---
title: "Small Business Payroll Services & Software | #1 G2 Rated | ADP"
description: "Clear payroll off your plate with super-intuitive software that gives you more time to focus on what matters most."
---

Small Business Payroll Services

# Payroll built for small business, backed by ADP

When you run a small business, experience counts. ADP helps you handle payroll, file taxes and manage your team with over 75 years of expertise behind you.

Get up to 6 months FREE payroll\*[\*See terms and conditions](/terms/6-month-offer-terms-sbs)

Get Pricing[Compare Packages](/what-we-offer/payroll/payroll-for-1-49-employees/payroll-packages)

![Smiling small business owner, with a 2026 G2 badge inset touting ADP Small Business Payroll as #1 rated in Best Software for two years in a row](https://marketing-assets.adp.com/api/public/content/1b76b0a4d36442fcb85b0dc3bdd64dd8?v=e8e7d0ec)

## Trusted by over 900,000 small businesses

-   ![4.6/5.0 stars](/-/media/adp/redesign2018/images/shared/img-rating-stars-4-6.svg?h=21&iar=0&w=130&rev=e6fb78cdeff74ca48c9a19b5fb86c395&hash=000EEE2329D24A2D2930FA071C59D66E)
    
    ### Capterra
    
    4.6 out of 5 Stars(1,456 reviews)
    
-   ![4.6/5.0 stars](/-/media/adp/redesign2018/images/shared/img-rating-stars-4-6.svg?h=21&iar=0&w=130&rev=e6fb78cdeff74ca48c9a19b5fb86c395&hash=000EEE2329D24A2D2930FA071C59D66E)
    
    ### G2
    
    4.7 out of 5 Stars(5,951 reviews)
    
-   ### TrustRadius
    
    9.0 out of 10 Stars(846 reviews)
    

Ratings include incentivized reviews and are accurate as of 7/15/26.

How it works

## See how small businesses run payroll and HR with ADP

### 

### Get payroll done in a flash

Move from data entry to done. Automate the work that slows you down and reduce the risk of costly payroll mistakes.

-   Run payroll in minutes from desktop or mobile
-   Automate federal, state and local payroll tax calculation and filing
-   Catch common payroll mistakes with AI-enabled error flagging
-   Automate recurring payroll
-   Generate and deliver year-end tax forms

### 

### Take better care of your team

Support your employees with tools that simplify HR while giving you access to guidance when you need it.

-   Get 24/7 live support from payroll professionals
-   Recruit, hire and onboard employees more efficiently
-   Offer insurance and retirement benefits options1
-   Provide employee self-service for pay, forms and updates
-   Onboard new hires fast while staying on top of HR compliance

### 

### Grow your business with confidence

Choose a solution that adapts as your needs evolve and connects with the tools you already use.

-   Select the RUN Powered by ADP® package that fits your needs
-   Integrate accounting software, POS systems and business tools
-   Manage compliance backed by payroll and HR experts
-   Stay ahead with ADP’s continuous innovation and platform updates

### Get payroll done in a flash

Move from data entry to done. Automate the work that slows you down and reduce the risk of costly payroll mistakes.

-   Run payroll in minutes from desktop or mobile
-   Automate federal, state and local payroll tax calculation and filing
-   Catch common payroll mistakes with AI-enabled error flagging
-   Automate recurring payroll
-   Generate and deliver year-end tax forms

### Take better care of your team

Support your employees with tools that simplify HR while giving you access to guidance when you need it.

-   Get 24/7 live support from payroll professionals
-   Recruit, hire and onboard employees more efficiently
-   Offer insurance and retirement benefits options1
-   Provide employee self-service for pay, forms and updates
-   Onboard new hires fast while staying on top of HR compliance

### Grow your business with confidence

Choose a solution that adapts as your needs evolve and connects with the tools you already use.

