GITNUXSOFTWARE ADVICE
Business FinanceTop 10 Best Single Touch Payroll Software of 2026
How we ranked these tools
Core product claims cross-referenced against official documentation, changelogs, and independent technical reviews.
Analyzed video reviews and hundreds of written evaluations to capture real-world user experiences with each tool.
AI persona simulations modeled how different user types would experience each tool across common use cases and workflows.
Final rankings reviewed and approved by our editorial team with authority to override AI-generated scores based on domain expertise.
Score: Features 40% · Ease 30% · Value 30%
Gitnux may earn a commission through links on this page — this does not influence rankings. Editorial policy
Editor’s top 3 picks
Three quick recommendations before you dive into the full comparison below — each one leads on a different dimension.
Xero Payroll
Single Touch Payroll reporting integrated into Xero pay runs
Built for xero users needing STP payroll with connected accounting workflows.
Basiq
Single Touch Payroll reporting that produces ATO-ready submissions from payroll runs
Built for small to mid-size payroll teams needing compliant STP reporting workflows.
QuickBooks Payroll
Single Touch Payroll reporting during pay runs inside QuickBooks Payroll
Built for australian small businesses using QuickBooks who need STP-compliant payroll.
Comparison Table
This comparison table evaluates single touch payroll software options including Xero Payroll, MYOB Payroll, QuickBooks Payroll, BambooHR, and Deputy. You will see how each platform handles payroll processing, employee and reporting workflows, and integrations with accounting and HR systems so you can match features to your operating needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Xero Payroll Xero Payroll automates Australian payroll processing and Single Touch Payroll reporting inside the Xero accounting platform. | accounting-first | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 2 | MYOB Payroll MYOB Payroll provides payroll calculations and Single Touch Payroll reporting for businesses managing employees in Australia. | payroll suite | 7.9/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 3 | QuickBooks Payroll QuickBooks Payroll supports payroll processing and Single Touch Payroll reporting for Australian employers. | accounting-integrated | 8.0/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 4 | BambooHR BambooHR centralizes employee HR data and supports payroll workflows that integrate with Single Touch Payroll requirements for Australian teams. | HR data platform | 7.4/10 | 7.0/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 5 | Deputy Deputy manages timesheets and leave and helps teams route payroll inputs into Single Touch Payroll compliant payroll processing. | workforce management | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 6 | Employment Hero Employment Hero combines HR and payroll capabilities to support Single Touch Payroll reporting workflows for Australian employers. | all-in-one HRIS | 7.7/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.1/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | Payroller Payroller provides Australian payroll processing with Single Touch Payroll reporting to keep employer obligations up to date. | SMB payroll | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.1/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 8 | KeyPay KeyPay delivers Australian payroll management with Single Touch Payroll reporting for small business employers. | local payroll | 7.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.3/10 |
| 9 | Basiq Basiq offers Australia focused payroll operations that support Single Touch Payroll reporting as part of its compliance workflows. | payroll compliance | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 10 | Payroll by Employment Hero Employment Hero payroll features support payroll calculations and Single Touch Payroll reporting for Australian employers. | payroll add-on | 6.8/10 | 7.1/10 | 7.0/10 | 6.5/10 |
Xero Payroll automates Australian payroll processing and Single Touch Payroll reporting inside the Xero accounting platform.
MYOB Payroll provides payroll calculations and Single Touch Payroll reporting for businesses managing employees in Australia.
QuickBooks Payroll supports payroll processing and Single Touch Payroll reporting for Australian employers.
BambooHR centralizes employee HR data and supports payroll workflows that integrate with Single Touch Payroll requirements for Australian teams.
Deputy manages timesheets and leave and helps teams route payroll inputs into Single Touch Payroll compliant payroll processing.
Employment Hero combines HR and payroll capabilities to support Single Touch Payroll reporting workflows for Australian employers.
Payroller provides Australian payroll processing with Single Touch Payroll reporting to keep employer obligations up to date.
KeyPay delivers Australian payroll management with Single Touch Payroll reporting for small business employers.
Basiq offers Australia focused payroll operations that support Single Touch Payroll reporting as part of its compliance workflows.
Employment Hero payroll features support payroll calculations and Single Touch Payroll reporting for Australian employers.
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.
Pros
- 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
Cons
- 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
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. Core capabilities include calculating PAYG withholding, producing employee pay summaries, managing leave and pay items, and generating compliant payroll reports. It also supports award and leave setup workflows that reduce manual configuration during payroll cycles.
Pros
- 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
Cons
- 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
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. Core tools include payroll processing, payslip delivery, superannuation calculations, and year-end reporting tied to tax obligations. The main friction for larger or complex payroll setups is reliance on QuickBooks processes rather than advanced HR and workforce management features.
Pros
- 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
Cons
- 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
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.
Pros
- 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
Cons
- 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
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. You can link payroll calculations to employee time and absence inputs to reduce manual data handling. Reporting and compliance workflows are built into the payroll process rather than as separate add-ons.
Pros
- 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
Cons
- 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
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.
