The best payroll program for small business needs in the coming tax year will have several important features. Businesses of all sizes and industries need payroll tools. But what sets a good software apart from the best? We’ve identified five essential features that all the best payroll programs have.
Keep in mind that the Advanced Micro Solutions payroll platform, AMS Payroll, has all of the following features. Plus, with a disc-based tool, users only pay for software annually – not monthly. Learn more about how to find the best payroll program for small businesses with AMS.
1. Flexible Payment Options
Payroll software tools serve a variety of functions. The most important? Paying employees and contractors accurately and on time. Your payroll tool should be able to accommodate a variety of payment methods. AMS Payroll supports over 30 different check types, and users can select default checks to streamline the process. AMS Payroll can also process employee direct deposit payroll information.
2. Robust Reporting Support
When it comes to payroll, data generation and utilization is nearly as important as cutting checks. Businesses use payroll data for end-of-year tax and wage reporting. The best payroll program for small business needs should be able to support that process. For example, AMS Payroll supports forms 941, 940, 943, 944 and 1040 SchH. The platform also electronically files forms 941, 944, and 940. Users can also export their payroll information to the W-2/1099 Forms Filer for simple year-end processing.
3. Powerful Data Import and Export
Many departments can benefit from payroll data. For example, HR departments and payroll processing often work together to update personnel records and tax responsibilities. As such, your payroll software should be able to seamlessly import and export data. AMS Payroll can import data from QuickBooks, PeachTree, Excel, and tab-delimited text files. The program can also export data to tab-delimited text files and QuickBooks General Journal. This ensures ease of internal data sharing.
4. User Personalization
When it comes to payroll support, companies will have varying needs. Some prefer to process their payroll live, while others function better with after-the-fact payroll. Some need support for 9 employees, while others need support for 9,999. It is important to find a payroll software that can address your specific requirements. For example, AMS Payroll includes up to 40 user-defined fields. Employers can set these up for deductions and additions, like 401K contributions and health insurance coverage.
5. Modular Interaction and Support
If somebody is looking for the best payroll program for small businesses, they likely have additional software needs. While some prefer the cost-effectiveness of a standalone product, most can benefit from a modular software suite. Advanced Micro Solutions offers individual software modules. This allows users to choose the support they need, creating an affordable yet personalized tool. Start with our W-2/1099 Forms Filer, then add whichever other tools you need, like AMS Payroll. We recommend that potential customers try our free demo software. This can give users a sense of how the tool functions.