Small Business Payroll Services
All-in-one payroll software with flexible customer support options.
- Easily enter and run payroll in as few as two clicks
- Automatically calculate, pay, and file payroll taxes
- Allow your employees to make self-service actions
Compare Small Business Payroll Options
Paychex Flex<sup>®</sup> Select
Process payroll, file taxes online, and get access to online employee training and development, with flexible payroll support options.
Paychex Flex<sup>®</sup> Pro
Easily setup, process payroll, and file taxes online or with an optional assigned specialist. Plus, you can access robust software and handbook tools.
Paychex Flex<sup>®</sup> Enterprise
The complete large business payroll and HR solution, helping you stay compliant, train employees, gain insights through custom analytics, and more.
Big Payroll Features for Small Businesses
Automate Your Payroll, From Start to Finish
AI-powered automations work in the background to:
- Flag missing time punches before they become payroll errors
- Verify employee data automatically without the need for support calls
- Handle timesheet entries and payroll run requests so you dont have to
Stop Worrying About Payroll Taxes
Paychex automatically calculates, withholds, and files your federal, state, and local taxes.
- Taxes filed for you. Federal, state, and local filings handled automatically.
- W-2s and 1099s, ready when you need them.
- Stay compliant without the stress. Built-in safeguards reduce errors and keep you current with changing tax laws.
Real-Time Data You Can Actually Use
- Payroll dashboard with views you configure your way
- Robust reporting and analytics across payroll and HR data
- HR analytics and an events calendar to stay ahead of what is coming
Stress-Free Compliance
You focus on running your business. We help you stay on top of compliance with:
- Government Reporting: Automatic new-hire reporting to required agencies.
- Compliance Resources: Labor law posters and HR library for regulatory updates.
- Risk Management: Stay informed on federal and state compliance requirements.
Give Your Employees What They Need Without Adding to Your Plate
- 24/7 online portal: pay stubs, W-2s, and chat support anytime
- Free lifestyle perks: employee discounts and financial wellness tools at no added cost to you
- Full mobile accessibility across every device
Payroll Software That Grows With Your Business
Start with simple payroll and keep the same platform as your business grows. Add benefits, time tracking, or HR tools when you need them, without switching systems, moving data, or retraining your team.
Built specifically for small businesses that want a payroll solution they won’t outgrow.
Flexible, Automated Online Payroll
-
Enter Payroll Information
Enter Payroll Information
Select your pay period, then enter employee hours, salaries, bonuses, or time off requests. Your intelligent dashboard surfaces what needs your attention.
-
Confirm Your Details
Confirm Your Details
Payroll ready before you are. Paychex Flex calculates pay automatically and flags issues before your payroll is due. Less changing, less checking, and more confidence in every pay cycle.
-
Run Your Payroll
Run Your Payroll
In just one click, Paychex handles direct deposits, tax filings, and pay stubs/checks for your team.
-
Get Help When You Need It
Get Help When You Need It
Our Help Center has easy-to-follow articles, step-by-step guides, and we offer flexible support options via phone, chat, or email.
Ready To Work With Us?
Account Set Up
Whether you're switching providers or starting fresh, choose the onboarding experience that works for you — on your own or with one of our implementation specialists.
Run Payroll in Seconds
We'll walk you through setting up your Paychex Flex account and help you run your first payroll smoothly. Our streamlined process gets you operational with minimal disruption to your business.
Flexible Support
Choose the support level that works for you — from self-service resources to dedicated specialists. Access expertise when you need it, how you need it, so you can manage payroll confidently.
Built for Businesses of One
Going solo doesn't mean doing it alone. Paychex Flex® handles payroll, tax filings, and helps you stay compliant so you can focus on the work that built your business.
- File taxes automatically and accurately
- Access professional benefits
- Scale seamlessly when you're ready to hire
Integrate With The Tools You Already Use
Save time and reduce costly errors when you connect your current tools to our payroll software, Paychex Flex®. Compatible with dozens of other business applications.
Don't let cash flow disrupt payday — discover how Paychex Promise® gives you up to 7 days of flexibility.
Small Business Solutions To Complement Payroll
See How Our Clients Simplified Their Complex Payroll
“We thought about doing our own payroll … and it would take maybe 5 to 7 hours …. With state and federal rules constantly changing, it would be difficult to keep up on … and I don’t want to make a mistake with my payroll … I want to get my workers paid and paid right.”
