Some payroll services are ideal for small startups and offer only limited features, while others are designed for the enterprise-sized organization and can cost quite a bit more per month.
Full Features and More – Who Has the Biggest Toolbox?
Gusto and Intuit both offer an impressive list of features, many of which overlap, meaning that no matter which you choose, you’re going to be completely covered in those areas. Gusto shines in the area of features, though, as it offers an all-inclusive approach to its feature selection.
While Intuit offers some impressive features, a number of those features require premium buy-in to add them on to your monthly service. Gusto, on the other hand, requires no additional buy-in for everything from payroll processing to tax compliance, benefits processing, unlimited payroll runs, automated tax processing and more. That makes Gusto the winner when it comes to features, and the first round.
Tax Compliance—Keeping the IRS at Bay
Tax compliance is a serious issue when it comes to payroll. If you make a mistake it could wind up costing you a lot of money in steep IRS fines. Both Intuit and Gusto have you covered and will ensure, with a guarantee, that your taxes are filed in a timely manner. If there is a problem they will handle any fines.
However, Intuit does not offer this level of coverage and compliance with its basic and enhanced plans. You’ll have to get the full-service plan if you want to be completely covered and worry-free with tax filings.
Gusto, on the other hand, includes automatic tax processing and payments with a compliance guarantee, so it won’t cost you any more than you’re already paying for your service. Because of this level of service Gusto is the clear winner for complete payroll processing with tax compliance included.
It’s Pay Day—Who Makes It Easier for Your Employees to Get Paid?
Everyone expects a paycheck for their work but not every employee has a bank account, and some don’t want to deal with the hassle of a paper check. For those other employees it can be extremely helpful to offer alternative methods of getting paid.
Intuit offers a pretty wide selection which includes check printing on site and direct deposit, as well as payment cards through Netspend for employees who don’t have a bank account.
Gusto does not charge extra for direct deposit services as it’s included with your plan, and it also offers the ability to print checks on site at your business. Unfortunately, it does not offer check signing/stuffing and it doesn’t have an option for payroll cards like Intuit does.
In this case, Intuit comes out on top with more options to help your employees get paid.
Conclusion
Both companies are pretty evenly matched when it comes down to cost, features offered, tax compliance and payment types. While Gusto comes out on top, Intuit is still a fantastic service and is one of the most respected names in payroll processing. Both are ideal for businesses of any size and will serve you well when you make the switch from manual payroll processing to a payroll service.
Still not sure which payroll service is right for you? Check out our in-depth reviews today and choose the payroll provider that’s the best fit for your business.
