Quick Overview
- 1#1: ADP RUN - Cloud-based payroll platform that automates complex tax calculations, filings, and compliance for businesses of all sizes.
- 2#2: Paychex Flex - Full-service payroll solution with expert-guided tax filing, payments, and multi-state compliance guarantees.
- 3#3: Gusto - Intuitive payroll software that automatically handles federal, state, and local tax withholding and filings.
- 4#4: QuickBooks Payroll - Integrated payroll tool for QuickBooks users that calculates taxes accurately and e-files forms effortlessly.
- 5#5: Rippling - All-in-one HR and payroll system with automated multi-state and international tax compliance.
- 6#6: Paylocity - Modern payroll and HCM platform featuring real-time tax updates and automated compliance reporting.
- 7#7: OnPay - Affordable payroll service guaranteeing accurate tax calculations, filings, and multi-state support.
- 8#8: UKG Pro - Enterprise workforce management software with advanced global payroll tax processing and compliance.
- 9#9: Dayforce - Continuous payroll HCM solution delivering precise tax withholding and regulatory compliance worldwide.
- 10#10: Patriot Full Service Payroll - Cost-effective payroll software that files all taxes on behalf of users with a 100% accuracy guarantee.
Tools were selected based on criteria including accuracy of tax calculations, robustness of compliance management (including multi-state and global requirements), ease of use, and overall value, ensuring alignment with the varied demands of modern organizations.
Comparison Table
This comparison table breaks down top payroll tax software tools, including ADP RUN, Paychex Flex, Gusto, QuickBooks Payroll, Rippling, and more, to help readers understand their core features, pricing, and key advantages. By comparing these solutions side-by-side, users can identify the best fit for their business, whether focused on automation, user-friendliness, or scalability.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ADP RUN Cloud-based payroll platform that automates complex tax calculations, filings, and compliance for businesses of all sizes. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 2 | Paychex Flex Full-service payroll solution with expert-guided tax filing, payments, and multi-state compliance guarantees. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | Gusto Intuitive payroll software that automatically handles federal, state, and local tax withholding and filings. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 4 | QuickBooks Payroll Integrated payroll tool for QuickBooks users that calculates taxes accurately and e-files forms effortlessly. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Rippling All-in-one HR and payroll system with automated multi-state and international tax compliance. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 6 | Paylocity Modern payroll and HCM platform featuring real-time tax updates and automated compliance reporting. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | OnPay Affordable payroll service guaranteeing accurate tax calculations, filings, and multi-state support. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 8 | UKG Pro Enterprise workforce management software with advanced global payroll tax processing and compliance. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Dayforce Continuous payroll HCM solution delivering precise tax withholding and regulatory compliance worldwide. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 10 | Patriot Full Service Payroll Cost-effective payroll software that files all taxes on behalf of users with a 100% accuracy guarantee. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
Cloud-based payroll platform that automates complex tax calculations, filings, and compliance for businesses of all sizes.
Full-service payroll solution with expert-guided tax filing, payments, and multi-state compliance guarantees.
Intuitive payroll software that automatically handles federal, state, and local tax withholding and filings.
Integrated payroll tool for QuickBooks users that calculates taxes accurately and e-files forms effortlessly.
All-in-one HR and payroll system with automated multi-state and international tax compliance.
Modern payroll and HCM platform featuring real-time tax updates and automated compliance reporting.
Affordable payroll service guaranteeing accurate tax calculations, filings, and multi-state support.
Enterprise workforce management software with advanced global payroll tax processing and compliance.
Continuous payroll HCM solution delivering precise tax withholding and regulatory compliance worldwide.
Cost-effective payroll software that files all taxes on behalf of users with a 100% accuracy guarantee.
ADP RUN
enterpriseCloud-based payroll platform that automates complex tax calculations, filings, and compliance for businesses of all sizes.
ADP's TotalSource expertise for guaranteed on-time, accurate tax filings across multiple jurisdictions
ADP RUN is a leading cloud-based payroll solution from ADP that specializes in automating payroll processing, tax calculations, withholdings, and filings for businesses of all sizes. It ensures compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations through accurate computations and direct submissions to government agencies. The platform integrates HR management, time tracking, and benefits administration, providing a comprehensive suite for efficient workforce management.
Pros
- Exceptional tax compliance with automated federal, state, and local filings
- Scalable for small to enterprise-level businesses with robust integrations
- 24/7 U.S.-based support and guaranteed accuracy on tax calculations
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers can be costly for very small businesses
- Initial setup may require time for complex payroll configurations
- Limited customization options compared to niche tax software
Best For
Mid-sized businesses seeking reliable, all-in-one payroll tax management with expert-backed compliance.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month + $4-$11 per employee for Essential plan; scales to Enhanced ($79+/mo + per employee) and Complete ($119+/mo + per employee) with added features.
Paychex Flex
enterpriseFull-service payroll solution with expert-guided tax filing, payments, and multi-state compliance guarantees.