Greg Duffy, Owner
10-49 Employees
Super Seal Sealcoating Company
Recognized for Innovation, Ethics, and Performance
Payroll Insights for Your Business Needs
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I Do Payroll Myself?
Can I Do Payroll Myself?
When considering how to do small business payroll, an important decision business owners need to make is whether to handle payroll and tax responsibilities in-house or outsource to an expert third-party provider. You may have also asked yourself, “How do I set up payroll for my small business?” at some point. Consider the many steps required to set up and run payroll, and note that payroll and tax responsibilities can be time-consuming and complicated, plus even a single payroll error can be costly to the business.
-
What Is the Best Payroll Service for My Small Business?
What Is the Best Payroll Service for My Small Business?
If you are looking for a high-quality small business payroll system, Paychex offers leading payroll processing, tax preparation, calculation, and filing services, as well as many HR services. The best payroll service for your business will depend on factors such as how many employees you have, any budgetary considerations, and your current and future business objectives.
-
How Much Does Payroll Cost for Small Businesses?
How Much Does Payroll Cost for Small Businesses?
Cost is often a determining factor when considering whether outsourcing payroll is the right decision for your business. On one hand, you may feel that your business can't absorb the added cost of paying someone else to manage payroll. On the other hand, handling payroll on your own can be time-consuming and expose your company to unnecessary risks. Luckily, there are many cost-effective payroll options built specifically for small businesses.
-
Do I Need a Payroll Service for My Small Business?
Do I Need a Payroll Service for My Small Business?
You are responsible for running payroll every pay period as soon as you bring on a single employee. And generally the more employees you bring on board, the more complicated the process can become. That’s why it’s so beneficial to have leading online payroll services for small business that can scale with your organization.
-
How Does Paychex Help With Ensuring Compliance on Taxes and Other Issues?
How Does Paychex Help With Ensuring Compliance on Taxes and Other Issues?
Your business must stay on top of payroll tax responsibilities, including keeping up with payroll tax rates, calculating liabilities, and making timely payments. These tasks can be time-consuming, but fortunately Paychex can help. Our payroll tax services can help you avoid tax penalties for late or inaccurate payments, and our tax credit services can assist you in finding valuable tax credits that your business deserves. Learn how Paychex can help you take care of payroll taxes.
-
Do I need to Use a Payroll Company for One Employee?
Do I need to Use a Payroll Company for One Employee?
Many small businesses choose to process their payroll manually. While this task may seem simple for a small team, consider using a payroll company to save time and reduce the chance of costly errors, especially if you plan on continuing to grow your business.
-
How To Do Payroll for Small Businesses?
How To Do Payroll for Small Businesses?
To start processing payroll for your small business, you may be unsure where to start. The steps below can help you get a feel for what you may need in place to begin paying employees.
- Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number), which identifies your business for tax purposes.
- Collect employee information such as names, addresses, social security information, and tax withholding information found on completed W-4s.
- Determine the payroll schedule, consult pay frequency laws, and choose the frequency you pay your people (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly).
- Establish your payroll process so that you have a system in place to record data, streamline your processes, and help reduce errors.
- Calculate wages and benefits to have the proper payment amount when you define compensation.
- Calculate and withhold taxes so that the correct amounts are paid to the appropriate tax agency.
- Process payroll and generate paychecks or any other employee pay options.
- Keep accurate records and maintain details of each payroll run, which helps with compliance and tax reporting efforts.
Consulting with an accountant, human resources professional, or a dedicated payroll provider like Paychex can help you to customize the process to your unique business needs.
-
Who Does Payroll for Small Businesses?
Who Does Payroll for Small Businesses?
There are many options that small businesses can turn to when processing payroll. Your small business may process it:
- In-house, manually
- With a bookkeeper or accountant
- With a payroll provider, such as Paychex, which offers multiple payroll packages to fit your needs
Or, if you prefer to outsource this administrative function, our professional employer organization (PEO) services can assist you in paying employees.
-
Can Paychex Still Support Me as My Business Grows?
Can Paychex Still Support Me as My Business Grows?
Yes. Paychex offers solutions for businesses of all sizes, from startups to enterprise organizations. As your team grows, you can scale into more advanced payroll, HR, and benefits tools within the same Paychex Flex® platform without having to switch platforms.
-
Does Small Business Payroll Software Save Your Business Money?
Does Small Business Payroll Software Save Your Business Money?
Automating payroll can reduce the time and cost associated with manual processing, lower the risk of costly errors and potential tax penalties, and free you up to focus on running your business. Many small business owners find that the efficiency gains can help offset the cost of the service over time.