Gusto Payroll: Independent Overview, Features, Pricing

HRIS SOFTWARE  >  PAYROLL SOFTWARE

Gusto Payroll

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OVERVIEW

FEATURES

PROS & CONS

USER INTERFACE

ALTERNATIVES

PRICING

Overview

Gusto Payroll is a leading payroll and HR platform designed with small to mid-sized businesses in mind, offering an all-in-one solution for managing payroll, employee benefits, and compliance. Known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive feature set, Gusto simplifies the complexities of payroll processing by automating everything from wage calculations to tax filings. Beyond payroll, Gusto also provides tools for benefits administration, time tracking, and employee onboarding, making it a versatile choice for businesses looking to streamline their HR operations.

Founded with the goal of making payroll and HR accessible and straightforward, Gusto has grown rapidly in popularity, earning a reputation for its intuitive design and robust customer support. Whether you're a small business owner looking to reduce administrative burdens or an HR professional seeking a more efficient way to manage employee needs, Gusto offers a powerful, scalable solution that can adapt as your business grows. With its focus on ease of use and comprehensive functionality, Gusto has become a go-to choice for businesses seeking to manage their payroll and HR tasks with confidence and efficiency.

Gusto Payroll Features

 ### Payroll Processing

Automated Payroll

Gusto automates the payroll process, allowing businesses to set up recurring payroll schedules. Once set up, Gusto automatically calculates employee wages, withholds taxes, and deposits paychecks directly into employees' bank accounts via direct deposit.

Full-Service Payroll

Gusto offers full-service payroll, handling all federal, state, and local tax filings on behalf of the business. This includes automatically filing payroll taxes, W-2s, and 1099s, ensuring compliance with tax laws and reducing the risk of errors.

Multiple Pay Schedules and Types

Gusto supports multiple pay schedules, allowing businesses to pay different employee groups (e.g., salaried, hourly, contractors) on different schedules. It also handles various pay types, including bonuses, commissions, and reimbursements.

Direct Deposit and Pay Options

Gusto offers free direct deposit, allowing employees to receive their paychecks directly into their bank accounts. For those who prefer other options, Gusto also supports paper checks and Gusto’s own debit card, the Gusto Wallet.

Benefits Administration

Health Insurance

Gusto integrates with a wide range of health insurance providers, allowing businesses to offer and manage employee health benefits directly through the platform. Gusto handles the enrollment process and ensures compliance with relevant regulations.

Retirement Plans

Gusto partners with retirement plan providers to offer 401(k) plans, including automatic contributions and easy enrollment. Employees can manage their retirement accounts directly through Gusto.

Workers’ Compensation

Gusto provides integrated workers’ compensation insurance, ensuring businesses remain compliant with state regulations. Premiums are automatically calculated and paid based on payroll data.

Employee Benefits

In addition to health and retirement benefits, Gusto allows businesses to offer additional benefits such as dental, vision, life insurance, commuter benefits, and more. Employees can enroll in and manage these benefits through their Gusto accounts.

Time Tracking and PTO Management

Time Tracking

Gusto offers built-in time tracking tools, allowing employees to clock in and out, track hours worked, and submit time-off requests. This feature integrates seamlessly with payroll, ensuring accurate pay based on hours worked.

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Gusto allows businesses to set up and manage PTO policies, including vacation, sick leave, and other types of time off. Employees can request time off through the platform, and managers can approve or deny requests with a few clicks.

Overtime Calculations

The platform automatically calculates overtime pay based on hours worked and applies it to the employee’s payroll, ensuring compliance with labor laws.

Employee Self-Service

Employee Portal

Gusto offers a self-service portal where employees can access their pay stubs, W-2s, and other payroll documents. They can also update their personal information, view their benefits, and manage their direct deposit settings.

Onboarding

Gusto streamlines the onboarding process for new hires, allowing them to complete necessary paperwork, such as W-4s and I-9s, electronically. This feature helps ensure that all required documentation is collected and stored securely.

Gusto Wallet

The Gusto Wallet is a financial tool provided to employees, allowing them to manage their paychecks, save money, and access earned wages before payday through the “Cashout” feature.

