Gusto

Gusto Online Payroll

Gusto prides itself on simple, affordable payroll, benefits, and HR solutions designed to streamline administrative necessities so you can focus on your core business goals. Transparent pricing and completely customizable packages are the most notable highlights of this payroll service. Because it’s a cloud-based system, Gusto allows you to run payroll from any internet-connected mobile or desktop device, including your smartphone. This feature appeals to busy business owners who are on the go.

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Gusto at a Glance

Since this company was born as ZenPayroll in 2012, Gusto has grown to serve more than 60,000 clients across the nation. This business is trusted to process tens of billions of payroll dollars annually and currently has offices in Denver and San Francisco.

Gusto also cares about community service. The company has raised more than $1 million for charity through its Gusto Giving program.

Overview of Gusto Features

The base features found in all Gusto packages include complete, comprehensive payroll services, an employee-self-service interface so your workers can easily access and adjust information about their pay and benefits, workers’ compensation and health insurance administration, management of paid time off and full customer support.

You can upgrade your package (see pricing section) to add more features as described below. In addition, every package can be customized with stand-alone features so you can create a software solution that fits your business needs. These a la carte functions include:

Benefits administration
401(k) administration
529 college savings plans
Health savings and flexible spending accounts
Commuter benefits
Automatic filing of all federal, state and local tax forms, including W-2 and 1099 documentation
Flexible payment schedules
Multiple pay rates
Net-to-gross calculations
Contractor payments
No limit on off-cycle and bonus payroll
Lifetime employee access to digital paystubs and tax forms

Businesses can run payroll in all 50 states for the same cost as running payroll in just one state. In addition to salaried and hourly employees who are paid using a W-2 form, Gusto also provides the ability to pay independent contractors by issuing a 1099 form to the IRS. If you run a restaurant or other tip-based business, you can account for credit and cash tips in Gusto’s payroll system. Wage garnishments, child support, and other deductions can also be added.

Once your employees have been put into Gusto’s system, you can opt to run payroll automatically each pay period. Just select the desired payday, and you’ll receive a reminder from your dashboard the day before to make any necessary adjustments. Your workers will be paid automatically.

Gusto can be integrated with a range of finance and business programs, allowing you to streamline your administrative operations into one intuitive interface. You can add many popular apps to Gusto, including but not limited to QuickBooks, FreshBooks, Zero and common programs for expense reporting, point of sale, practice management, banking, and time tracking.

Gusto Pricing

Although many payroll software companies don’t publish their pricing model, Gusto strives for transparency by providing detailed information about each of its packages as shown below.

Unlike many software providers, Gusto does not provide a fee for your initial account setup. That means you’ll be able to hit the ground running whether you’re switching from another provider or using payroll software for the first time.

Core Benefits

Full-service payroll handled accurately and efficiently with basic employee management

$39/month + $6/month per person

Full-Service Payroll
Employee Self-Service and Profiles
Health Benefits Administration
Worker’s Comp Administration
Paid Time Off Policies

With Gusto’s basic Core Benefits plan employers can focus on their business by automating time-consuming tasks and prioritizing their time on matters that are more important to their current business goals.

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Complete Benefits

Full-service payroll + features for effective scaling.

$39/month + $12/month per person

Full-Service Payroll
Employee Self-Service and Profiles
Health Benefits Administration
Worker’s Comp Administration
Paid Time Off Policies
Administration Permissions
Employee Offers and Onboarding
Time Tracking
Holiday Pay
Time-Off-Requests
Employee Directory Surveys

Gusto’s Complete Benefits plan makes the hiring and onboarding process smooth and efficient.

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Concierge Benefits

Full-service payroll + features for effective scaling + LIVE help from certified HR professionals.

$149/month + $12/month per person

Full-Service Payroll
Employee Self-Service and Profiles
Health Benefits Administration
Worker’s Comp Administration
Paid Time Off Policies
Administration Permissions
Employee Offers and Onboarding
Time Tracking
Holiday Pay
Time-Off-Requests
Employee Directory Surveys
Certified HR Pros – 10+ years experience on average and SHRM & HRCI certified- (access to HR pros via phone and secure messaging for compliance help and employee relations)
HR Resource Center (Customized employee handbook, job description templates, HR Policy Templates, Harassment Prevention Training, Compliance Updates)
Dedicated Support (exclusive phone number)
$149/mo + 12/mo per person
Full-service payroll + features for effective scaling + LIVE help from certified
HR Pros

Get employer confidence knowing you are making the best HR decisions for your team. Can also help you protect and grow your business.

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The Bottom Line

Gusto is an ideal option if you’re looking for a payroll provider with easy-to-understand packages and pricing. This model allows you to pay only for the services you need while avoiding those that add unnecessary complication and cost.

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