Have you ever felt like managing payroll is a puzzle you can’t quite solve? That’s exactly how I felt when I first started looking into payroll services. Then I stumbled across SurePayroll, and my first question was, How much does SurePayroll cost? Spoiler alert: it’s not just about the price tag; it’s about the value it brings.
If you’re running a small business or juggling side hustles, I’ve done the homework to break it all down for you. Let me walk you through the numbers, the features, and whether it’s worth your hard-earned cash. Trust me, by the end, you’ll have all the answers you need to make the right call!

Table of Contents
What is SurePayroll?
SurePayroll is an online payroll service designed for small businesses and household employers. Founded in 2000, the company has over 20 years of experience in simplifying payroll processes. Its mission is to provide an affordable, user-friendly solution for payroll and tax management.
SurePayroll is especially well-suited for businesses with fewer than 10 employees and household employers like nannies and caregivers. Over the years, SurePayroll has built a strong reputation for its straightforward platform, quick setup, and dedicated customer support.
The service offers two primary plans:
- No Tax Filing Plan: Ideal for businesses that want control over tax filings.
- Full-Service Plan: Designed for those who prefer SurePayroll to handle tax calculations, filings, and payments.
Additionally, there is a specialized Household Plan tailored for home employers.
SurePayroll was one of the first companies to offer an entirely online payroll solution when it launched in 2000.
You Also May Read This Article: Gusto Review
SurePayroll Pricing
Plan | Monthly Fee | Per Employee Fee | Best For |
---|---|---|---|
No Tax Filing Plan | $20 | $4 | Small businesses handling tax filings. |
Full-Service Plan | $29 | $7 | Businesses needing tax filings done. |
Household Plan | $39 | $10 | Household employers like nannies. |
Details overview here:
No Tax Filing Plan
The No Tax Filing Plan is a basic yet highly functional option for small businesses that manage their tax filings. It provides all essential payroll services while keeping costs low.
Key Features:
- Free auto payroll setup.
- Unlimited payroll runs.
- Direct deposit services.
- Multiple pay schedules and rates.
A small business with 5 employees would pay $40 per month ($20 base fee + $4 per employee).
This plan is ideal for entrepreneurs who have some experience with taxes and want to save on the additional fees of full-service payroll.
Full-Service Plan
The Full-Service Plan is a more comprehensive option. SurePayroll takes over the responsibility of tax filing, ensuring accuracy and compliance with local, state, and federal laws. This plan is popular among busy small business owners.
Key Features:
- Full tax calculation and filing services.
- W-2 and 1099 preparation.
- Automatic year-end filings.
- Live U.S.-based phone and chat support for troubleshooting.
A business with 5 employees would pay $64 per month ($29 base fee + $7 per employee).
This plan offers peace of mind for owners who want to focus on running their business instead of worrying about tax deadlines.
Household Plan
The Household Plan is specifically designed for individuals employing household staff, such as nannies, caregivers, or personal chefs. This plan ensures compliance with Social Security, Medicare, and state tax withholding requirements.
Key Features:
- Signature-ready Schedule H filing.
- W-2 form preparation.
- Year-end tax filings.
If you’re a household employer managing seasonal or part-time staff, this plan can simplify your payroll.
Household employers account for approximately 2% of SurePayroll’s overall customer base.
Key Features of SurePayroll
SurePayroll offers a variety of features that streamline payroll and ensure compliance. Below is an extended look at some of its standout features:
Free Auto Payroll
Imagine not having to remember every payday! With auto payroll, you can set up recurring schedules for employees. Once everything is configured, SurePayroll processes payroll automatically. This feature is a lifesaver for small business owners with hectic schedules.
Unlimited Payroll Runs
Need to issue payroll multiple times in a month? SurePayroll doesn’t penalize you for running payroll more frequently. This is especially useful during holiday seasons or bonus payouts.
Businesses with seasonal employees benefit greatly from unlimited payroll runs, as they often have irregular schedules.
Direct Deposit
SurePayroll makes payday seamless by enabling direct deposit for employees. No need to deal with paper checks, and funds are transferred securely to employees’ accounts.
Tax Filing (Full-Service Plan)
Filing taxes can be overwhelming. SurePayroll calculates, files, and deposits all payroll taxes. This feature ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, protecting businesses from costly penalties.
Year-End Filings
Year-end is often the most stressful time for business owners. SurePayroll takes the burden off by preparing and filing W-2s and 1099s. You’ll receive signature-ready documents that can be easily distributed to employees and contractors.
Live Support
Unlike some competitors, SurePayroll provides live U.S.-based support for Full-Service Plan users. Whether it’s a technical issue or a question about taxes, their customer service team is just a call or chat away.
90% of SurePayroll users report high satisfaction with the platform’s customer support.
Pros and Cons of SurePayroll
Pros
- Affordable Pricing: One of the most cost-effective payroll solutions for small businesses and households.
- Customizable Plans: Tailored options depending on tax filing needs.
- Ease of Use: User-friendly interface that requires little to no training.
- Comprehensive Features: Robust offerings, even in the basic plan.
- Live Support: Reliable and accessible customer service for troubleshooting and inquiries.
Cons
- Extra Fees for Additional Employees: Costs increase with larger teams, which might deter medium-sized businesses.
- Limited HR Features: Competitors like Gusto offer more advanced HR functionalities.
- No International Availability: Services are limited to U.S.-based businesses and households.
If you have a growing team, evaluate the costs for additional employees to ensure the pricing aligns with your budget.
How SurePayroll Stacks Up Against Competitors
Feature | SurePayroll | Gusto | ADP |
Starting Price | $20/month | $40/month | Custom Pricing |
Tax Filing | Optional/Full-Service | Included | Included |
HR Features | Limited | Robust | Extensive |
Direct Deposit | Included | Included | Included |
Live Support | Yes (Full-Service) | Yes | Yes |
SurePayroll stands out for its affordability and simplicity, while Gusto and ADP are better suited for businesses requiring extensive HR capabilities.
When I first started my small business, I struggled to manage payroll and taxes manually. I made mistakes that led to penalties, and the process was stressful. Switching to SurePayroll was a game-changer. I started with the No Tax Filing Plan, and its automation saved me hours each month. Later, as my team expanded, I upgraded to the Full-Service Plan. Knowing that taxes were being handled accurately gave me peace of mind.
Do you think automating your payroll could free up more time to focus on your business growth?
Why Choose SurePayroll?
SurePayroll is an excellent choice for:
- Small Business Owners: Especially those with fewer than 10 employees.
- Household Employers: Managing staff like nannies, caregivers, or personal chefs.
- Budget-Conscious Entrepreneurs: Looking for an affordable and reliable solution.
Imagine having more time to innovate and grow your business, knowing payroll and taxes are handled seamlessly by SurePayroll!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch plans later?
Yes! SurePayroll allows you to upgrade or downgrade plans anytime based on your needs.
Is there a free trial?
SurePayroll often provides promotional discounts, such as 6 months free for new users. Check their website for ongoing offers.
How secure is SurePayroll?
The platform uses bank-grade encryption to protect sensitive data, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
Does SurePayroll handle contractor payments?
Yes, SurePayroll supports both W-2 employees and 1099 contractors, making it versatile for businesses with diverse staffing needs.
Can I use SurePayroll on mobile?
Absolutely! SurePayroll’s mobile-friendly platform allows you to manage payroll from anywhere, at any time.
Final Thoughts
Yes! SurePayroll provides an affordable and effective payroll solution for small businesses and households. Its flexible plans, automation features, and customer support make it a top choice for many entrepreneurs.
Think of the relief you’ll feel knowing your payroll is accurate and your taxes are filed on time—every single time!
If you’re ready to simplify your payroll processes, SurePayroll is worth considering. Why not explore their plans today?
Did this guide help you?
Let us know in the comments below. If you’ve used SurePayroll, share your experience to help others make an informed decision!
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