Choosing an effective payroll product is essential for every business. Whether you’re just setting up shop or switching up accounting, it is imperative that you find a tool perfect for your needs. In some cases, that might look like a full accounting suite, complete with electronic filing support and form-filling software. In other cases, it might look like a stand-alone product without many bells and whistles. No matter what your business needs, rest assured that there is a product available to meet all demands.
But starting the payroll software search can feel overwhelming. If you’ve never picked out a software tool, you might not know where to begin. This guide is designed to walk business owners through a set of questions and considerations. You’ll come away with a clearer understanding of what your business needs.
How to Choose Your Payroll Product
There are thousands of payroll software options available, but which is best for you? If you’re not sure where to look, start by reading through the following list. Record your answers for reference when comparing payroll solutions.
- Ask yourself important questions. Every business purchase should start with a range of questions: What are you looking to get out of a purchase? What process do you want to address with software? Do you want a specialized tool or something with a more general application? Thinking through your specific reasons for making a purchase will help you home in on the features you need.
- Isolate important features. Every business should have a list of non-negotiable features when starting a software search. This can include electronic filing support, digital form generation, automatic payroll processing, direct deposit facilitation, easy set-up, check processing, and more. Think about which facets of your accounting process you want the software to address, then use those findings to discover your must-have features.
- Set your budget early. Don’t go shopping for software with a blank check. Business owners should set a price range for every purchase they make, including a payroll product. Keep in mind that this may be tougher for businesses explicitly seeking SaaS software. These tools incur a monthly subscription fee, which can change over time. Prioritizing disc-based tools with annual fees allows users to better budget for software expenses.
AMS Offers the Best Payroll Software
If you have a tight budget, specific software needs, and require a robust payroll system, Advanced Micro Solutions is a great choice. Our software is designed for businesses of all sizes and industries. We utilize a modular system, which means users can mix and match tools depending on what they need. Customers start with our W-2/1099 Forms Filer, then select add-on modules from the below list to create a personalized accounting tool.
- Affordable Care Act Filer
- 1042-S Filer
- Software Generated Forms
- AMS Payroll
- AMS E-File Software
- Forms Filer Plus
Our tools are disc-based, which means users only pay for annual updates – not a monthly subscription. If AMS sounds like an option for your company, try our free demo software. If you have questions, call to ask them at 800-536-1099.