Pros
- 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
Cons
- 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
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. The platform focuses on making updates to earnings and deductions flow into each pay cycle without manual reformatting. For teams that want payroll operations in one place, it balances compliance handling with practical payroll administration tools.
Pros
- 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
Cons
- 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.
Pros
- 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
Cons
- 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
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. The system is built for teams that want fewer manual steps between payroll preparation and STP data submission. It also focuses on streamlined onboarding for payroll administrators managing multiple employees and pay events.
Pros
- 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
Cons
- 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
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. It also centralizes payroll calculations, payslips, pay run approvals, and payroll reporting in one workspace to reduce manual rekeying. The platform is strongest when you already run HR and workforce processes inside Employment Hero.
Pros
- 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.
Cons
- 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
Conclusion
After evaluating 10 business finance, Xero Payroll 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.
Pricing: What to Expect
None of the listed products offer a free plan, including MYOB Payroll, QuickBooks Payroll, BambooHR, Deputy, Employment Hero, Payroller, KeyPay, Basiq, and Payroll by Employment Hero. Xero Payroll and every other top tool except Xero lists paid plans starting at $8 per user monthly with annual billing. Xero Payroll starts at $8 per user monthly billed annually and then depends on your Xero package and add-ons. QuickBooks Payroll, Deputy, Employment Hero, Payroller, KeyPay, Basiq, and the Employment Hero payroll options all start at $8 per user monthly and increase with tier depth and deployment size. Enterprise pricing is available on request for Xero Payroll, MYOB Payroll, QuickBooks Payroll, BambooHR, Deputy, Employment Hero, Payroller, KeyPay, Basiq, and Payroll by Employment Hero.
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?
Xero Payroll is designed to flow payroll results into Xero workflows so pay runs can carry STP output into your general ledger process. QuickBooks Payroll does the same within the QuickBooks ecosystem by transmitting STP data during pay events and keeping employee payment details aligned for reporting.
What should a MYOB user choose if the main goal is STP submissions during the payroll run process?
MYOB Payroll submits payroll events to the ATO as part of its payroll run process, which keeps STP reporting tied to the same cycle that calculates PAYG withholding and generates pay summaries. This approach reduces separate compliance steps compared with tools that rely on a different reporting partner.
If your team already tracks employees and HR changes in HR software, which tool is most suited to HR-to-STP data capture?
BambooHR works best when it is your employee data source-of-truth and payroll STP reporting is handled through a compatible payroll partner. Employment Hero also ties HR-to-payroll data connections to STP submissions so staffing changes and employee details stay event-ready inside one integrated suite.
Which option is best when time, leave, and rostering inputs need to feed payroll events used for STP?
Deputy generates and submits STP payroll events through its payroll features while linking payroll calculations to timesheets, leave, and absence inputs. Deputy is built to keep those compliance-relevant data flows inside the payroll process rather than requiring separate manual exports.
Which payroll tool is a strong fit for retail and services teams that want STP reporting tied to day-to-day workforce inputs?
Deputy is positioned for retail and services because it combines workforce management workflows like timesheets, leave, and rostering with STP-ready payroll event submissions. Employment Hero can also fit mid-market workforce operations, but Deputy’s time and absence linkage is the most direct match for STP event preparation from scheduling data.
Are there any free Single Touch Payroll options among these tools?
None of the listed tools offer a free plan, including MYOB Payroll, QuickBooks Payroll, and KeyPay. Xero Payroll, Deputy, and the other options start paid plans at $8 per user monthly with annual billing, so you budget from the start.
What pricing pattern should you expect across these STP platforms for per-user costs and billing cadence?
Xero Payroll starts at $8 per user monthly billed annually, and QuickBooks Payroll starts at $8 per user monthly billed annually. Deputy, Employment Hero, Payroller, KeyPay, Basiq, and Payroll by Employment Hero also start paid plans at $8 per user monthly with annual billing, while enterprise pricing is available on request for larger deployments.
What common problem should teams plan for if their payroll setup is complex and their chosen ecosystem is process-dependent?
QuickBooks Payroll can be limiting for larger or complex payroll setups because it relies more on QuickBooks processes than advanced HR and workforce management features. If your workflows depend heavily on workforce scheduling data and HR-driven approvals, Deputy or Employment Hero may reduce that friction by keeping time and HR records aligned with payroll event generation for STP.
Which tool is best to start with if you want STP reporting produced directly from each pay run workflow?
KeyPay builds STP reporting into each pay run workflow so lodging-ready outputs come from the same operational steps you use to process payroll. Basiq and Payroller also produce STP reporting as part of end-to-end payroll cycles, with Basiq connecting pay runs and payslips to ATO-ready submissions and Payroller generating STP reporting directly from each processed pay run.
How should you choose between Employment Hero and Payroll by Employment Hero when you want end-to-end HR consistency feeding STP?
Employment Hero pairs HR management with STP payroll processing in one system so payroll submissions use integrated HR records for event-ready employee data. Payroll by Employment Hero is strongest when you already run HR and workforce processes inside Employment Hero, because it centralizes payroll calculations, approvals, payslips, and STP-ready reporting in one workspace.
Tools reviewed
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.
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