Final Verdict:

6 Best Apps to Simplify your Payroll Process in the US

Jibble is a cloud-based platform that offers a comprehensive solution for both payroll and work hours tracking. Jibble’s payroll hours tracker comes equipped with clock-in/out functionality on multiple platforms, automated calculations, and advanced reporting. Employers have the flexibility to set up pay period time frames, ensuring accurate employee payments based on the tracked time within the designated period.

The tracking of hours can be categorized by activity, project, or client, which proves advantageous for billing purposes and gaining valuable insights into time allocation. Utilizing various filters, attendance patterns can be easily identified, enabling improved attendance management.

Tracking employee time is seamless and accessible on mobile, desktop, or tablet devices, accommodating different work settings like on-site, remote, or in-store. For larger teams, managers can approve calculated payroll hours through the approvals feature before processing payroll. Moreover, the work hours tracker allows customization of overtime payments based on specific settings such as minimum time worked or breaks.

Now, Jibble’s payroll tracker doesn’t provide extended payroll capabilities such as tax filing or direct deposit. However, it does offer swift integrations with various payroll applications for a swift process.

Payroll-ready timesheets can easily be exported in Excel or CSV format for reporting, billing, productivity management, and additional payroll calculations. Furthermore, the timesheets and reports can be easily integrated with existing payroll or accounting software using Jibble’s open API.

Gusto, formerly known as ZenPayroll, is a comprehensive payroll software based in California. It automates payroll calculations, tax filings, and direct deposits, and offers features like employee benefits and time tracking for streamlined HR management.

Gusto calculates and files taxes with government agencies without additional charges and provides resources for state tax registration for employees while monitoring tax law changes and managing compliance tasks like storing and organizing I-9s, W-2s, and contractor 1099s online. It also syncs various features seamlessly with payroll, including health insurance,  401(k), workers’ comp, and time tracking, making it a convenient all-in-one solution.

Gusto also facilitates contractor payments in over 120 countries and allows employees to access their funds through Gusto Wallet and the Gusto debit card for efficient financial management. However, while it offers expert support and transparent pricing, downsides of the platform include higher pricing compared to other providers and limited customer support. Additionally, although a free demo is offered, there is no free trial option, and cancellations may impact ongoing payroll and tax filings depending on timing.

ADP Mobile Solutions, based in New Jersey, is a comprehensive payroll and human capital management (HCM) platform that offers seamless integration of direct deposit and mobile payroll with time and attendance tracking. It enables businesses to efficiently manage their payroll taxes by automating deductions from employee wages and ensuring compliance with the latest tax regulations. Employees can conveniently access their payroll information, benefits, pay statements, and manage time off through the mobile app. The platform also includes employee self-service portals, benefits administration, and customizable interfaces.

Additionally, the software handles IRS inquiries, manages state unemployment insurance (SUI), and automates payroll processing with autopilot functionality. It further streamlines reporting tasks and automates the creation and distribution of Forms W-2 and 1099. Users can also view Wisely by ADP® pay card balances and transactions conveniently.

Despite all that it has to offer, those intrigued and interested in ADP payroll would find it extremely frustrating to obtain clear pricing and understand the total cost of the software due to the complex quotation process involving multiple pages and disclaimers. Additionally, the Essential plan’s base fee is suggested to be at $79 per month, and users who managed to get a quotation mention an additional $4 per employee, which is considered quite steep. The customer service provided also may not fully meet users’ expectations considering all the software offerings.

QuickBooks Payroll is a cloud-based payroll solution offered by the famous accounting software Intuit. Integrated into the renowned QuickBooks accounting software headquartered California, it simplifies payroll management. Tailored for small to midsize businesses, it provides same-day direct deposit and auto taxes and forms to calculate, file, and pay payroll taxes seamlessly. The software also provides customizable payroll reports covering multiple worksites, deductions, tax liability, and time activities along with time tracking, approving timesheets, and creating invoices on the go as well as easy creation and e-filing of 1099-MISC and 1099-NEC forms.

A standout feature of QuickBooks Payroll is the tax penalty protection that offers up to $25,000 coverage to businesses in case of penalties for added peace of mind. Further, the software boasts 24/7 expert support and through collaboration with Mineral, Inc., offers additional assistance and HR resources. Workers’ comp coverage options are offered with AP Intego, medical, dental, and vision insurance packages through SimplyInsured, and retirement plans with Guideline enhance employee benefits.

That being said, the software does encounter occasional glitches and customer support is frequently called out for being non-responsive. And while QuickBooks payroll efficiently handles federal, state, and local taxes, automation is available only for state and federal taxes. Also, the least expensive version of the software, at $45 per month plus $5 per employee per month, can be a significant expense for small businesses.

Patriot Payroll is a comprehensive and affordable human resource (HR) and payroll management solution, from Patriot Software. This software is particularly good for simplifying payroll processing for small businesses ranging from 1 to 500 employees and serves a diverse range of industries, including distribution, retail, engineering, maintenance/field service, and others. It accurately calculates wages, taxes, and deductions, streamlining payment procedures. The software offers direct deposit options and ensures compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations.

Employees can access their pay stubs and W-2s through the employee self-service portal. Patriot Payroll’s basic and full-service options include a suite of built-in reports, though not customizable. The software also provides time and attendance tracking features to monitor employee work hours. Businesses can generate various payroll reports for informed decision-making and have access to free USA-based support.

However, I must say that for Patriot’s as an HR solution, the absence of an HR add-on is quite a miss as it forces users to make a separate purchase for that functionality. Patriot also does not handle the administration of employee benefits with external providers, such as health insurance companies or 401(k) providers.

Furthermore, there are additional fees associated with Patriot’s basic payroll software. Users are required to pay a fee for e-filing 1099 forms and small businesses filing taxes in multiple states incur an extra cost of $12 per month, per state, for additional state tax filings. These fees can become a concern for businesses with specific needs or multiple contractors.

Patriot Payroll is a comprehensive and affordable human resource (HR) and payroll management solution, from Patriot Software. This software is particularly good for simplifying payroll processing for small businesses ranging from 1 to 500 employees and serves a diverse range of industries, including distribution, retail, engineering, maintenance/field service, and others. It accurately calculates wages, taxes, and deductions, streamlining payment procedures. The software offers direct deposit options and ensures compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations.

Employees can access their pay stubs and W-2s through the employee self-service portal. Patriot Payroll’s basic and full-service options include a suite of built-in reports, though not customizable. The software also provides time and attendance tracking features to monitor employee work hours. Businesses can generate various payroll reports for informed decision-making and have access to free USA-based support.

However, I must say that for Patriot’s as an HR solution, the absence of an HR add-on is quite a miss as it forces users to make a separate purchase for that functionality. Patriot also does not handle the administration of employee benefits with external providers, such as health insurance companies or 401(k) providers.

Furthermore, there are additional fees associated with Patriot’s basic payroll software. Users are required to pay a fee for e-filing 1099 forms and small businesses filing taxes in multiple states incur an extra cost of $12 per month, per state, for additional state tax filings. These fees can become a concern for businesses with specific needs or multiple contractors.