Worry-Free Compliance Guarantee, which covers penalties for tax filing errors caused by the software
Paychex Flex is a comprehensive payroll and HR platform from Paychex that specializes in automated payroll processing and tax management, handling federal, state, and local tax calculations, filings, and payments with high accuracy. It offers real-time compliance updates, year-end forms like W-2s and 1099s, and integration with benefits administration for a holistic solution. Designed for scalability, it supports businesses of all sizes with robust reporting and analytics to streamline tax-related tasks.
Pros
- Automated multi-jurisdictional tax filing and payments with guaranteed accuracy
- Seamless integration with HR, benefits, and time-tracking modules
- Dedicated support team and compliance experts for complex tax scenarios
Cons
- Higher cost for small businesses with minimal needs
- Initial setup requires data migration assistance
- Advanced custom reporting may need additional configuration
Best For
Mid-sized businesses seeking an all-in-one payroll tax solution with strong compliance guarantees and scalability.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at around $60/month base plus $5-$10 per employee/pay period; includes tax filing services.
Gusto
specializedIntuitive payroll software that automatically handles federal, state, and local tax withholding and filings.
Full-service automated tax filing and payments handled entirely on behalf of the employer in every US state
Gusto is an all-in-one payroll and HR platform that specializes in automating payroll processing, including accurate calculations, filing, and payments of federal, state, and local taxes for US businesses. It offers full-service tax compliance, employee self-onboarding, benefits administration, and time tracking integrated into a single dashboard. Primarily targeting small to medium-sized businesses, Gusto reduces manual errors and ensures regulatory adherence with minimal user intervention.
Pros
- Automated tax calculations, filing, and direct payments across all 50 states
- Intuitive interface with mobile app and employee self-service portal
- Seamless integration of payroll, HR, benefits, and time tracking
Cons
- Pricing increases significantly with employee count and add-ons
- Limited to US operations with no international payroll support
- Some premium features like next-day deposits incur extra fees
Best For
Small to medium-sized US businesses needing an easy-to-use, comprehensive payroll tax solution integrated with HR tools.
Pricing
Simple plan starts at $40/month base + $6/employee; Plus at $80/month + $12/employee; Premium is custom; add-ons for contractors, taxes, and benefits extra.
QuickBooks Payroll
specializedIntegrated payroll tool for QuickBooks users that calculates taxes accurately and e-files forms effortlessly.
Intuit-handled full-service tax filing and payments with a 100% accuracy guarantee and penalty protection.
QuickBooks Payroll, from Intuit, is a robust payroll solution designed to handle employee payments, tax withholdings, and compliance seamlessly within the QuickBooks ecosystem. It automates federal, state, and local tax calculations, filings, and payments, including W-2 and 1099 forms. Ideal for small to medium businesses, it ensures accuracy with Intuit's tax penalty protection guarantee.
Pros
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks Online for unified accounting and payroll
- Automatic tax calculations, filings, and payments with accuracy guarantee
- Fast direct deposits and unlimited payroll runs
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers required for advanced features like time tracking
- Per-employee fees can add up for larger teams
- Occasional customer support delays during tax season
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses using QuickBooks that need reliable, automated payroll tax compliance without in-house expertise.
Pricing
Core plan starts at $45/mo + $6/employee; Premium at $80/mo + $9/employee; Elite at $125/mo + $11/employee (billed annually).
Rippling
specializedAll-in-one HR and payroll system with automated multi-state and international tax compliance.
Global payroll engine with automated, localized tax compliance in 100+ countries
Rippling is an all-in-one HR, payroll, and IT platform that excels in automating payroll processing, including accurate tax calculations, withholdings, and multi-jurisdictional filings for US and global workforces. It ensures compliance with federal, state, and international tax regulations through real-time updates and seamless integrations. As a comprehensive solution, it goes beyond payroll taxes to handle onboarding, benefits, and employee management in one system.
Pros
- Automated tax filings and payments across 100+ countries
- Real-time compliance updates for changing tax laws
- Seamless integration with HR, benefits, and IT tools
Cons
- Pricing can be high for small businesses focused only on payroll taxes
- Initial setup and learning curve for complex configurations
- Overkill for companies needing standalone tax software without HR features
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise companies seeking an integrated HR-payroll platform with robust global tax compliance.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting at $8 per employee per month for core payroll/HR, with add-ons for global payroll and advanced features.
Paylocity
enterpriseModern payroll and HCM platform featuring real-time tax updates and automated compliance reporting.
Tax Compliance Guarantee, covering penalties and errors from their automated filings
Paylocity is a cloud-based HCM platform with robust payroll tax software that automates payroll processing, tax calculations, withholdings, and compliance filings across all 50 states. It handles W-2/1099 forms, quarterly/annual tax returns, and supports multi-jurisdictional payroll with real-time updates to tax tables. Integrated with HR, benefits, and time-tracking modules, it provides a unified solution for mid-sized businesses focused on accurate tax management.
