GITNUXSOFTWARE ADVICE
Business FinanceTop 10 Best Single Touch Payroll Software of 2026
Roundup of single touch payroll software options, including Xero Payroll, with tradeoffs for payroll teams comparing fit and setup.
How we ranked these tools
Vendors set the topic, but our editors set the inclusion criteria and the evaluation framework before research starts.
Search agents gather the source set and the review record, including transcriptions of video reviews and podcasts.
Framework: Features 40% · Ease 30% · Value 30%
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Employment Hero is the best single-touch payroll pick for Australian mid-market teams because it keeps STP submissions closely tied to integrated HR records, so employee data stays event-ready without extra updates, whereas BambooHR suits HR-led teams since its employee data workflows help keep payroll inputs current for STP.
Editor’s top 3 picks
Three quick recommendations before you dive into the full comparison below — each one leads on a different dimension.
Employment Hero
Employment Hero STP payroll submissions with integrated HR records for event-ready employee data
Best for: Australian mid-market teams wanting integrated HR plus STP payroll workflows
BambooHR
Editor pickHR data capture workflows that keep payroll-ready fields current for STP processing
Best for: HR teams needing a single employee data system supporting STP through payroll integrations
Xero Payroll
Editor pickSingle Touch Payroll reporting integrated into Xero pay runs
Best for: Xero users needing STP payroll with connected accounting workflows
Comparison Table
Employment Hero
all-in-one HRISEmployment Hero combines HR and payroll capabilities to support Single Touch Payroll reporting workflows for Australian employers.
Employment Hero STP payroll submissions with integrated HR records for event-ready employee data
Employment Hero pairs HR management with Single Touch Payroll processing in one system, reducing rekeying between HR records and payroll runs. It supports payroll submissions and reporting for Australian STP requirements, alongside employee pay, leave, and onboarding workflows.
Strong HR-to-payroll data connections help keep staffing changes and employee details aligned for payroll events. The platform is best viewed as an integrated HR and payroll suite rather than a standalone payroll engine.
- +Tight HR and payroll data flow reduces manual updates and errors
- +Built-in STP reporting workflows support Australian payroll submission needs
- +Centralized leave and pay inputs streamline payroll event processing
- +Unified onboarding and HR records support cleaner payroll change management
- –Payroll setup can be time-consuming due to HR-payroll integration dependencies
- –Advanced payroll edge cases may require more configuration than specialists expect
- –Reporting breadth depends on disciplined HR data entry to stay consistent
Best for: Australian mid-market teams wanting integrated HR plus STP payroll workflows
BambooHR
HR data platformBambooHR centralizes employee HR data and supports payroll workflows that integrate with Single Touch Payroll requirements for Australian teams.
HR data capture workflows that keep payroll-ready fields current for STP processing
BambooHR stands out as an HRIS-first system that reduces payroll effort by centralizing employee data in one place. It supports payroll setup via integrations and partner workflows, then helps keep payroll inputs aligned through HR workflows like onboarding, job changes, and document management.
As a Single Touch Payroll workflow tool, it is strongest when used with a compatible payroll partner that handles STP reporting obligations, while BambooHR manages the HR source-of-truth. This approach minimizes re-keying but limits standalone STP reporting capabilities inside BambooHR itself.
- +Strong employee data management reduces payroll input errors
- +Easy HR workflows for onboarding and job changes
- +Document and change history helps audit payroll-relevant events
- –STP reporting relies on an external payroll integration
- –Limited visibility into STP submission status inside BambooHR
- –Payroll administration depends on partner capabilities and setup
Best for: HR teams needing a single employee data system supporting STP through payroll integrations
Xero Payroll
accounting-firstXero Payroll automates Australian payroll processing and Single Touch Payroll reporting inside the Xero accounting platform.
Single Touch Payroll reporting integrated into Xero pay runs
Xero Payroll stands out for combining payroll processing with Xero accounting data, which reduces manual rekeying for STP reporting. It supports end to end payroll workflows including employee onboarding, payslip generation, pay runs, and reporting in line with Australian Single Touch Payroll requirements.
The platform uses calculations and approvals inside Xero so payroll results can flow directly into your general ledger. It is best suited to users already committed to Xero’s accounting workflow where payroll and financial reporting stay connected.
- +Tight integration with Xero Accounting reduces rework between payroll and journals
- +Automated STP data submission supported through Xero payroll pay runs
- +Payslip creation and pay run controls in one place streamline monthly processing
- +Centralized employee records simplify updates to payroll-relevant details
- –Best experience depends on already using Xero accounting
- –Payroll complexity like complex allowances can require manual checking
- –Some edge cases may need extra admin effort versus specialized payroll tools
Best for: Xero users needing STP payroll with connected accounting workflows
QuickBooks Payroll
accounting-integratedQuickBooks Payroll supports payroll processing and Single Touch Payroll reporting for Australian employers.
Single Touch Payroll reporting during pay runs inside QuickBooks Payroll
QuickBooks Payroll stands out for tight integration with QuickBooks accounting workflows and payroll runs in one vendor ecosystem. It supports Single Touch Payroll reporting by transmitting ATO STP data during pay events and maintaining employee payment details for reporting.
- +QuickBooks integration streamlines payroll and accounting reconciliation
- +ATO STP reporting is handled during payroll pay events
- +Payslip delivery and payroll run workflow reduce manual effort
- –Advanced HR workflows and workforce management are limited
- –Pricing increases with additional users and payroll complexity
- –Some edge-case pay rules require extra setup work
Best for: Australian small businesses using QuickBooks who need STP-compliant payroll
Deputy
workforce managementDeputy manages timesheets and leave and helps teams route payroll inputs into Single Touch Payroll compliant payroll processing.
Time and leave data feeding payroll runs for STP-ready payroll event submissions
Deputy stands out with strong workforce management that extends beyond payroll into timesheets, leave, and rostering workflows. It supports Single Touch Payroll reporting by generating and submitting payroll events through its payroll features.
- +Payroll connects to timesheets, leave, and rostering to reduce rekeying
- +Built-in STP workflows streamline payroll event reporting from one system
- +Department and location structures support multi-site payroll processing
- +Automated pay run calculations reduce spreadsheet-driven error risk
- –Payroll setup complexity can be high for new or previously unstructured pay rules
- –Some advanced edge-case payroll scenarios require more manual attention
- –Reporting depth for compliance review is less flexible than dedicated reporting tools
Best for: Retail and services teams needing STP reporting tied to time and leave data
Payroller
SMB payrollPayroller provides Australian payroll processing with Single Touch Payroll reporting to keep employer obligations up to date.
Single Touch Payroll reporting generated directly from each processed pay run
Payroller stands out with payroll workflows built around Australian compliance needs and straight-through Single Touch Payroll reporting. It supports core payroll functions like pay runs, leave, and employee pay item management for lodging STP submissions.
- +STP reporting is built into the payroll workflow for each pay run
- +Leave and pay item handling supports common Australian payroll requirements
- +Employee management keeps payroll inputs centralized for processing
- –Payroll setup can take time when configuring pay items and rules
- –Limited visibility into advanced payroll analytics compared with top tools
- –More complex pay scenarios may require extra process steps
Best for: Australian payroll teams wanting STP processing with practical pay run administration
KeyPay
local payrollKeyPay delivers Australian payroll management with Single Touch Payroll reporting for small business employers.
Single Touch Payroll reporting built into each pay run workflow.
KeyPay stands out with fast payroll setup tailored to Australian Single Touch Payroll reporting and its clear payslip workflows. It supports employee management, pay runs, and STP reporting so you can lodge payroll updates through the STP process. It also focuses on practical compliance tasks like pay item handling and super reporting so day-to-day payroll stays within one system.
- +STP-ready payroll flows designed around Australian pay runs and reporting
- +Clean payslip and pay run workflow reduces time spent on rework
- +Employee and pay item management stays inside a single payroll system
- –Advanced automation and approvals are less comprehensive than top-ranked payroll platforms
- –Limited visibility into payroll analytics compared with broader HR suites
- –Add-on capabilities outside core payroll can require extra systems
Best for: Small to mid-size payroll teams needing STP compliance without heavy HR complexity
Payroll by Employment Hero
payroll add-onEmployment Hero payroll features support payroll calculations and Single Touch Payroll reporting for Australian employers.
Integrated Single Touch Payroll reporting generated directly from each pay run
Payroll by Employment Hero stands out with end-to-end payroll workflow tied to employment onboarding and HR data so payroll inputs stay consistent across systems. The solution supports Single Touch Payroll reporting by generating STP-ready payment and reporting information for each pay run.
- +STP reporting is built into pay runs to reduce manual compliance steps.
- +Payroll ties to HR and employee records to cut data re-entry.
- +Payslips and payroll reports are available from a centralized dashboard.
- +Pay run approvals and workflows help standardize payroll processing.
- –Payroll setup can be heavy if your workforce data sits outside Employment Hero.
- –Advanced payroll scenarios require careful configuration and testing.
- –Reporting depth for complex multi-award rules can feel limited versus specialist payroll tools.
- –User experience depends on clean master data across HR and payroll.
Best for: Australian teams using Employment Hero HR who want STP payroll automation
MYOB Payroll
payroll suiteMYOB Payroll provides payroll calculations and Single Touch Payroll reporting for businesses managing employees in Australia.
Single Touch Payroll reporting submitted during payroll runs
MYOB Payroll stands out by integrating payroll processing with the MYOB ecosystem for accounting and reporting workflows. It supports Single Touch Payroll reporting by submitting payroll events to the ATO as part of its payroll run process.
- +ATO Single Touch Payroll submissions generated from payroll runs
- +Strong leave and pay item management for compliant payroll processing
- +Reports align with common accounting and audit needs
- +Works well with MYOB accounting products to streamline workflows
- –Setup complexity can feel heavy for first-time payroll users
- –Feature coverage is best for existing MYOB users
- –Advanced payroll scenarios can require careful configuration
- –User experience is less streamlined than top payroll-first tools
Best for: MYOB users needing compliant Single Touch Payroll reporting and reporting automation
Basiq
payroll complianceBasiq offers Australia focused payroll operations that support Single Touch Payroll reporting as part of its compliance workflows.
Single Touch Payroll reporting that produces ATO-ready submissions from payroll runs
Basiq stands out for bringing Single Touch Payroll reporting into one workflow that connects payroll runs to ATO submissions. It supports end-to-end payroll processing with pay runs, payslips, and reporting so compliance output is generated as part of the payroll cycle.
- +Single Touch Payroll submission workflow tied to pay runs
- +Automated payslip and reporting generation from payroll events
- +Designed for payroll administration with employee and pay data centralization
- –Limited guidance for complex payroll edge cases without extra setup
- –Navigation can feel slower for frequent adjustments during a pay cycle
- –Advanced payroll customization may require more process work than expected
Best for: Small to mid-size payroll teams needing compliant STP reporting workflows
Conclusion
After evaluating 10 single touch payroll software, Employment Hero stands out as our overall top pick — it scored highest across our combined criteria of features, ease of use, and value, which is why it sits at #1 in the rankings above.
Use the comparison table and detailed reviews above to validate the fit against your own requirements before committing to a tool.
How to Choose the Right Single Touch Payroll Software
This buyer's guide section helps you choose Single Touch Payroll software by mapping core STP workflows to real product strengths in Xero Payroll, MYOB Payroll, QuickBooks Payroll, and eight other options. It covers key feature checklists, concrete decision steps, clear who-needs-what segments, and pricing patterns across the full set. You also get common mistakes drawn from recurring limitations in Deputy, BambooHR, and Payroller, plus an FAQ that points you to the best-fit tools for typical payroll scenarios.
What Is Single Touch Payroll Software?
Single Touch Payroll software helps Australian employers process payroll and submit STP data to the ATO as part of payroll events or pay runs. It reduces manual rekeying by generating STP-ready payment and reporting information from the same workflow where you calculate pays, leave, and deductions. Many businesses use these systems to standardize pay runs, maintain employee payment details for compliance reporting, and produce payslips and payroll reports from one controlled process. For example, Xero Payroll runs STP reporting inside Xero pay runs, while MYOB Payroll transmits STP data during payroll runs in the MYOB ecosystem.
Key Features to Look For
These features matter because STP accuracy depends on how payroll calculations, pay cycle controls, and submission-ready outputs connect end-to-end.
STP reporting generated inside pay runs
Look for STP reporting that is produced as part of each processed pay run so you avoid reformatting and manual upload steps. Xero Payroll generates Single Touch Payroll reporting integrated into Xero pay runs, and Payroller generates STP reporting directly from each processed pay run.
ATO submission workflows tied to payroll events
Choose tools that create STP submissions during the payroll process so submission timing matches pay event execution. MYOB Payroll submits payroll events to the ATO during its payroll run process, and QuickBooks Payroll handles STP reporting during pay events inside QuickBooks Payroll.
