Best Payroll Software Review
#1 QuickBooks Pro 2012                                                              
Review date: 01.02.2012

Description:

In 2012, payroll is a more challenging service than ever before. The latest version of Quickbooks enables you to automatically calculate earnings, deductions and net pay. It provides the option of direct deposit (fees apply). Moreover, you can switch to Basic Payroll in the middle of the year.

Screenshots

Price:

$183.96

Advanced Features:

  • Phone support
  • Convenient and easy to use
  • Instantly calculate payroll taxes
  • All-in-one solution. Online help system
  • Payroll knowledge base
  • Step-by step guide
  • Requires QuickBooks 2008 or newer
  • Updates for payroll tax rates via Internet
  • Generates paychecks
  • Direct deposit ($1.25 per paycheck)
  • Handles many deductions (medical insurance)

Review:

Best of all, you can create and print paychecks right from your computer. The software offers automatic payroll tax and deduction calculations. Offers knowledge base 24/7.
  • You can use convenient direct deposit. Includes batch invoicing.
  • Run customizable reports anytime.
  • Ability to share information with your accountant and generate payroll reports.
  • Flexibility accommodates any combination of taxes, deductions.
  • Suitable for any type of business.
  • Helps you complete your entire payroll in just a few clicks.
  • You can easily add more employees as your business grows.
  • It calculates and prints most federal forms (941 included) and automatically filled preprinted W-2.
  • Requires an annual payroll subscription, Federal Employer Identification Number and Internet access.
In addition, QuickBooks Pro 2012 enables to support a maximum of 14,500 employees and customers. May slow when processing files containing more than 100 employees. The program enables to save you time by giving you the tools to get your payroll done right.

#2 Sage Abra Payroll                                                                    
Review date: 01.05.2012

Description:

Sage Abra Payroll streamlines the entire payroll process by making it easier to produce paychecks on demand, run trial payrolls, make last minute changes. In addition, it offers highly robust tax management features, including automatic quarterly updates of tax tables and electronic media reporting for all states.

Screenshots

Price:

Free Demo

Advanced Features:

  • Flexible payroll processing
  • Web-based benefits
  • Multiple user-defined pay groups
  • Records and Applies Deductions
  • Simplified Payroll Processing
  • Earnings and Deductions
  • Check Printing
  • U.S. Tax Management, Reporting
  • Canada Edition available

Review:

Best of all, you get hassle-free, time-saving Web-based payroll processing that's also affordable.
  • Over 2000 local tax jurisdictions and disability taxes. U.S. Edition only.
  • Each configuration can be extended with additional functionality.
  • Delivers a full range of tax management capabilities.
  • Comes with up-to-date federal and state taxes.
  • In addition to HR data, employees can view a variety of payroll information, including pay stubs.
  • Set up unlimited earnings and deduction codes with an easy-to-use set-up wizard.
  • Make last minute changes without any worry. Provides you with access to pre-recorded, instructor-led session.
In addition, Sage Payroll Paycard is a Visa payroll debit card utilized to pay employees who do not have a bank account. It reduces employee's costs by eliminating expensive check cashing fees. This program works exactly as any other direct deposit transaction and requires no additional software or hardware. Offers a comprehensive range of tax management capabilities. The program comes with Crystal Reports reporting options.

#3 Cyma Accounting Software - Payroll Module                         
Review date: 01.20.2012

Description:

The Payroll module is fully integrated with the CYMA General Ledger. Each reports can be saved in PDF format. Offers check printing capabilities and encryption of social security numbers. Ability to generate tax liability invoices.

Screenshots

Price:

From $995.00

Software Summary:

This personnel management tool enables also to process payroll in-house.

Main Features:

  • Multiple bank accounts
  • Supports all 50 states
  • Union due and local tax
  • Pay selected employees
  • EFT direct deposits
  • Fixed departmentalization
  • 1099 printing

Review:

This add-on module allows you to manage payroll for any departments. Supports unlimited employee and companies and includes electronic filling.
  • Offers filter methods.
  • Ability to set up unlimited deduction forms.
  • Each employee data can be imported from spreadsheets.
  • The module alows you to perform all calculations in real-time .
  • You can print forms W-3, FUTA 940, 941
  • Supports all the normal PAYE functions with links to time and attendance and accounting.
  • Includes cafeteria and 401k plans.
Note: obligatory annual maintenance fee

#4 12PAY                                                                                         
Review date: 01.20.2012

Description:

Designed for small and medium sized employers, the 12Pay product enables to save time managing payroll tasks. The program can be configured to suit the individual needs of your business. In addtion to that, this cost-effective solution allows you to make changes to previous wage periods easily.