Compliance and Tax Filing

Automatic Tax Filing

Gusto automatically files federal, state, and local payroll taxes on behalf of the business. This includes end-of-year tax forms like W-2s for employees and 1099s for contractors, minimizing the administrative burden and reducing the risk of penalties.

New Hire Reporting

Gusto takes care of new hire reporting, ensuring that all required information is sent to the appropriate state agencies in a timely manner.

Compliance Alerts

The platform provides compliance alerts to keep businesses informed of any changes in tax laws or regulations that could affect payroll or benefits.

HR Tools and Services

HR Resource Center

Gusto offers an HR resource center that provides tools, templates, and guidance on various HR topics, such as employee handbooks, job descriptions, and performance reviews.

HR Advisory

For businesses that need more personalized HR support, Gusto offers an HR advisory service that provides direct access to certified HR professionals who can assist with compliance questions, employee relations, and other HR challenges.

Employee Surveys

Gusto includes tools for creating and sending employee surveys, allowing businesses to gather feedback on workplace satisfaction, engagement, and other important metrics.

Integrations

Accounting Software Integration

Gusto integrates with popular accounting software, such as QuickBooks, Xero, and FreshBooks, ensuring that payroll data is automatically synced with the company’s financial records.

Time and Attendance Systems

Gusto can integrate with third-party time and attendance systems, allowing for seamless data transfer between platforms and ensuring accurate payroll processing.

Custom API Integrations

Gusto offers API access for businesses that need to build custom integrations with other tools or platforms used in their operations.

Reporting and Analytics

Payroll Reports

Gusto provides detailed payroll reports, including payroll summaries, tax liability reports, and custom reports tailored to specific business needs. These reports can be exported in various formats for further analysis.

Benefits Reports

The platform offers benefits-related reports, helping businesses track enrollment, costs, and employee participation in various benefits programs.

Compliance Reports

Gusto generates compliance reports that help businesses ensure they are meeting all legal obligations related to payroll, taxes, and benefits.

Customer Support

Live Support

Gusto offers live customer support via phone, email, and chat, ensuring that users can get help with any issues they encounter.

Help Center

The platform includes a comprehensive help center with articles, guides, and FAQs that cover a wide range of topics, from setting up payroll to managing employee benefits.

Pros

User-Friendly Interface

Gusto is known for its intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface. The platform is designed with small business owners in mind, many of whom may not have extensive payroll or HR experience. The onboarding process is straightforward, and users can quickly get up to speed with minimal training.

Comprehensive Payroll Features

Gusto offers a wide range of payroll features that automate and simplify payroll processing. These include automated tax filings, direct deposit, multiple pay schedules, and support for both W-2 employees and 1099 contractors. The ability to handle various payroll complexities, such as bonuses, reimbursements, and garnishments, is also a significant benefit.

Integrated Benefits Administration

Gusto seamlessly integrates payroll with benefits administration, allowing businesses to manage health insurance, retirement plans, and other employee benefits within the same platform. This integration reduces administrative overhead and ensures that benefits are accurately reflected in payroll calculations.

Compliance Assistance

One of Gusto’s strengths is its focus on compliance. The platform automatically handles federal, state, and local tax filings, reducing the risk of penalties due to missed deadlines or errors. Gusto also provides compliance alerts and handles new hire reporting, helping businesses stay on top of regulatory requirements.

Employee Self-Service

Gusto provides a robust employee self-service portal, where employees can access their pay stubs, tax documents, and benefits information. This feature not only empowers employees but also reduces the workload on HR and payroll staff by minimizing the number of requests for information.

Scalability

Gusto is scalable and can grow with a business. While it’s particularly well-suited for small to mid-sized businesses, it can also accommodate companies that are expanding their workforce. The platform’s ability to handle both payroll and HR needs makes it a versatile solution as businesses scale.

Excellent Customer Support

Gusto offers strong customer support, including live support via phone, email, and chat. Their help center is comprehensive, providing users with access to articles, guides, and FAQs that can help resolve common issues.

Integration Capabilities

Gusto integrates with a variety of other business tools, including popular accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero, as well as time tracking and attendance systems. This makes it easier for businesses to synchronize payroll data with their other financial and HR systems.

