Quick Overview
- 1#1: Gusto - Automates payroll tax calculations, filings, payments, and compliance for small to medium businesses.
- 2#2: ADP Workforce Now - Provides comprehensive payroll tax management including multi-state filings, W-2/1099 forms, and regulatory compliance for enterprises.
- 3#3: Paychex - Handles payroll tax withholding, quarterly/annual filings, and expert tax credit services for businesses of all sizes.
- 4#4: QuickBooks Payroll - Integrates seamless payroll tax calculations, e-filing, and payments directly within QuickBooks accounting software.
- 5#5: Rippling - Offers automated global payroll tax compliance, filings, and remittances alongside HR tools.
- 6#6: OnPay - Delivers accurate payroll tax management with automatic filings and unlimited payroll runs for SMBs.
- 7#7: Patriot Software - Provides affordable full-service payroll tax filing and direct deposit for small businesses.
- 8#8: Paylocity - Manages complex payroll taxes with real-time compliance updates and integrated reporting.
- 9#9: TriNet - Offers PEO-backed payroll tax expertise including filings and risk mitigation for growing companies.
- 10#10: UKG Pro - Supports enterprise-scale payroll tax processing, global compliance, and advanced analytics.
Tools were ranked based on a balance of key features—including automation, multi-state/cross-border compliance, integration capabilities, and user-friendliness—paired with demonstrated value to ensure they meet the demands of modern operations.
Comparison Table
Managing payroll taxes efficiently is critical for businesses, and the right software simplifies tasks from calculation to compliance. This comparison table explores tools like Gusto, ADP Workforce Now, Paychex, QuickBooks Payroll, Rippling, and others, equipping readers to compare features, pricing, and user experience to find their ideal solution.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gusto Automates payroll tax calculations, filings, payments, and compliance for small to medium businesses. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | ADP Workforce Now Provides comprehensive payroll tax management including multi-state filings, W-2/1099 forms, and regulatory compliance for enterprises. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 3 | Paychex Handles payroll tax withholding, quarterly/annual filings, and expert tax credit services for businesses of all sizes. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 4 | QuickBooks Payroll Integrates seamless payroll tax calculations, e-filing, and payments directly within QuickBooks accounting software. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | Rippling Offers automated global payroll tax compliance, filings, and remittances alongside HR tools. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 6 | OnPay Delivers accurate payroll tax management with automatic filings and unlimited payroll runs for SMBs. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 7 | Patriot Software Provides affordable full-service payroll tax filing and direct deposit for small businesses. | specialized | 7.9/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 8 | Paylocity Manages complex payroll taxes with real-time compliance updates and integrated reporting. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | TriNet Offers PEO-backed payroll tax expertise including filings and risk mitigation for growing companies. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | UKG Pro Supports enterprise-scale payroll tax processing, global compliance, and advanced analytics. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
Automates payroll tax calculations, filings, payments, and compliance for small to medium businesses.
Provides comprehensive payroll tax management including multi-state filings, W-2/1099 forms, and regulatory compliance for enterprises.
Handles payroll tax withholding, quarterly/annual filings, and expert tax credit services for businesses of all sizes.
Integrates seamless payroll tax calculations, e-filing, and payments directly within QuickBooks accounting software.
Offers automated global payroll tax compliance, filings, and remittances alongside HR tools.
Delivers accurate payroll tax management with automatic filings and unlimited payroll runs for SMBs.
Provides affordable full-service payroll tax filing and direct deposit for small businesses.
Manages complex payroll taxes with real-time compliance updates and integrated reporting.
Offers PEO-backed payroll tax expertise including filings and risk mitigation for growing companies.
Supports enterprise-scale payroll tax processing, global compliance, and advanced analytics.
Gusto
enterpriseAutomates payroll tax calculations, filings, payments, and compliance for small to medium businesses.
Full-service tax filing where Gusto files and pays taxes directly to agencies on your behalf with a filing guarantee.
Gusto is a comprehensive payroll and HR platform renowned for its robust payroll tax management capabilities, automating federal, state, and local tax calculations, filings, and direct payments. It ensures compliance with real-time error checks, handles W-2 and 1099 forms, and provides agency filing guarantees to minimize penalties. Ideal for small to mid-sized businesses, Gusto simplifies complex tax obligations into a seamless process integrated with full payroll services.
Pros
- Automated multi-jurisdictional tax filing and payments with agency guarantees
- Real-time compliance alerts and error prevention tools
- Seamless integration with payroll for accurate withholdings and reporting
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with employee count, potentially costly for larger teams
- Limited advanced customization for niche industry tax needs
- Onboarding requires initial data setup time
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses needing reliable, hands-off payroll tax compliance without in-house expertise.
Pricing
Starts at $40 base + $6/employee/month (Simple plan); Plus at $80 + $12/employee; Premium custom-quoted; tax management included in all plans.
ADP Workforce Now
enterpriseProvides comprehensive payroll tax management including multi-state filings, W-2/1099 forms, and regulatory compliance for enterprises.
