Skip to main content Skip to footer site map
one employee using paychex flex dashboard

Payroll Services for One Employee

Running your business on your own is no small feat – running payroll shouldn’t make it harder. With our online payroll services for one employee, you can:

  • Simplify payroll and taxes in one platform
  • Access support when you need it
  • Automate payments to save time
  • Get help filing the right taxes and staying compliant

Safeguard Your Business With Payroll Tax and Compliance Assistance

Protect your single-employee business with payroll solutions that help you prioritize accuracy and compliance. 

Online Setup Process

Getting started is quick and easy. Sign up from mobile or desktop and follow a self-guided, simple, step-by-step process to run your first payroll as soon as today.

24/7 Support

Your business doesn’t stop at <br>5 o'clock, and neither does our support. Process your payroll anytime and get support from a payroll specialist available 24/7 to help keep things running smoothly around the clock.

Compliance Help

Contact an HR professional for help staying current on federal and state legislative changes, or access critical regulatory information in our searchable HR library.

Payroll Taxes

Use Taxpay®, our automatic tax administration service, to calculate, pay, and file taxes with the appropriate agencies - the easiest way to save time and reduce your risk of costly errors.

Paying Your First Employee Shouldn’t Be Difficult

Choose from three different pay entry options and pay your first employee in as few as two clicks from your computer or mobile device. Our all-in-one platform scales with your needs as your business needs change.

The Ideal Package for Single-Employee Businesses

Paychex Flex® Select streamlines operations with a fully digital, all-in-one platform. Effortlessly handle payroll, taxes, and compliance matters with 24/7 support so you can focus on confidently growing your business.

Paychex Flex Select Demo Video
Paychex Flex Select
2:17

Proven Small Business Success

“I feel stronger and more confident in my vision. I have a more clear and concise road of how I’m going to get from where I am to where I’m going, and know that my greatness is my own.”

Erica Pietrzyk owns Pietrzyk Pierogi in Detroit.
Pietrzyk Pierogi
0:45

Getting Started With One Employee Payroll is Easy

Employee checking on review dates from his office computer.

Step 1:

Fill Out Our Form to Get In Touch With Us

Contact Us

agent and client going over pricing and how one employee payroll can help

Step 2:

We’ll Go Over Pricing and How One Employee Payroll Can Help

A customer purchasing from a retail business creating cash flow

Step 3:

Get Started With Paychex and Free Up More Time To Run Your Business

Recognized for Innovation, Ethics, and Performance

World's Most Ethical Companies Award 2025
World’s Most Ethical Companies
Customer Satisfaction - IDC SaaS Award
Leader in Customer Satisfaction
america's most innovative companies 2025
America’s Most Innovative Companies
Best Small Business-focused solution from HR Tech 2024 award
Best Small Business-Focused Solution
Top HR Product award
Top HR Product
2025 Training APEX Hall of Fame
World’s Top Training Organizations

Additional Resources

Common Questions About One Employee Payroll

  • When Does a Small Business Need to Start Running Payroll?

    When Does a Small Business Need to Start Running Payroll?

    As soon as a small business pays the first employee, including yourself as a business owner, you must run payroll to pay your employee for their time worked and comply with payroll laws and tax filing requirements.

  • How Much Does Payroll For One Employee Typically Cost?

    How Much Does Payroll For One Employee Typically Cost?

    The cost of running payroll for one employee can vary based on factors like whether you manage it yourself or outsource to a provider. Handling payroll in-house may seem like you’re saving money, but it requires time for things like tax filings, while outsourcing can streamline the process and free up time for other business priorities.

    Be cautious of hidden fees with providers advertising low pricing, as additional costs can add up quickly.

  • Is It Better to Put Myself on Payroll or Use Proceeds from My Business and Pay Self-Employment Tax?

    Is It Better to Put Myself on Payroll or Use Proceeds from My Business and Pay Self-Employment Tax?

    Choosing between putting yourself on payroll as your first employee or using an owner's draw depends on your business structure and financial goals. Putting yourself on payroll can provide consistent income, and you’ll be making sure to withhold taxes, which can simplify your personal tax filing. On the other hand, an owner’s draw may offer more flexibility, allowing you to take funds as needed, but you’ll need to manage self-employment taxes and quarterly estimates.

  • How Do I Set Up Payroll For One Employee?

    How Do I Set Up Payroll For One Employee?

    Managing payroll for one employee may seem simple, but keeping up with changing compliance requirements can be time-consuming. With Paychex, setting up payroll is fast and easy. Our all-in-one platform and team of specialists handle tasks like tax calculations, filings, and compliance monitoring so you can focus on growing your business.

  • How Do I Know When To Run My First Payroll?

    How Do I Know When To Run My First Payroll?

    Your payroll schedule, including the pay frequency and date, will tell you when to run your first payroll. When establishing your payroll schedule, consider the following:

    • Your state’s requirements
    • Your business’s cash flow
    • Employee preferences
  • What Are The First Steps For A Small Business Owner To Run Payroll?

    What Are The First Steps For A Small Business Owner To Run Payroll?

    Before running payroll, small businesses must obtain an EIN from the IRS and understand state and federal employment laws, including wage payment and tax requirements. Decide on a payroll schedule that aligns with your cash flow and local tax rules. Collect employee information, including W-4 forms for federal tax withholding and any required state forms. Calculate wages and tax withholdings using up-to-date IRS and local tax guidelines. Finally, issue payments and file payroll taxes with the IRS and relevant tax authorities. If you work with a payroll provider, they can assist with some or all of these tasks, saving you time and helping with compliance.

  • What Do I Need To Have Ready To Run My First Payroll?

    What Do I Need To Have Ready To Run My First Payroll?

    To run your first payroll, you must have the following:

    • Employer Identification Number (EIN)
    • Understanding of employment laws
    • Payroll schedule
    • Employee information
    • Wage and tax calculations
    • Filing and payment system
    • Payroll provider support (optional)

Join Nearly 800,000 Customers and Get Help Managing HR, Payroll, and Benefits