Cons

Cost

While Gusto offers a lot of features, it may be more expensive than some other payroll solutions, especially for very small businesses or startups with limited budgets. The pricing is generally tiered, and the cost can increase as additional services, such as benefits administration, are added. For businesses that only need basic payroll processing, the additional cost for features they don’t use could be seen as a disadvantage.

Limited Customization

Although Gusto is user-friendly, some users might find it lacks the customization options available in more complex payroll systems. This can be a limitation for businesses with unique payroll needs or those that require more tailored reporting and workflow processes.

Limited International Payroll Support

Gusto is primarily focused on U.S. businesses, and its payroll services are designed with U.S. tax laws and regulations in mind. While it’s excellent for domestic payroll, it doesn’t support international payroll, which could be a drawback for businesses with employees in multiple countries or those planning to expand globally.

No Mobile App for Administrators

While Gusto provides mobile accessibility for employees through the Gusto Wallet, there isn’t a dedicated mobile app for payroll administrators. This could be a limitation for users who prefer to manage payroll tasks on the go or need to access the system from a mobile device frequently.

Dependency on Internet Connectivity

As a cloud-based solution, Gusto requires a stable internet connection to access and manage payroll. This dependency on internet connectivity can be a disadvantage in areas with poor or unreliable internet service.

Time Tracking Limitations

While Gusto includes basic time tracking features, businesses with more complex time tracking needs, such as those requiring detailed project tracking or advanced scheduling, may find the built-in tools insufficient. Although Gusto can integrate with third-party time tracking systems, this could involve additional costs and complexity.

Papaya Payroll User Interface

The user interface (UI) of Gusto Payroll is designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind, making it accessible even to users with limited payroll or HR experience. Here’s a detailed overview of its key aspects:

Dashboard

The Gusto dashboard serves as the central hub for all payroll and HR activities. Upon logging in, users are greeted with a clean, well-organized interface that highlights key tasks and important updates. The dashboard provides quick access to upcoming payroll runs, pending tasks, and recent activity, making it easy to stay on top of essential functions.

• Visual Layout: The dashboard is visually appealing, using a combination of icons, buttons, and minimalistic design elements to create a streamlined experience. The use of whitespace and clear headings ensures that the interface does not feel cluttered, even when displaying a lot of information.
• Quick Navigation: From the dashboard, users can quickly navigate to different sections of the platform, such as Payroll, Benefits, Time Tracking, and Reports. The navigation bar is typically located on the left side of the screen, providing a consistent and accessible way to move between different functions.

Payroll Processing Interface

The payroll processing interface is one of Gusto’s core features, designed to make running payroll as simple and error-free as possible.

• Step-by-Step Process: Gusto guides users through the payroll process with a clear, step-by-step approach. Each stage of payroll, from entering employee hours to reviewing pay amounts, is broken down into manageable steps, with helpful prompts and confirmations along the way.
• Automated Calculations: The interface automatically calculates wages, taxes, and deductions, displaying this information clearly. Users can easily review and adjust payroll data before finalizing it, with any changes instantly reflected in the calculations.
• Real-Time Feedback: Any errors or discrepancies, such as missing employee hours or invalid tax information, are highlighted immediately, allowing users to address issues before completing the payroll run.

Employee Management

Gusto’s employee management interface allows users to handle various HR tasks with ease, from onboarding new hires to managing employee benefits.

• Employee Profiles: Each employee has a detailed profile where users can manage personal information, payroll settings, benefits enrollment, and time-off balances. The layout is intuitive, with tabs or sections for different types of information, making it easy to find what you need.
• Self-Service Portal: Employees can access their profiles through a self-service portal, where they can view pay stubs, update personal information, and manage their benefits. This portal is designed to be user-friendly, with clear navigation and straightforward forms.

Benefits Administration

Gusto’s benefits administration interface is integrated seamlessly with payroll, allowing businesses to manage employee benefits efficiently.

• Enrollment Process: The benefits administration section walks users through setting up and enrolling employees in various benefit programs, such as health insurance and retirement plans. The interface is designed to minimize errors, with clear instructions and automated data entry where possible.
• Overview and Management: Users can easily view and manage the benefits each employee is enrolled in, with a clear breakdown of costs and contributions. Changes to benefits are reflected in payroll calculations automatically, ensuring consistency.

Time Tracking and PTO Management

Gusto includes built-in tools for tracking employee hours and managing paid time off (PTO).

