2017 Review of AccountantsWorld Payroll Relief

Payroll Relief is best suited for small to mid-sized accounting firms that desire the flexibility that cloud access can provide.  Users can also access Payroll Relief using a mobile device. 

The Firm Administration option allows users to easily monitor all payroll and related activities for each of their clients.  Payroll Relief uses exception-based data entry, so users only need enter data when it varies from the regular payroll – an excellent option for businesses that have a large number of salaried employees.   A payroll dashboard provides users with access to all payroll and related data for each client.  For firms handling reporting for their clients, AccountantsWorld also offers a complete After-the-Fact payroll module for firms that process a large number of after-the-fact payroll entries.

Payroll Relief offers tax tables for all 50 states, as well as local tax entities.  The product also offers solid payroll reporting options, including an in-depth payroll analysis report as well as client management reports.  All payroll reports can be emailed directly to each client, as well as exported to Microsoft Word or Excel.  Reports can also be saved as a PDF.  Reports are easily customized, and users can save reports in sets, with custom reporting options set for each client. 

Payroll Relief offers electronic filing of all federal and most state tax forms, and also files related forms such as W-2s, 1099 MISC and 1096 forms.  Product users can easily import payroll data from time and attendance systems such as Advantek and SwipeClock. Payroll Relief is part of AccountantsWorld suite of cloud applications, offering seamless integration with Accounting Power, which is part of AccountantsWorld.  Payroll Relief also integrates with QuickBooks applications, CS Accounting, and Sage 50 Accounting.

Payroll Relief offers an unlimited number of portals for clients to utilize.  Firm users have the option to restrict portal access for each client individually, so access can be restricted when desired.  Clients that do have access to the payroll portal can enter payroll using one of two methods; complete access to payroll data entry screens using the portal, or by entering time on an Excel spreadsheet, which is can then be imported into Payroll Relief.  Permission levels can also be assigned per client, with clients responsible for determining the level of portal access provided to their employees.  The portal also provides employees access to payroll related data such as pay stubs and W-2s.

Payroll Relief does not currently offer any HR tools, though they have partnered with other vendors to provide access to Workers Compensation processing, 401K administration and payroll debit cards.

AccountantsWorld has also focused on streamlining payroll and compliance workflows for Payroll Relief users, developing an API that developers of external products can use to facilitate integration between their applications and Payroll Relief. Also new are a number of batch features that enable firms to collect information, enter and approve payrolls, process, print, and distribute W-2s and 1099s, and archive payroll reports and forms in batch, allowing them to process multiple clients at the same time. Batch processing saves firms time and money and makes it possible for firms to provide full payroll services with minimal staff.

The company notes that it is in the process of integrating an Activity Dashboard, based on Trello, into Payroll Relief and expect this feature to be available in the near future. This will provide users with complete visibility into payroll and compliance processes, allowing them to review the entire practice at a glance. Users can create cards to track due dates, create checklists, share documents, and monitor task completion, while lists in the this Payroll Activity, end-to-end tracking and management of payroll and compliance processes.

A practice development consultant is assigned to each user firm.  Payroll Relief users also have access to both live and recorded webinars, a variety of training videos and screen-specific one-click help content.  Free, web-based support available around the clock via in-software mailing features.

AccountantsWorld offers special first-year pricing for new users; $1,495.00 for the year, which also includes an unlimited number of payroll clients and employees, and unlimited, free telephone support during regular business hours.

2017 Rating – 4.75 Stars