Small business payroll services: Easy to run and backed by experts

How much does small business payroll cost?

The cost of small business payroll depends on several factors, including payroll frequency, total number of employees and the specific services that are needed. Most commonly, there is a per-payroll processing fee. The important thing to remember is that a payroll service may actually save you money when compared to the cost of tax penalties. ADP will work with you to determine the right payroll setup for your business, whether you have just one employee or several.

Is small business payroll software affordable?

Yes, ADP offers an affordable solution for small businesses in need of basic payroll, taxes and help with compliance they can trust. Compare all of our budget-friendly payroll packages.

Who does payroll for a small business?

In some small businesses, especially those in their infancy, the owner manages the payroll. However, this approach can quickly become unfeasible due to the amount of time it takes to manually process payroll and the costly penalties that can possibly ensue if mistakes are made. Consequently, many small business owners eventually turn to a payroll service provider for assistance.

How do small businesses run payroll?

Whether you choose to tackle the job on your own or work with a professional, running small business payroll, in its most basic form, consists of these steps:

1. Track and record employee hours worked
2. Calculate wages and withholding amounts (taxes, benefits, etc.)
3. Distribute wages to employees
4. Deposit the withheld taxes with appropriate government agencies
5. File employer tax returns at the applicable deadlines
6. Send employees Form W-2 and other required tax forms

Throughout each stage of this process, you’ll need to comply with constantly changing regulations – a task that can be difficult without the expertise and assistance of a payroll provider like ADP.

What does payroll software for small business include?

Depending on the provider and package selected, small-business payroll software may include:

• Guided payroll setup and migration support
• Online payments for employees and contractors
• Federal, state and local payroll tax calculation, payment and filing
• Payroll preview, correction and approval workflows
• Technology that flags potential errors before submission
• Employee self-service and mobile access
• Access to payroll and HR professionals
• Connections with time, accounting, benefits and other business tools

What are the benefits of using small business payroll software?

Small-business payroll software can make payroll easier by handling or supporting more of the work surrounding each payroll. RUN Powered by ADP automates routine calculations, administers payroll taxes, flags potential errors, maintains payroll records and gives employees self-service access to their information. These capabilities are backed by 24/7 payroll support and compliance expertise, so owners have help processing payroll, managing requirements and resolving questions. That combination creates an experience customers describe as easy: 96% of 1,281 RUN customers surveyed in 2026 said running payroll with ADP is easy.

Does small business payroll software save your business money?

Tax penalties and fines resulting from payroll errors can be expensive. By helping minimize or eliminate these mistakes, payroll software may save you money. Software also automates the payroll process, which may reduce labor expenses associated with running payroll.

Do you offer payroll in my state?

Yes, ADP offers payroll services in all 50 states. So, whether your business is based on the East Coast, West Coast, Midwest or one of the noncontiguous states, we’ve got you covered.

How do I get set up on ADP?

To start running payroll with ADP, complete the guided setup process, work with ADP experts to configure payroll and related services and verify your information before your first payroll. After setup, ADP provides ongoing payroll support to help you stay on track.

What payroll tasks can ADP handle for my business?

RUN Powered by ADP helps handle the work behind payroll while keeping you in control. You provide or confirm employee and contractor information, review potential issues and approve payroll. ADP can:

• Flag potential errors for review before payroll is submitted
• Calculate gross pay, taxes, deductions and net wages
• Process payments for employees and contractors
• File and pay applicable federal, state and local payroll taxes
• Prepare, deliver and file W-2 and 1099 forms
• Document and securely maintain payroll records

What payroll tasks can ADP handle for my business?

RUN Powered by ADP helps handle the work behind payroll while keeping you in control. You provide or confirm employee and contractor information, review potential issues and approve payroll. ADP can:

• Flag potential errors for review before payroll is submitted
• Calculate gross pay, taxes, deductions and net wages
• Process payments for employees and contractors
• File and pay applicable federal, state and local payroll taxes
• Prepare, deliver and file W-2 and 1099 forms
• Document and securely maintain payroll records

How many times can I run payroll per month?

The frequency with which you can run payroll depends on your industry and state regulations. ADP generally recommends weekly or biweekly pay periods where acceptable. We’ll work with you to create a payroll calendar that suits your business and compliance needs.

How will my employees get their paystubs?

Depending on your state’s regulations, your employees may be able to access their pay statements electronically. Or, you may be required to provide them with printed pay statements. ADP’s small business payroll supports both versions.

What’s included in employee accounts?

Employee self-service is included with ADP’s small business payroll. After logging into their account, your employees can access their pay statements, update their contact information and manage their withholdings.

Does ADP file form W-2 and Form 1099?

We’ll create and deliver W-2 and 1099 forms for you, and even e-file these forms with the IRS on your behalf.