-   Select the RUN Powered by ADP® package that fits your needs
-   Integrate accounting software, POS systems and business tools
-   Manage compliance backed by payroll and HR experts
-   Stay ahead with ADP’s continuous innovation and platform updates

[See All Features](/what-we-offer/payroll/payroll-for-1-49-employees/payroll-packages)Launch Self-Guided Demo

For businesses with 1-49  employees

## Pick the package that fits your size

-   ### Essential Payroll
    
    -   Payroll processing and tax filing
    -   Automated recurring payroll
    -   Payroll on desktop or mobile
    -   24/7 live payroll support
    
    Get Pricing
    
-   most-popular
    
    ### Enhanced Payroll
    
    -   Everything in Essential
    -   Hiring tools with ZipRecruiter®†
    -   State Unemployment Insurance services
    -   Background checks when needed
    -   Wage garnishment processing
    
    Get Pricing
    
-   ### Complete Payroll & HR+
    
    -   Everything in Enhanced
    -   Live HR support
    -   Employee handbook wizard
    -   Salary benchmarks
    -   HR best practice toolkits
    
    Get Pricing
    
-   ### HR Pro Payroll & HR
    
    -   Everything in Complete
    -   Access to legal‡ assistance
    -   Workplace training for employers and employees
    -   Applicant Tracking System, powered by CareerPlug
    -   Automated learning management system
    
    Get Pricing
    

[Compare Packages](/what-we-offer/payroll/payroll-for-1-49-employees/payroll-packages)[Explore RUN Powered by ADP](/what-we-offer/products/run-powered-by-adp)

## Add the tools your business needs

-   ### Business insurance and health benefits
    
    Plan for the coverage you need, like workers’ compensation, while helping protect cash flow.3  
    
    [Learn More](/what-we-offer/benefits)
    
-   ### Retirement solutions
    
    Take care of the people you count on with competitive retirement plan options.  
    
    [Learn More](/what-we-offer/benefits/retirement)
    
-   ### Time and scheduling
    
    Automate time tracking, help simplify compliance and keep labor costs in check.
    
    [Learn More](/what-we-offer/time-and-attendance)
    
-   ### Point of sale
    
    Connect ADP® with Clover® point of sale to run payroll and take payments.
    
    [Learn More](/what-we-offer/products/clover)
    

![Logo of selected apps and software solutions that can be seamlessly integrated with ADP, including Clover, QuickBooks and Xero](https://marketing-assets.adp.com/api/public/content/f22a611c617e489d99885193fbec7a2c?v=71b4ab3b)

[Integrate ADP](/what-we-offer/integrations) with your favorite accounting, POS, HR and business software.

## Why small businesses choose ADP

-   ![Richard Schmitt, small professional services business owner, loves how time-saving running payroll and tax submissions are with ADP](https://marketing-assets.adp.com/api/public/content/53320bf5e68d427c82934344bc12f48c?v=cd8682c3)
    
    ### Faster payroll, lower overhead
    
    > “RUN simplified my payroll process to taking **less than an hour per week**, saving my company lots of money and time. ADP handles my tax applications and submissions. **I couldn’t be happier.**”
    
    Name
    
    Richard Schmitt
    
    Title
    
    Director of Finance
    
    Company
    
    Voodoo Franchise Group
    
    Industry
    
    Professional Services
    
    Employees
    
    6-10
    
-   ![Marilyn McDermott, a solo business owner, left her payroll provider for ADP and touts how easy and seamless the process continues to be](https://marketing-assets.adp.com/api/public/content/4c06fad937b74784bd77e55e86a5062a?v=6b110589)
    
    ### The easiest switch you’ll make
    
    > “ADP made switching the easiest process I have ever experienced with a payroll company. It's now been a year since I switched over and everything has continued to be **a piece of cake**!”
    
    Name
    
    Marilyn McDermott
    
    Title
    
    President
    
    Company
    
    Marilyn McDermott Solutions
    
    Industry
    
    Professional Services
    
    Employees
    
    1
    
-   ![Kennedy Humphrey, HR manager for a wholesale business, appreciates how efficiently ADP handles most of the company's administrative and compliance work](https://marketing-assets.adp.com/api/public/content/79ce0ac8cd7b4e5ab6cc9aa43715a9dc?v=2a50efaf)
    
    ### Take hours out of doing business
    
    > “**ADP makes it easy to do business**. They take care of the bulk of the admin and compliance work, **giving you the time back** to oversee your operations.”
    
