax filings and payments
- User-friendly interface with mobile app access
Cons
- No native support for clergy housing allowances or minister tax rules
- Additional costs on top of base subscription make it pricey for small churches
- Custom configurations needed for church compliance, potentially requiring expert help
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches already using QuickBooks for accounting and needing basic payroll with some manual tweaks.
Pricing
Payroll add-on starts at $45/month + $6/employee (Core plan); requires QuickBooks Online subscription from $30/month (Simple Start).
Servant Keeper
specializedChurch management system with built-in payroll for processing staff checks and managing compensation records.
Precise tracking and reporting of ministers' housing allowances and designated non-taxable offerings
Servant Keeper is a long-established church management software suite that includes dedicated payroll processing tailored for religious organizations. It manages payroll for church staff and clergy, handling unique requirements like ministers' housing allowances, love offerings, and IRS-compliant tax withholdings for W-2s and 1099s. The system integrates payroll seamlessly with membership tracking, contributions, accounting, and reporting, making it a comprehensive tool for church administration.
Pros
- Specialized church payroll features including clergy housing allowances and tax exemptions
- Full integration with church management tools like accounting and member database
- Proven reliability with over 30 years in the market and strong reporting capabilities
Cons
- Dated desktop interface that feels outdated compared to modern cloud competitors
- Steeper learning curve, especially for non-tech-savvy church admins
- Limited mobile accessibility and real-time collaboration features
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches needing an integrated, on-premise solution for clergy and staff payroll with church-specific tax handling.
Pricing
One-time licenses start at $395 for basic edition plus annual support (~20% of license cost); SKCloud subscription from $49/month.
CDM+
specializedFlexible church database and financial software including payroll for detailed staff and ministry expense tracking.
Advanced church-specific tax engine that automatically calculates and tracks housing allowances, accountable reimbursements, and love offerings
CDM+ is a comprehensive church management software suite from CDMplus.com that includes a robust payroll module designed specifically for religious organizations. It handles church-specific payroll complexities such as clergy housing allowances, tax-exempt minister compensation, multi-state withholding, W-2/1099 generation, and integration with general ledger accounting. The system supports unlimited employees and offers detailed reporting for compliance and budgeting.
Pros
- Specialized handling of church payroll nuances like housing allowances and ordained minister exemptions
- Seamless integration with accounting, HR, and membership modules
- Strong reporting and audit trail for compliance
Cons
- Desktop-based interface feels dated and has a steep learning curve
- Limited mobile accessibility compared to cloud competitors
- Modular pricing can add up quickly for full functionality
Best For
Mid-sized churches needing an integrated, on-premise solution for payroll and full financial management.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at $995 for base accounting with payroll add-ons $495+, plus annual maintenance (~20%); hosted subscriptions from $100/month.
PowerChurch Plus
specializedComplete church administration software with payroll capabilities for handling employee wages and tax forms.
Automated handling of dual-status clergy payroll (employee/self-employed) with IRS-compliant housing allowance tracking
PowerChurch Plus is an on-premises church management software suite that includes dedicated payroll modules tailored for religious organizations, handling unique requirements like clergy housing allowances, love offerings, and dual tax statuses. It integrates payroll with membership tracking, contributions, and accounting for streamlined church operations. Designed for Windows desktops, it provides tools for W-2/1099 generation, tax reporting, and compliance with IRS rules for ministers.
Pros
- Specialized church payroll features like housing allowance calculations and clergy tax handling
- Affordable one-time perpetual license model
- Seamless integration with other church management modules
Cons
- Desktop-only software with no cloud or mobile access
- Dated interface that may feel clunky for modern users
- Limited integrations with external HR or banking systems
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches seeking a budget-friendly, on-premises payroll solution with built-in church-specific compliance.
Pricing
One-time perpetual license starting at $495 for basic edition, up to $995 for professional with payroll; optional annual support ~$200.
Conclusion
While all reviewed tools provide solid support, the top three stand out for their tailored solutions, with Payroll4Churches leading as the top choice due to its exclusive focus on church-specific tax and housing allowance needs. Aplos follows closely with its robust nonprofit accounting and fund management, and ParishSOFT impresses with integrated, uniquely designed compensation handling—each offering distinct advantages to suit varied church requirements.
Ready to simplify your church's payroll? Start with Payroll4Churches, the top-ranked tool built to address your unique financial and tax needs, or explore Aplos and ParishSOFT to find the perfect fit for your community's growth.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison