2017 Review of Red Wing Software CenterPoint Payroll

CenterPoint Payroll is also available in a new cloud-version with anywhere access, however, the company does not offer a mobile app.

CenterPoint Payroll offers an easily navigated interface that users can fully customize with shortcuts and other time saving options available.  The product utilizes a transaction entry grid that is designed to speed up the data entry process considerably, with the grid customizable as well.

CenterPoint Payroll contains tax tables for all 50 states, as well as some localities, with users able to add appropriate tax rates to the tax table.  The product also contains state tax forms for tax deposits, along with both unemployment and new hire forms.

CenterPoint Payroll offers a good selection of reporting options, with all system reports fully customizable.  Users can easily create report groups or favorites for each company or client that can be saved and ran after each payroll.  All system reports can be exported to Excel for further customization if necessary.

CenterPoint Payroll handles all federal tax forms including 940, 941, 943, and 1099 forms.  The product also supports over 200 state tax and payroll related forms as well.  Standard payroll liability reports are available in Center Point Payroll, with users able to set up custom reminder for both payroll processing and tax due dates.

CenterPoint Payroll users Aatrix, a third-party tax processor, for efiling tax returns, or users can choose to print tax forms on plain paper for mailing if desired.

For those that need to track time and attendance, CenterPoint Payroll offers an optional time clock function, or users can opt to import employee time data into the product from other time keeping applications.  CenterPoint Payroll can be used as a stand-alone payroll solution, or users can opt to use the system with other CenterPoint Accounting applications.  There are also a variety of add-on modules available which include Direct Deposit, Publish Pay Advice, and a Check Designer module. The product offer basic export functionality, and users can opt to have Red Wing Software personnel create custom exporting capability if needed.

A cloud-based version of CenterPoint Payroll is available with remote access capabilities.  The desktop version also offers Publish Pay Advice, mentioned earlier, provides payroll clients with access to a secure website where they can access an electronic paystub.  The Publish Pay Advice is only available to those that utilize the direct deposit function in Center Point Payroll. Human resources tools are available, including an education tracking module, and links to employee forms like resumes and I-9 forms.

CenterPoint Payroll offers good help options throughout the product.  The How 2 Viewer provides system users with access to all CenterPoint Payroll training options, which include short, instructional videos, step-by-step instructions, printable user guides and full length training videos.  The Customer Care Membership is available in Silver and Gold level and includes access to the CenterPoint support center, maintenance releases and guaranteed response times.

CenterPoint Payroll is well suited for businesses and accountants that prefer an in-house payroll product.  The product can be used as a stand-alone payroll solution or coupled with CenterPoint Accounting. 

CenterPoint Payroll starts at $795 for a single company, with all add-on modules priced separately.

2017 Overall Rating: 4.5 Stars