    [Read Case Study](/resources/what-others-say/testimonials/i/innovative-hr-payroll-compliance-gaia-flooring)
    
    Name
    
    Kennedy Humphrey
    
    Title
    
    HR Manager
    
    Company
    
    Gaia Flooring
    
    Industry
    
    Wholesale
    
    Employees
    
    26-49
    
-   ![Richard Tamaki, manufacturing company COO, touts ADP as a comprehensive solution for small business payroll and HR needs in a compliance-complex state](https://marketing-assets.adp.com/api/public/content/1d4b0aca155648929adad543052ea210?v=8aabce3b)
    
    ### Manage compliance without the overhead
    
    > “ADP is a **one-stop shop** that efficiently takes care of all your payroll needs. It’s **a cost-effective solution** to help small businesses stay on top of all the labor law requirements, especially in highly regulated states such as California.”
    
    Name
    
    Richard Tamaki
    
    Title
    
    Chief Operating Officer
    
    Company
    
    Molecular GPS Technologies
    
    Industry
    
    Manufacturing
    
    Employees
    
    11-25
    

## Results that matter to your business

See the impact of payroll and HR with ADP.

![Smiling floral shop worker at a workstation, depicting the satisfaction which surveyed clients felt using ADP payroll and HR solutions for small business](https://marketing-assets.adp.com/api/public/content/11ff136896314a86bbc105f87f157d6a?v=287ea122)

### 9 out of 10customers say **[switching to ADP is easy](/what-we-offer/payroll/payroll-for-1-49-employees/switching-to-adp)**.2

### 9 out of 10customers say ADP helps their company **comply with payroll tax laws and regulations**.2

### 9 out of 109 out of 10 customers say trust **ADP to do their payroll on time and accurately**.2

## Payroll and HR insights for small businesses

-   [
    
    ![Payroll checklist for small businesses](https://marketing-assets.adp.com/api/public/content/90889d11b8414461aabc2236aa42cb1e?v=77ca3b7e)
    
    Insight
    
    ### Payroll checklist for small businesses
    
    Read Now
    
    ](/resources/articles-and-insights/articles/p/payroll-checklist)
-   [
    
    ![How to choose a payroll provider for your business](https://marketing-assets.adp.com/api/public/content/c34761e638834e058dd3d803652149a9?v=5148e767)
    
    Guidebook
    
    ### How to choose a payroll provider for your business
    
    Download Now
    
    ](/resources/articles-and-insights/articles/c/choosing-the-right-payroll-provider-for-your-business)
-   [
    
    ![Switching payroll providers: what you need to know](https://marketing-assets.adp.com/api/public/content/f7f6e7762f2044d2bfd4c208903a07b5?v=e844b50a)
    
    Insight
    
    ### Switching payroll providers: what you need to know
    
    Read Now
    
    ](/resources/articles-and-insights/articles/s/switching-payroll-providers)

## Explore more small business topics

-   [Learn about products and features of small business payroll](/knowledge/payroll/small-business/education)
-   [Learn what to evaluate when choosing a small business payroll provider](/knowledge/payroll/small-business/evaluation)
-   [See how ADP compares to other small business payroll providers](/knowledge/payroll/small-business/providers)
-   [Learn about small business payroll solutions](/knowledge/payroll/small-business/solutions)

## Small business payroll FAQs

### How much does small business payroll cost?

The cost of small business payroll depends on factors like pay frequency, number of employees and the payroll services you choose. Most payroll providers charge a per-payroll processing fee, and payroll software may help reduce costs by lowering the risk of payroll tax penalties and administrative errors. ADP personalizes pricing to business needs and works with them to determine the right payroll setup based on their needs.

