When it comes to dishing out checks many sign business owners turn to payroll services, and with good reason. Payroll is an important part of your business; from keeping your employees happy, to keeping your books straight, you need to make sure your payroll service provider can handle it all. Before you settle on a payroll service, or to check up on your existing one, it would be a good idea to ask them the following questions:
- What is your track record?
- Will I be using all the services I am paying for?
- Do you offer guarantees?
A solid track record speaks wonders for a payroll service. Do a little bit of digging - search for complaints about the service online, and check in with the Better Business Bureau for more details. You will also want to check into your state's department of banking to see if any complaints have been made with them. Ask around for recommendations from other small business and sign shop owners to find a trustworthy provider.
Oftentimes payroll companies bundle up a bunch of different services into one package, so you end up paying for services you don't actually use or even need. If you just want payroll services, find a provider that will let you pick your services and pay accordingly. On the other hand, if you insurance services, time-sheet management, and tax-compliance assistance price compare before picking one master package.
Payroll mistakes are bound to happen from time to time. However, the cost can be pretty steep. So, when investigating payroll service providers find out what kind of guarantees they offer in case of an error. Find out if they pay the penalties and the interest, or if that cost will fall on your shoulders. Most companies will take responsibility of the fees, but not the interest, so make sure you ask specifically. Here's 1 online payroll service: Intuit Online Payroll Do you have a payroll service provider that has been excellent for your small business?