Proactive tax regulation engine that auto-updates calculations and filings in real-time across 50+ states and global locations
ADP Workforce Now is a comprehensive cloud-based human capital management (HCM) platform with robust payroll tax management capabilities, automating tax calculations, withholdings, filings, and payments for federal, state, local, and international jurisdictions. It ensures compliance with complex and evolving tax regulations through real-time updates and expert support. The solution integrates payroll taxes seamlessly with full HR, benefits, and time-tracking modules for end-to-end workforce management.
Pros
- Automated multi-jurisdictional tax filing and compliance updates
- Seamless integration with HR and payroll processes
- Dedicated tax experts and audit support
Cons
- High implementation costs and complexity for smaller firms
- Custom pricing lacks transparency
- Occasional delays in handling niche tax scenarios
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises with complex, multi-state or international payroll needs requiring integrated tax compliance.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; typically $100-$200 per employee per month depending on modules and company size.
Paychex
enterpriseHandles payroll tax withholding, quarterly/annual filings, and expert tax credit services for businesses of all sizes.
Worry-Free Compliance Guarantee, which covers penalties if tax errors occur due to Paychex's processing
Paychex, through its Paychex Flex platform, offers robust payroll tax management solutions that automate federal, state, and local tax calculations, filings, and payments for businesses of varying sizes. It ensures compliance with ever-changing tax regulations via built-in updates and expert support, reducing the risk of penalties. The software integrates seamlessly with HR, benefits, and time-tracking tools, providing a unified view of payroll operations. Additionally, it supports multi-state payroll, making it suitable for growing enterprises.
Pros
- Automated multi-jurisdictional tax filing and payments with accuracy guarantees
- Real-time compliance updates and regulatory alerts
- Dedicated tax experts for complex scenarios and audits
Cons
- Pricing can be higher for small businesses with minimal needs
- User interface feels dated compared to newer competitors
- Customization options limited for very large enterprises
Best For
Mid-sized businesses with multi-state operations needing reliable, hands-off payroll tax compliance.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at around $80/month base plus $5-$6 per employee, with add-ons for advanced features.
QuickBooks Payroll
enterpriseIntegrates seamless payroll tax calculations, e-filing, and payments directly within QuickBooks accounting software.
Intuit's Total Payroll Assurance, which guarantees accurate tax filings and payments or covers penalties if errors occur due to the software.
QuickBooks Payroll, offered by Intuit, is a robust payroll management solution tightly integrated with QuickBooks accounting software, specializing in automated payroll processing and tax compliance for small to medium-sized businesses. It handles federal, state, and local tax calculations, filings, and payments automatically, including W-2s, 1099s, and quarterly/annual forms. The platform also supports direct deposits, employee self-service portals, and benefits management, reducing manual errors and ensuring regulatory adherence.
Pros
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks for unified accounting and payroll
- Automatic tax calculations, filings, and payments with accuracy guarantee
- Next-day direct deposit and robust employee self-service tools
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers required for advanced features like multi-state tax support
- Customer support can be inconsistent during peak seasons
- Limited customization for complex enterprise-level payroll needs
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses already using QuickBooks who need reliable, automated payroll tax management without extensive IT resources.
Pricing
Starts at $45/month + $6 per employee for Core plan; Premium ($80 + $6/emp) and Elite ($125 + $6/emp) offer advanced tax and HR features; annual discounts available.
Rippling
enterpriseOffers automated global payroll tax compliance, filings, and remittances alongside HR tools.
Automated global payroll that handles taxes, compliance, and currency in 100+ countries from a single dashboard
Rippling is a comprehensive HR, payroll, and IT platform that streamlines payroll tax management by automating calculations, withholdings, filings, and payments across multiple US states and 100+ countries. It ensures compliance with real-time updates to tax laws, handles complex scenarios like garnishments and multi-jurisdictional payroll, and integrates seamlessly with accounting tools. This makes it a robust solution for businesses seeking to minimize tax errors and administrative burden.
Pros
- Automated multi-state and global tax compliance with e-filing
- Real-time tax rate updates and accuracy guarantees
- Seamless integration with HR, IT, and accounting systems
Cons
- Higher pricing may not suit very small businesses
- Steep learning curve for full feature set
- Global payroll features can add significant costs
Best For
Mid-sized businesses with multi-state or international workforces needing integrated payroll tax automation.
Pricing
Starts at $8 per employee per month for US payroll, with add-ons for global payroll ($11+ per employee) and custom enterprise pricing.
OnPay
specializedDelivers accurate payroll tax management with automatic filings and unlimited payroll runs for SMBs.
100% payroll and tax accuracy guarantee, reimbursing penalties and interest if errors occur due to OnPay
OnPay is a full-service payroll platform specializing in automated tax management, including accurate calculations, filings, and payments for federal, state, and local taxes across multiple jurisdictions. It streamlines payroll processing for small to mid-sized businesses with features like unlimited payroll runs, employee self-service portals, and seamless integrations with accounting software such as QuickBooks. Backed by a 100% accuracy guarantee, OnPay ensures compliance and reduces the risk of penalties, making it a reliable choice for hands-off tax handling.
Pros
- Automated tax calculations and filings with multi-state support
- 100% accuracy guarantee covering penalties and interest
- Unlimited payroll runs and excellent customer support
Cons
- No native time tracking (requires integrations)
- Pricing scales with employee count, less ideal for very tiny teams
- Limited advanced reporting compared to enterprise tools
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses (1-200 employees) needing reliable, automated payroll tax compliance without in-house expertise.
Pricing
Starts at $40/month base fee + $6 per active employee/month; includes free setup, unlimited runs, and all tax filings.
Patriot Software
specializedProvides affordable full-service payroll tax filing and direct deposit for small businesses.
Guaranteed on-time tax filing and payment in full-service mode, with penalties covered if they fail
Patriot Software offers payroll solutions with robust tax management capabilities, automating calculations for federal, state, and local taxes, as well as direct deposits and form generation. It supports both in-house payroll processing, where users handle runs themselves, and full-service options where Patriot manages filings and payments. Ideal for small businesses, it ensures compliance through guaranteed on-time tax filings and new hire reporting.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with no hidden fees
- Automatic tax calculations and e-filing for multiple jurisdictions
- User-friendly interface suitable for non-experts
Cons
- Limited advanced HR integrations compared to enterprise solutions
- Customer support primarily email-based with longer response times
- Fewer customization options for complex payroll scenarios
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses seeking cost-effective, reliable payroll tax management without needing extensive HR features.
Pricing
In-House Payroll: $17 base + $4/employee/month; Full Service Payroll: $37 base + $4/employee/month; free trial available.
Paylocity
enterpriseManages complex payroll taxes with real-time compliance updates and integrated reporting.
100% tax filing accuracy guarantee with automated handling of complex multi-jurisdiction requirements
Paylocity is a comprehensive cloud-based HCM platform with robust payroll tax management capabilities, automating federal, state, and local tax calculations, filings, and payments. It handles multi-jurisdiction compliance, generates W-2s and 1099s, and provides real-time updates to tax regulations. The software integrates seamlessly with its broader payroll and HR tools, reducing manual errors and ensuring accuracy in tax reporting.
Pros
- Automated multi-state tax filing and payments with high accuracy
- Seamless integration with full payroll and HR suite
- Real-time compliance updates and tax form generation
Cons
- Premium pricing may not suit small businesses
- Steeper learning curve for advanced tax configurations
- Limited standalone tax tools without full platform commitment
Best For
Mid-sized businesses seeking an integrated HCM solution with reliable payroll tax management.
Pricing
Custom pricing, typically $20-$40 per employee per month, with quotes based on company size and features.
TriNet
enterpriseOffers PEO-backed payroll tax expertise including filings and risk mitigation for growing companies.
Co-employment model that assumes joint employer liability for tax compliance and risk mitigation
TriNet is a comprehensive Professional Employer Organization (PEO) platform that includes robust payroll tax management as part of its full-suite HR services, handling automated tax calculations, withholdings, filings, and payments for federal, state, and local jurisdictions. It supports multi-state payroll compliance, W-2/1099 generation, and real-time tax liability tracking for small to mid-sized businesses. Integrated with benefits administration and HR tools, it ensures seamless tax accuracy amid complex regulatory changes.
Pros
- Expert handling of multi-jurisdiction tax compliance and filings
- Automated tax payments and real-time liability reporting
- Dedicated support team for payroll tax audits and corrections
Cons
- High cost structure tied to full PEO services, not ideal for standalone tax needs
- Custom pricing lacks upfront transparency
- Less customization for advanced tax reporting compared to dedicated tools
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses seeking outsourced payroll tax management within a complete HR and PEO solution.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on employee count and services; typically $120-$200 per employee per month including payroll taxes.
UKG Pro
enterpriseSupports enterprise-scale payroll tax processing, global compliance, and advanced analytics.
Proactive Tax Compliance Engine with automated e-filing and payment remittance across 50+ U.S. states
UKG Pro is a comprehensive human capital management (HCM) platform that includes robust payroll tax management features, automating complex tax calculations, withholdings, filings, and payments across multiple U.S. states and international jurisdictions. It ensures compliance with ever-changing tax regulations through real-time updates and integrated reporting. Designed for mid-to-large enterprises, it seamlessly integrates payroll taxes with broader HR and workforce management functionalities.
Pros
- Automated multi-jurisdictional tax calculations and filings
- Real-time compliance updates and audit-ready reporting
- Seamless integration with HCM suite for end-to-end payroll processing
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive feature set
- High implementation costs and customization fees
- Less ideal for small businesses needing simple tax tools
Best For
Large enterprises with complex, multi-state or global payroll operations requiring integrated HCM and tax compliance.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $20-50 per employee/month for full HCM suite including payroll taxes, with additional setup fees.
Conclusion
Gusto leads as the top choice, excelling in automated payroll tax calculations, filings, and compliance for small to medium businesses. ADP Workforce Now follows with comprehensive enterprise support, including multi-state filings, while Paychex rounds out the top three with strong tax credit services and adaptability for all business sizes. Together, these tools cover diverse needs, ensuring efficient and compliant tax management.
Begin your journey with Gusto today to streamline payroll tax processes and focus on what matters most—growing your business.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
