2017 Review of Gusto Payroll

Cloud-based, Gusto can be accessed from desktop computers along with laptops, smart phones and tablets.

Originally known as Zen Payroll, the company changed in name in 2015, while also adding additional HR tools designed for the small business owner.

Gusto offer built-in dashboard functionality, where users have easy access to all system functions. For accountants, the client dashboard offers a variety of system options, including Employees, Contractors, Reports, and Company Details. Payroll can also be run directly from the dashboard as well. An Accountant’s Dashboard is also available, where users can directly access features such as the Gusto Partner Program and Billing. Conveniently, all clients can be accessed from the dashboard, making it easy to manage multiple client payroll needs.

Gusto offers complete local, state and federal tax compliance, with tax tables available for all 50 states. All related payroll reports are automatically calculated by Gusto, with reports submitted electronically to the appropriate agency.

Reporting options are fairly standard in Gusto, with payroll related reports such a Payroll History, Contractor Payments, and Tax Payments available, with users able to process reports by department if desired. While report export capability is limited, all reports can be saved as a PDF file if desired.

Gusto integrates with several time tracking applications including TSheets, When I Work, Boomr Mobile Time Tracking, Nimble Schedule, and Time Tracker. The product also offers solid integration capability with numerous third-party applications including QuickBooks, FreshBooks, Xero, and QuickBooks Online, as well as Guideline for 401(k), Receipt Bank, and Capital One Spark Business.

Both employee and client portals are available in Gusto at additional cost, with accounting firms able to individually assign a portal to their client, who in turn can provide access to their employees. Users can determine the level of access that a client is provided – with remote time entry completed by the client an option. An online onboarding process allows users to log into the system to enter their own personal information and fill out tax forms electronically. The same process also offers employees the ability to access pay stubs and W2’s at their convenience.

When the name change was instituted, Gusto also added a variety of HR tools including the ability to manage all employee information including job title, time off, benefits, and performance reviews. Health benefits administration capability allows business owners to administer a variety of plans, with employees able to view each plan and decide which one is works best for them. The Guideline partnership offers easy 401(k) management, which integrates with related payroll records.

Gusto offers excellent online help and user resources, including easy access to product guides, how-to videos, and payroll and HR related articles. An online knowledgebase is available to all product users, and toll-free support, as well as email and message support is available at no additional cost. Gusto also provides all professional accountants that use their product with a partner advisor at no additional cost. Base pricing for Gusto is $39.00 per month, along with a $6.00 per person – per month fee assessed. Pricing for accountants varies, with volume discounts provided based on the number of clients a firm maintains. Pricing includes payroll processing, employee and client portal, HR, Health and Benefits administration, 401(k) administration, and complete Workers Compensation Management.

2017 Payroll Rating – 4.75 Stars