• Time Entry: Employees can clock in and out directly within the platform, with their hours automatically synced to the payroll system. The interface for entering and approving time is simple and straightforward, reducing the chances of errors.
• PTO Requests: Employees can submit PTO requests through their portal, which managers can approve or deny with a single click. The status of PTO requests is clearly displayed, and approved time off is automatically integrated into payroll and scheduling.

Reporting and Analytics

Gusto’s reporting tools are designed to provide users with detailed insights into their payroll and HR data.

• Customizable Reports: Users can generate a variety of reports, including payroll summaries, tax liabilities, and benefits usage. The interface for creating reports is intuitive, with options to filter and customize the data to meet specific needs.
• Visual Data Presentation: Reports are presented in a clean, easy-to-read format, often using charts and graphs to highlight key data points. This makes it easier for users to analyze trends and make informed decisions based on the data.

Notifications and Alerts

Gusto keeps users informed with timely notifications and alerts.

• Task Reminders: The platform sends reminders for upcoming payroll runs, tax filings, and other important deadlines, helping users stay on track.
• Compliance Alerts: Gusto provides alerts related to compliance, such as changes in tax laws or new regulatory requirements, ensuring that businesses remain compliant.

Mobile Accessibility

While Gusto does not have a dedicated mobile app for administrators, the platform is accessible via mobile browsers. The mobile interface is responsive, adapting to different screen sizes to ensure that users can perform essential tasks on the go.

• Employee-Focused Mobile Tools: The Gusto Wallet app, designed for employees, allows them to manage their paychecks, view pay stubs, and access financial tools. While this app is primarily for employees, it ensures that they can interact with Gusto’s payroll features from anywhere.

Alternatives to Gusto Payroll

BambooHR Payroll

BambooHR Payroll is a streamlined payroll solution designed specifically for small to mid-sized businesses that need efficient, user-friendly payroll management. Integrated with BambooHR's broader HR platform, it offers an intuitive, secure, and scalable way to handle payroll, automate calculations, and ensure compliance. Ideal for companies looking to simplify their payroll processes, BambooHR Payroll provides real-time insights and a seamless experience, making it easy to manage employee compensation accurately and efficiently.

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SAP SuccessFactors Payroll

SuccessFactors Payroll is a comprehensive payroll solution tailored for large enterprises with complex payroll needs. Integrated with SAP’s SuccessFactors HCM suite, it offers a powerful, secure, and scalable platform for managing payroll across multiple locations and countries. Ideal for organizations that require advanced functionality and global compliance, SuccessFactors Payroll automates payroll processes, provides real-time analytics, and ensures accuracy and efficiency in managing employee compensation on a large scale.

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Oracle Cloud HCM Payroll

Oracle Cloud HCM Payroll is a robust payroll solution designed for large enterprises that require advanced, scalable payroll management. Fully integrated with Oracle’s HCM suite, it offers a comprehensive, secure platform to manage complex payroll processes across multiple locations and jurisdictions. Ideal for organizations with diverse payroll needs, Oracle Cloud HCM Payroll automates payroll tasks, ensures compliance with global regulations, and provides real-time insights, enabling accurate and efficient management of employee compensation on a global scale.

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Sage People Payroll

Sage People Payroll is a robust payroll solution tailored for mid-sized to enterprise-level organizations, especially those with complex, multi-location payroll needs. Integrated with Sage People HCM and built on the Salesforce platform, it offers a secure, scalable solution that simplifies payroll management, ensures compliance, and provides real-time insights, making it ideal for businesses seeking to streamline payroll operations across diverse jurisdictions.

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Papaya Global Payroll

Papaya Global Payroll is an innovative payroll solution designed for businesses of all sizes that operate across multiple countries. Offering a fully automated, cloud-based platform, Papaya Global simplifies global payroll management, ensuring compliance with local regulations while handling complex payroll needs across diverse jurisdictions. Ideal for companies with a distributed workforce, Papaya Global Payroll provides seamless integration, real-time analytics, and centralized payroll management, making it easy to manage employee compensation accurately and efficiently on a global scale.

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Gusto Payroll Pricing

Gusto Payroll pricing depends on a number of factors such as the number of employees, the number of states and more. To get access to pricing, download our full guide now.

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