Screenshots

Price:

Free demo

Software Summary:

Enables to run payrolls that pay CIS contractors.


Main Features:

  • No special stationery required
  • Runs on your PC
  • Trial pay calculations
  • You can print your own logo on payslips
  • Simple report writer
  • Net pay report

Review:

Moreover, you can import of new employees from Excel spreadsheet. Can be integrated with KashFlow bookkeeping software.
  • Statutory absence calendar for each employee.
  • The software has an option to pay SSP.
  • Company names are limited to 35 characters.
  • Provides unlimited number of deductions per employee or regular payments.
Runs for all types of businesses in the United Kingdom.

#5 Medlin Payroll Software                                                         
Review date: 01.20.2012

Description:

The latest version of Medlin Payroll with current federal and state tax tables. Besides, it can be used in after the fact mode for recording payroll entries.

Screenshots

Price:

From $50 per tax year

Software Summary:

A software solution for small to medium-sized companies. Offers paycheck tools to employers.

Advanced Features:

  • Built-in state withholding calculations
  • Free download and trial
  • Automatic Tax Computations
  • All payroll frequencies are allowed
  • No monthly fees
  • Departmental costings
  • Prints Payroll Check Listing
  • Enhanced Software History Cleaner
  • State withholding payroll tax calculations
  • Free sample forms

Review:

Best of all, revisions are cumulative. Therefore, the revised payroll program can be downloaded at no additional cost.
  • Enables to store up to 5000 employees per employer.
  • Handles hourly payroll, salary, overtime.
  • The main sections of the software are accessed by clicking the horizontal menu at the top of the interface.
  • It allows you to create ACH format file for direct.
  • Significantly improve business processes with sophisticated workflow features.
  • Medlin Payroll Software is $50 per tax year with no monthly fees.
  • Can be run as a stand alone program. Prints Federal 941, 941B, and 940 payroll forms.
  • Allows a maximum of 5000 employees, per client/business.
  • Can be used in after the fact mode for recording payroll entries.
  • The Direct Deposit selection creates a special file called an "ACH" (Automated Clearing House) file.
  • Allows editing of all Transactions in the current and prior year.
Medlin Payroll runs on your computer. The check numbers for direct deposited paychecks are changed automatically to "D Dep" when the direct deposit file is created. Overall, it is designed to fill in pre-printed check forms (which have your company and banking information pre-printed on the form).

#6 Zpay Payroll Systems                                                            
Review date: 01.10.2012

Description:

This software comes with the Federal and State tax tables included and you can actually edit them yourself. Best of all, no accounting knowledge is required to be performing your own payroll in minutes. Includes a free 30-day trial.

Screenshots

Price:

$89.95

Everyone gets a backup CD. For first time purchasers of PayWindow.

Main Features:

  • Online tutorials
  • Multiple state withholding available
  • Payroll history reports
  • Tax liability report
  • Report Export Formats
  • Cost accounting reports
  • Direct Deposit
  • Wage reports for Month
  • Runs under Windows NT and Vista

Review:

  • User friendly interface and Windows menus
  • Enables you to save time performing your payroll.
  • PayWindow Payroll System is accounting and finance software.
  • Pay your employees automatically with a true ACH file to send to your bank.
  • Actually prints Annual 944 and 940 reports on plain paper.
  • Employer's Totals Report. The information is stored each time you perform a payroll.
  • PayWindow tracks Vacation with Portrait and Landscape employee reports.
  • Unlimited Payroll Employees.
  • Includes updated Federal and State Withholding tax tables and forms.
  • Detailed Payroll History Reports.
This application requires MS Jet engine and MDAC installed. Besides the code in email, everyone gets a backup CD. Annual upgrade ($35 each year). Even exports for GL importing and other programs like QuickBooks.
#7 Pensoft Payroll Edition                                                         
Review date: 01.10.2012

Description:

This complete payroll software generates comprehensive reports for any small to midsize businesses. Moreover, you can get information about the latest changes in tax rates and filing requirements.