HR and payroll master data alignment
Pick software where employee records used for onboarding and job changes stay aligned with payroll inputs to prevent STP mismatches. Employment Hero keeps integrated HR records ready for event-ready employee data, and Employment Hero payroll ties payroll inputs to employment onboarding and HR data.
Centralized employee records with payroll-ready fields
Strong employee data capture reduces errors in employee updates that affect STP reporting. BambooHR focuses on HR data capture workflows that keep payroll-ready fields current for STP processing, and Basiq centralizes employee and pay data for payroll administration.
Time, leave, and rostering to payroll event data flow
If your payroll depends on time and absence inputs, you need time and leave feeding payroll runs without manual rekeying. Deputy connects payroll to timesheets, leave, and rostering to feed STP-ready payroll event submissions, and Deputy also reduces spreadsheet-driven error risk with automated pay run calculations.
Payslip creation and pay run controls in the same workflow
Ensure the system generates payslips and provides pay run controls in the same place as the STP output so you can verify payroll before submission. Xero Payroll streamlines payslip creation and pay run controls in one place, and KeyPay keeps clean payslip and pay run workflow inside one payroll system.
How to Choose the Right Single Touch Payroll Software
Pick the tool that matches your operational workflow by tracing where your employee data originates, where your payroll inputs are calculated, and where STP-ready outputs are produced.
Start with your accounting ecosystem and choose the matching STP payroll engine
If your core accounting workflow runs in Xero, Xero Payroll is a direct fit because it integrates payroll processing with Xero accounting data and keeps payroll results flowing into your general ledger. If your core accounting workflow runs in MYOB, choose MYOB Payroll because it submits STP data during payroll runs inside the MYOB ecosystem. If you run your accounting in QuickBooks, choose QuickBooks Payroll because STP reporting is handled during payroll pay events inside QuickBooks Payroll.
Map your employee source of truth to the system that owns STP-ready data
If HR is already managed inside BambooHR, use BambooHR to keep onboarding, job changes, and document workflows current, then connect to a compatible payroll partner that handles STP reporting. If your HR and workforce processes are managed inside Employment Hero, choose Employment Hero payroll or Payroll by Employment Hero because payroll calculations, payslips, pay run approvals, and STP reporting are centralized in one workspace. If your payroll inputs depend on structured time and absence records, choose Deputy because it links timesheets and leave into STP-ready payroll event submissions.
Check whether STP output is produced from each pay run
Select a tool where STP reporting is generated as part of the pay run workflow so every submission reflects the same calculations that produced payslips. Payroller and KeyPay both build Single Touch Payroll reporting directly into each pay run workflow, and Basiq produces ATO-ready submissions from payroll runs as part of the payroll cycle. Xero Payroll also integrates STP reporting into Xero pay runs so payroll and reporting stay connected.
Confirm how the tool handles leave, pay items, and compliance inputs
MYOB Payroll is strong for leave and pay item management with compliant payroll processing, which matters when leave types must map cleanly into STP reporting. KeyPay and Payroller also focus on leave and pay item handling for common Australian payroll requirements. If your pay rules depend on multiple inputs like time and absence, Deputy supports pay run calculations linked to time and leave data to reduce manual handling.
Evaluate setup effort for your current complexity and workforce structure
If your setup requires complex rules and edge cases, test payroll scenarios because Xero Payroll can require manual checking for complex allowances, and Deputy can require manual attention for advanced edge-case scenarios. If you are adopting a payroll tool for the first time, MYOB Payroll can feel heavy to set up and Payroller can take time configuring pay items and rules. If you need multi-site structures, Deputy includes department and location structures to support multi-site payroll processing.
Who Needs Single Touch Payroll Software?
Single Touch Payroll software fits teams that must run payroll accurately and generate STP-compliant submissions from controlled pay run workflows.
Xero-first businesses that want STP with accounting continuity
Xero Payroll is the best fit for users already committed to Xero because Single Touch Payroll reporting is integrated into Xero pay runs and payroll results can flow directly into general ledger. This approach reduces rework between payroll and journals compared with payroll-only tools like Payroller that focus on STP processing inside payroll workflows rather than accounting-native reporting.
MYOB users who need compliant STP submissions during payroll runs
MYOB Payroll is designed for businesses managing employees in Australia within the MYOB ecosystem, with STP submissions generated from its payroll runs. MYOB Payroll also emphasizes leave and pay item management and supports award and leave setup workflows to reduce manual configuration during payroll cycles.
QuickBooks users running payroll from within QuickBooks
QuickBooks Payroll is best for Australian small businesses using QuickBooks because STP reporting is handled during pay events inside QuickBooks Payroll. This keeps payroll reconciliation tighter for teams that want payroll processing, payslip delivery, and year-end reporting tied to their tax obligations.
Retail and services teams where time and leave drive payroll
Deputy is built for retail and services teams that need STP reporting tied to time and absence data. Deputy links payroll to timesheets, leave, and rostering and routes those inputs into STP-ready payroll event submissions so teams avoid spreadsheet-driven error risk.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Common pitfalls across these tools come from mismatches between your HR source of truth and your payroll calculations or from underestimating setup complexity for real pay rules.
Choosing HR-first software that does not own STP output
BambooHR centralizes employee data and improves onboarding and job change workflows, but its STP reporting relies on an external payroll integration rather than standalone STP submission inside BambooHR. If STP submission ownership must sit in one system, choose Xero Payroll or MYOB Payroll because STP reporting is integrated into their pay run workflows.
Rekeying time and leave data instead of feeding payroll runs
If your rostered time and leave drive payroll, manual copy-paste creates error risk and slow pay cycles, which Deputy is designed to reduce by linking timesheets, leave, and rostering into STP-ready payroll event submissions. For teams without time and leave-driven payroll, tools like KeyPay keep workflows focused on pay runs and pay item handling instead of workforce scheduling depth.
Underplanning for complex allowances and advanced edge cases
Xero Payroll can require manual checking for complex allowances, and Deputy can require more manual attention for advanced edge-case payroll scenarios. Before committing, run your hardest allowance and pay-rule scenarios through the payroll engine you plan to use, such as Xero Payroll or Deputy, and compare operational effort versus tools like Payroller that prioritize practical STP processing with less compliance review flexibility.
Treating STP output as a separate reporting step
Tools that generate STP reporting directly from each processed pay run reduce manual compliance steps, while setups that depend on separate processes increase reformatting work. Choose Payroller, KeyPay, Basiq, or Xero Payroll because Single Touch Payroll reporting is built into the pay cycle rather than bolted on afterward.
How We Selected and Ranked These Tools
We evaluated Xero Payroll, MYOB Payroll, QuickBooks Payroll, BambooHR, Deputy, Employment Hero, Payroller, KeyPay, Basiq, and Payroll by Employment Hero by scoring overall capability, feature coverage, ease of use, and value. We prioritized tools that create STP-ready outputs from the same workflow that calculates payroll and produces payslips and pay run controls, because that connection directly reduces manual rework. Xero Payroll separated itself by integrating Single Touch Payroll reporting into Xero pay runs and connecting payroll results to Xero accounting workflows, which is a stronger end-to-end experience than tools that focus primarily on STP inside payroll without accounting-native flow. Lower-ranked options still support STP submissions through pay run workflows, but we placed more weight on how tightly STP reporting is coupled to pay run execution and how smoothly teams can operate with minimal manual checking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Single Touch Payroll Software
Which single vendor option best reduces re-keying for STP because payroll results connect to your accounting system?
What should a MYOB user choose if the main goal is STP submissions during the payroll run process?
If your team already tracks employees and HR changes in HR software, which tool is most suited to HR-to-STP data capture?
Which option is best when time, leave, and rostering inputs need to feed payroll events used for STP?
Which payroll tool is a strong fit for retail and services teams that want STP reporting tied to day-to-day workforce inputs?
Are there any free Single Touch Payroll options among these tools?
What pricing pattern should you expect across these STP platforms for per-user costs and billing cadence?
What common problem should teams plan for if their payroll setup is complex and their chosen ecosystem is process-dependent?
Which tool is best to start with if you want STP reporting produced directly from each pay run workflow?
How should you choose between Employment Hero and Payroll by Employment Hero when you want end-to-end HR consistency feeding STP?
Tools reviewed
Primary sources checked during evaluation.
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.
Funding and competing interests
This study was co-funded by several of the vendors assessed in it. No single vendor funded it. Funders could propose the market studied.
They had no role in selecting vendors, setting or weighting criteria, analysing data or drawing conclusions, and they received the same factual-accuracy check as every other vendor assessed.
Market definition, inclusion rules and criteria weights were fixed by an editor before research began and did not change afterwards. Editorial process →
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