Pros
- Automated multi-state tax compliance and e-filing
- Payroll accuracy guarantee with error handling
- Seamless integration with HR and benefits modules
Cons
- High cost for small businesses
- Initial setup requires significant configuration
- Pricing lacks transparency without a demo
Best For
Mid-sized businesses needing integrated payroll tax compliance within a full HCM suite.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $15-25 per employee per month plus base fees; no public tiers.
OnPay
specializedAffordable payroll service guaranteeing accurate tax calculations, filings, and multi-state support.
100% payroll tax accuracy guarantee, covering penalties if they make an error
OnPay is a full-service payroll software designed for small to medium-sized businesses, specializing in accurate payroll processing, tax calculations, filings, and payments across multiple states. It offers unlimited payroll runs, employee self-service portals, and seamless integrations with popular accounting tools like QuickBooks and Xero. The platform also handles benefits administration, new hire reporting, and 1099 filings, backed by a 100% accuracy guarantee on taxes.
Pros
- Unlimited payroll runs at no extra cost
- Automatic multi-state tax filings and payments with accuracy guarantee
- Excellent customer support with dedicated specialists
Cons
- Lacks built-in time tracking (requires integrations)
- Fewer advanced HR tools compared to enterprise solutions
- Onboarding can take time for complex setups
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking reliable, affordable payroll tax compliance without the hassle of manual filings.
Pricing
$40/month base fee + $6 per active employee; no setup or per-run fees.
UKG Pro
enterpriseEnterprise workforce management software with advanced global payroll tax processing and compliance.
Intelligent Tax Compliance Engine with real-time regulatory updates and automated error resolution
UKG Pro is a comprehensive HCM platform with robust payroll functionality, specializing in automated tax calculations, withholdings, and compliance for US federal, state, local, and international jurisdictions. It supports e-filing of forms like W-2s and 1099s, handles complex garnishments, and integrates with HR and timekeeping for seamless payroll tax management. Ideal for enterprises, it provides real-time compliance updates and audit-ready reporting to minimize errors and penalties.
Pros
- Superior multi-jurisdictional tax compliance and automated filings
- Seamless integration with HCM modules for end-to-end processing
- Proactive alerts for regulatory changes and audit support
Cons
- Steep implementation timeline and learning curve
- High enterprise-level pricing not suited for SMBs
- Customization requires professional services
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises with complex, multi-state or international payroll tax needs requiring integrated HCM solutions.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via quote; typically $20+ per employee/month, with minimums starting around $50,000 annually.
Dayforce
enterpriseContinuous payroll HCM solution delivering precise tax withholding and regulatory compliance worldwide.
Continuous Payroll Processing for daily, real-time tax calculations and compliance
Dayforce, from Ceridian, is a cloud-based HCM platform with robust payroll tax capabilities, automating complex tax calculations, withholdings, filings, and compliance across U.S. states, localities, and international jurisdictions. It supports multi-entity payroll with real-time updates to tax laws and generates forms like W-2s and 1099s effortlessly. Ideal for enterprises, it integrates payroll taxes with HR, benefits, and time management for end-to-end workforce operations.
Pros
- Advanced multi-jurisdictional tax compliance and automation
- Real-time tax law updates and accurate filings
- Seamless integration with full HCM suite
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup
- High cost unsuitable for small businesses
- Lengthy implementation timeline
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises needing integrated HCM with enterprise-grade payroll tax handling.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing, typically $10-20+ per employee/month depending on modules and scale.
Patriot Full Service Payroll
specializedCost-effective payroll software that files all taxes on behalf of users with a 100% accuracy guarantee.
We File or It's Free guarantee ensures accurate tax filings or the service is free for that period
Patriot Full Service Payroll is a cloud-based solution designed for small businesses, automating payroll processing, wage calculations, and tax withholdings. In full-service mode, it handles federal, state, and local tax filings, deposits, and new hire reporting on behalf of users. It supports unlimited payroll runs per month and offers direct deposit capabilities, making it suitable for straightforward payroll tax management.
Pros
- Handles all tax filings and deposits with a 'We File or It's Free' guarantee
- Affordable pricing with no contracts or setup fees
- Unlimited payroll runs and responsive customer support
Cons
- Limited advanced HR features and integrations
- Basic reporting lacks deep customization
- Interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
Best For
Small businesses seeking a hands-off, affordable solution for payroll tax compliance without dedicated accounting staff.
Pricing
Full Service starts at $37/month base + $4 per active employee/month; Basic Payroll from $17/month + $4/employee.
Conclusion
The reviewed payroll tax software provides reliable tools for tax management, with ADP RUN emerging as the top choice, known for automating complex calculations and ensuring compliance across various business sizes. Paychex Flex distinguishes itself with expert-guided support and multi-state guarantees, while Gusto stands out for its intuitive interface and seamless handling of federal, state, and local filings. Each option caters to unique needs, with the best fit depending on specific priorities.
For streamlined tax management, ADP RUN leads as the recommended solution—explore its features to simplify your tax processes.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison