The best small business payroll software is able to deliver on a number of different business priorities. Getting the best program should include:
- Optimal security to avoid embezzlement of funds or obtaining of proprietary information about the size and structure of your payroll
- Accommodations for structured, multi-option retirement plans and health benefits for individual employees and family plans
- Accessibility and dependable performance
Advanced Micro Solutions’ Payroll Software is an add-on module to our base program and allows you to enter payroll and non-employee compensation by check throughout the year.
Is the Best Payroll Software Affordable?
The short answer is, it can be. Here is a rundown of the features available with AMS Payroll, the best small business payroll software and our most powerful software module.
- Direct deposit processing and paycheck printing
- Processes payroll “live” and after-the-fact
- Supports federal, state, and local payroll tax calculations (includes federal and state tax tables, filing requirements, and SUI forms)
- Supports up to 1,999 payers and up to 9,999 employees/contractors per payer
- Network and multiple PC installation (with purchase of site license)
- 40 User Defined Fields for customized payroll operations
- E-file Forms 940, 941, and/or 944
- Certified payroll reports and client letter formatting
Additional Payroll Software Features to Look For
The best small business payroll software should handle the payroll needs of mom-and-pop stores and larger companies in labor-intensive industries. Some of these companies hit the crucial 50-employee mark long before they might ever be considered corporate giants.
We developed the Affordable Care Act Filer to create a payroll tie-in for the businesses that fall under these filing requirements.
Other businesses need the ability to print their paychecks and handle direct deposit processing. Our Software Generated Forms module and the right toner will let you print out your own MICR bank checks, including over 30 different types of paychecks.
Get Started with AMS
Even when running payroll seems like one more thing that you do not have time to do in the day, owners of mom-and-pop businesses can benefit from taking care of their own basic payroll and tax filing needs. The key is to avoid getting swamped by overly complex payroll software.
Our W-2/1099 Forms Filer is the foundational software that creates a platform with easy, menu-driven access. Navigate weekly/monthly payroll, and quarterly and annual tax filing returns, with our incredible software resources.
If you do experience a hitch along the way, there are plenty of resources to help you work through the uncertainty or payroll management problem. Troubleshoot most issues easily enough on your own with our FAQ section.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do brokerage firms get the most out of payroll software? – Start by considering all of the ways to make your day-to-day operations easier. Brokerage firms need software that improves employee retention and maintains payroll tax compliance.
- How can I prepare for new payroll software with audit trail capabilities? – Looking for a system with fraud prevention and improved compliance will help if the IRS opts to audit your business. Implement automation early and verify the employee information on the front end.
For stickier problems, contact our support team through email, our Live Chat feature when it is active, or by calling (405) 340-0697. You also may want to learn a little more about the software solutions before making final decisions. We encourage you to sign up for a free software demo, or talk to our Sales and Information team at (800) 536-1099.
This article was updated on May 8, 2026 to keep its information as fresh as possible. We update this article every six months, before and after tax season, to keep current with any changes.