2017 Review of CheckMark Payroll

CheckMark’s payroll program supports setup of multiple companies, convenient for accountants handling payroll for multiple clients. The built-in activity log allows accountants to easily view all payroll and tax entries made in the system for each client. Users can access a company by selecting the appropriate database and choosing the company from the list. Once the company is open, users can select the desired function from a vertical menu on the left side of the screen.

The program features a user-friendly interface that displays all current employees and columns showing different types of pay categories such as Regular, Overtime, Double Time and common deductions such as Sick, Vacation, and Comp Time. Users can carry forward previous check totals, which is great when processing a large number of salaried employees. Users can also import hours in a text format by matching employee names or employee names and Social Security numbers.

CheckMark Payroll supports both after-the-fact payroll and single check processing, ideal for entering manual checks. Tax tables are available for all 50 states and U.S  terroritories, and CheckMark offers payroll reporting options, including Employee Information Report, Employee Earnings Reports, as well as Income and Deduction Reports. Users can easily export all reports to a text or Excel file for customization.

CheckMark Payroll prints payroll tax forms including 940, 941, 943, W-2, and W-3 forms, and will print on blank paper or pre-printed forms, which CheckMark offers at competitive prices. The program also prints all federal tax reports, along with both state and local tax reports. CheckMark supports E-filing both W-2’s and W-3’s to the SSA along with most states that accept electronic filing.

Though CheckMark Payroll does not offer direct integration with time-keeping systems, users can easily import hours directly from timekeeping software. The product also seamlessly integrates with CheckMark’s Multiledger, which offers complete GL, AR, AP, Inventory and Job management capability. Data can also be imported from many third-party applications including QuickBooks.

CheckMark Payroll does not offer client or employee portals, though employees signed up for direct deposit can receive a current check stub via email in PDF format. The product does not offer access to previous check stubs or W-2’s. The payroll application does not offer any HR tools at this time, however Checkmark offers their customers access to powerful HR and Time-Keeping solutions.

CheckMark Payroll offers Help functionality throughout the application; users have access to the complete program manual from the user interface screen. Users can also access the Quick Start Guide, Knowledge-Base and request Support directly from the user interface. Three levels of technical support are available: Priority, Professional and Installation only.   Both Priority and Professional Support offer phone, email and fax support options, as well as online access to program fixes.

Pricing for CheckMark Payroll starts at $359.00, with the option of adding additional support. Users will receive updated tax tables and continued support with their purchase of the year-end update. CheckMark Payroll from CheckMark is a good fit and offers great value for small and medium-sized businesses and accounting firms that process payroll for multiple clients.

2017 Overall Rating: 4.25 Stars