### Is small business payroll software affordable?

Small business payroll software can be an affordable way to manage payroll processing, payroll taxes and compliance without hiring additional staff. ADP offers payroll packages designed to support basic payroll needs as well as more advanced payroll and HR features.

### Who does payroll for a small business?

In many small businesses, the owner or an internal employee initially handles payroll. As payroll becomes more complex, many business owners choose a payroll service provider to manage payroll processing and payroll tax filing while helping reduce compliance risks.

### How do small businesses run payroll?

Small businesses typically run payroll by:

-   Tracking and recording employee hours worked
-   Calculating wages, deductions and payroll tax withholdings
-   Paying employees by check or direct deposit
-   Depositing withheld taxes with the appropriate agencies
-   Filing employer payroll tax returns on time
-   Issuing required forms such as Form W-2

Because payroll regulations change frequently, many businesses use payroll software or a payroll provider to help manage compliance and reporting requirements.

### What does payroll software for small businesses include?

Small business payroll software may include:

-   Online payroll processing from desktop or mobile devices
-   Payroll tax calculations, payments and filings with proper authorization
-   Direct deposit and employee self-service access
-   Error detection tools that help flag potential payroll mistakes
-   Support navigating payroll and HR regulations

With ADP, features vary by payroll package, allowing small businesses to choose the level of payroll and HR support that fits their needs.

### What are the benefits of using small business payroll software?

Small business payroll software helps save time by automating payroll calculations and payroll tax filings. It can also help reduce payroll errors, support compliance and give employees secure access to pay statements and tax documents.

### Will payroll software save my small business money?

Payroll errors and tax penalties can be costly. By automating payroll processing and payroll tax calculations, ADP's small business payroll software may help reduce fines, administrative labor and time spent correcting mistakes.

### Do you offer payroll in my state?

ADP offers small business payroll services in all 50 states and supports federal, state and local payroll tax requirements across the country.

### How do I get set up on ADP?

To get started with ADP small business payroll, you’ll provide payroll records and company information, including employee details and tax data. You’ll also complete Form 8655, Reporting Agent Authorization, to allow ADP to handle payroll tax filings on your behalf.

### What can I do with ADP payroll?

ADP small business payroll automates key payroll tasks, including:

-   Calculating hours worked and gross pay
-   Processing payroll deductions for taxes, benefits and garnishments
-   Paying employees through direct deposit or other payment methods
-   Filing payroll tax reports with federal, state and local agencies
-   Storing payroll records securely

Depending on the payroll package selected, businesses can also access additional HR tools, reporting features, time tracking and employee self-service capabilities.

### How many times can I run payroll per month?

Payroll frequency depends on your pay schedule, industry standards and state regulations. Many small businesses run payroll weekly or biweekly, and ADP helps create a payroll calendar that aligns with your compliance requirements.

### How will my employees get their paystubs?

Depending on state regulations, employees may receive electronic pay statements through secure employee self-service accounts or printed paystubs. ADP supports both electronic and paper pay statement options.

### What’s included in employee self-service accounts?

Employee self-service accounts typically allow employees to view pay statements, access tax forms, update contact information and manage payroll tax withholdings securely online.

### Does ADP file Form W-2 and Form 1099?

Yes. ADP prepares and delivers required year-end forms, including Form W-2 for employees and Form 1099 for eligible contractors, and can e-file these forms with the IRS on your behalf.

Make the switch to ADP

Experience better small business payroll & HR.

By submitting this form, you acknowledge that you have read our [Privacy Statement for Business Contacts](/privacy) and agree to our [Terms of Use](/legal).

† ZipRecruiter is a registered trademark of ZipRecruiter, Inc.  
‡ Legal services are provided by Upnetic Legal Services, a third-party provider.

1.  All insurance products will be offered and sold only through Automatic Data Processing Insurance Agency, Inc.,(ADPIA) its licensed agents or its licensed insurance partners, One ADP Blvd. Roseland, NJ 07068. CA license #0D04044. Licensed in 50 states. ADPIA is an affiliate of ADP, Inc.
2.  Internal survey of 1,281 RUN Powered by ADP® customers in 2026.