Screenshots

Price:

From $249.00

Software Summary:

The payroll processor retrieves and processes the data when

Main Features:

  • Unique setup information
  • Free unlimited Program Support
  • Generates Direct Deposit File
  • Imports Employee Information
  • Automatic Tax Computations
  • Timesheet Payroll and job costing
  • Free trial

Review:

The payroll processor's clients download and install the remote client application to gain access to PenSoft's secure site.
  • Enables to accommodate multiple companies.
  • Set up and use paydate reports, tax reports, summary reports, management reports.
  • Pay frequencies, bonuses, commissions, other out-of-cycle payments.
  • Set check printing options, handle multiple checking accounts, signature files.
  • Safeguard payroll data with other software packages.
  • Internal tax tables are maintained and updated throughout the year to ensure accurate payroll processing.
  • Automates payroll for any business.
In a nutshell, this application accommodates any combination of incomes, deductions, taxes, benefits, and vacation, as well as hundreds of reports, including many user defined reports. In addition, you may export your payroll information to accounting software and import from compatible timeclock.
#8 Payroll Mate 2012                                                                   
Review date: 01.06.2012

Description:

Payroll Mate's multi purpose main window allows users to manage paychecks, employee records, reports, forms and company information. Besides, you can use the free evaluation to setup an actual company with actual employees, create and print checks and pay stubs. Moreover, forms are periodically updated throughout the current year.

Screenshots

Price:

$99.00

Software Summary:

Automatically calculating taxes and deductions and year to date values.

Main Features:

  • Works on Windows 32-bit/64-bit system
  • Meets IRS and SSA regulations
  • Automatically calculates net pay, federal tax
  • Prepares payroll forms 941, 944, 940, W2, W3
  • Displays the existing employees in the company
  • Prepare print checks and payroll

Review:

Besides, you can use this Payroll Software to custom add housing allowance for clergy employees.
  • Handles Form 941 adjustments in a unique way from any other payroll software.
  • Allows you to create an unlimited number of fully customizable income.
  • Supports user-defined income, tax, and deduction categories.
  • You can easily create new payroll checks or view already created ones for any employee.
Overall, you can export your reports to Excel sheets in a tabular well-organized way, and not to CSV comma separated files like many other payroll software in the market do. The demo version is limited to one company.

#9 IRIS payroll software                                                              
Review date: 01.06.2012

Description:

This payroll software module enables you to assign cost centres and departments per employee. Moreover, payslips and other printable forms can be designed to suit individual company requirement.

Screenshots

Price:

Free demo

Software Summary:

You are able to specify a payroll number against an employee record.

Main Features:

  • Selection of specific employees
  • Instant graphical view of finances
  • Totally customisable reports and form design
  • Automatic processing of employees
  • Tax Calendar with history tables
  • Multi-dimensional analysis with cost centre

Review:

Besides, summaries and reports available give you outstanding levels of analysis and control.
  • Fully integrated with the General Ledger.
  • Calculates and prints out w2 and w3 form.
  • Allows access to all financial and management information instantly.
  • No limits to historical periods or years kept.
  • Logical use of keyboard shortcuts.
  • Drill down from any balance, to show monthly values.
Overall, the Exchequer payroll software allows you to view and create your journal including showing week and month numbers for the current payroll year.

#10 Acepay                                                                                    
Review date: 01.20.2012

Description:

Designed specifically for the New Zealand market, this computerised software system provides a web-based employee management tool for check printing and payroll preparation.

Screenshots

Price:

Free demo

Software Summary:

None.

Main Features:

  • Check printing and direct deposit
  • Interface with electronic banking
  • Payment reconciliation report
  • IRD compliance

Review:

Besides, the program enables to create an auto backup onto your computer.
  • Enables to define any deductions used by your business.
  • You can add new allowance to your payroll.
  • Mangement report offers a detailed summary of the unfiled regural payroll.
  • Ability to print and email payslips for your remployees.
  • Capable of creating a file for importing into your electronic banking.
Designed for use in any size of company in New Zealand.

2012 Best Payroll Software Comparisons
  • Looking for a complete source for cost-effective payroll management? We rank the best software with side-by-side comparison.

    Choose cost-effective application for your business.
    Here, you will find payroll services company will be able to remove the burden of managing your payroll for you.

    In fact some will provide the payroll software for free to fit your business needs.

    See Side by Side Comparison


VISIT THIS SPONSOR

Intuit Online Payroll - We calculate your paychecks instantly. Pay employees with our free direct deposit and print checks on your own printer, directly from our system.
VISIT THIS SPONSOR

Mint.com - Use Mint to manage your budget. This free budgeting software puts all of your personal finances all in one place.
VISIT THIS SPONSOR

Ninja Bills - Easy and simple to use, this software can be used to organize your personal or your business bills. You can add bill info like balance, due date and notes. Besides, it can apply one payment to several invoices and track expenses.