| Remember when payroll was processed by hand and | | | | Most payroll software companies provide support for |
| tax forms were typed up on a manual typewriter? | | | | their customers. A wide range of support methods |
| Well, as you know those days are long gone. Payroll | | | | exist, including telephone, e-mail, online, community |
| software companies emerged, and software has | | | | forums, and more. Training may be provided in live |
| since evolved into an indispensable tool for companies | | | | classes in person or via the internet. Some companies |
| processing payroll. Instead of calculating deductions by | | | | provide learning documents and videos on their site for |
| hand, the software does it for you each time payroll | | | | their customers to learn at their own pace; other |
| runs are calculated. Instead of writing out checks, you | | | | companies even give the option of onsite training. Think |
| simply print them from your computer. And no more | | | | about which method of support and training you prefer, |
| worrying about tax calculations since the software | | | | and ask your vendor if they offer that method. Since |
| computes them for you. Most businesses will attest to | | | | there is a great variation of support and training |
| the fact that payroll software has made their lives | | | | options, you will be surprised what some companies |
| much easier. However, a much more complex issue is | | | | offer that others don't! Be sure to inquire about the |
| finding a system that is right for your business. There is | | | | cost of these options as well, since some companies |
| a wide variety of companies that produce and | | | | include it in one cost, and others charge additional fees. |
| distribute payroll software. Here are some main | | | | Software Upgrades and Enhancements |
| differences among them, to help you choose the right | | | | Payroll software companies must keep their products |
| company and software for your business. | | | | current due to ongoing state and federal tax rate |
| Pricing Structure | | | | changes, changing payroll regulations, and more. Many |
| Not all payroll software pricing structures are created | | | | software companies also make ongoing |
| equal. Some products seem affordable at the start, | | | | improvements to enhance the function of their |
| but quickly become expensive when you realize you | | | | programs. How can your business get those changes? |
| need to purchase additional modules to go along with | | | | Some companies charge separately for them, and |
| the software. Before you purchase anything, be sure | | | | some include them in one price. Be sure to find out the |
| to ask for a comprehensive quote for the first year, | | | | costs of upgrades and enhancements, since you will |
| and the year after. Ask your sales representative to | | | | need them both at some point. The least you will need |
| include things that are often forgotten: direct deposit, | | | | for payroll processing are the tax updates, so be sure |
| electronic tax filing, multiple state tax calculations, | | | | to get that information ahead of time. |
| multiple companies, multiple users, support, training, and | | | | Payroll software companies definitely offer a wide |
| enhancements. Pricing for software can be complex, | | | | variety of options when it comes to pricing, support |
| and varies greatly among software vendors. It is | | | | and training, upgrades and enhancements. Dig deeper |
| important to consider your needs at the start and get | | | | and get the details on these options before purchasing |
| a comprehensive quote, so there won't be huge | | | | your new payroll software, so there won't be surprises |
| surprises later. | | | | as time goes on. |
| Support and Training | | | | |