Additionally, Wave Payroll integrates with fewer third-party accounting software than solutions like Gusto and OnPay. Our unbiased reviews and content are supported in part by affiliate partnerships, and we adhere to strict guidelines to preserve editorial integrity. The editorial content on this page is not provided by any of the companies mentioned and has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Ramp offers a free corporate card and finance management system for small businesses. Start earning rewards with your corporate spending today. In addition to offering a free 30-day trial, Wave Payroll’s subscription-based pricing model is transparent, with no setup fees or hidden charges.

Similar to its payroll processing features, Wave Payroll offers just enough employee management and PTO features to be functional. Wave Payroll’s simple, low-cost features may be basic but they’re well-suited for small businesses needing an affordable all-in-one accounting and payroll solution. You don’t have to wait for a new quarter or year to start using payroll software—you can start running payroll at any time! And if you’re switching providers, you can make the transition easily by importing all the necessary forms and information in just a few minutes. Check out our handy support article to learn how you can switch to using Wave’s payroll feature.

Wave Payroll Self-Service States

The company Wave Apps has a customer score of 1.54 out of 5 stars with the Better Business Bureau. You can add deductions for benefits through Wave but will need to purchase and manage benefits separately. “Wave invoicing makes your life a whole lot easier and takes that worry off you. I’ve tried Quickbooks—it’s a bit more complicated and technical, and takes more time to set up.” Only pay for what you use and simplify annual audits with workers’ comp built for small business owners.

Best Credit Card Processing Companies In 2024

Wave’s entire mission is to bring robust accounting, payments, and payroll programs to more small businesses. If you already love using Wave’s free accounting software and don’t mind a simple payroll system without a ton of robust features, Wave’s payroll software could be a solid, inexpensive fit. Wave’s payroll software supports paying both employees and independent contractors when you run payroll. The proper tax forms (like the T4 and T4A) are available to be generated by you. While Wave’s main product is its free accounting platform, Wave Payroll is a paid, mid-tier solution that is equipped with standard features like automatic payments and multi-state filing.

You’ll need to answer a few questions about your business and provide us with a little more information about yourself in order to get approved to accept online payments. Wave Payroll supports paying both employees and independent contractors when you run payroll. The proper tax forms—1099 in the US and T4-A in Canada—are also generated for you. Upon processing your first payroll, you can use Wave Payroll for up to 30 days, commitment-free. At any time, you can activate to start your billing cycle and gain access to items like tax filing and approving payrolls beyond the current month. See our full US terms here, and our full Canadian terms here.

1. Each staff reviewer at Merchant Maverick is a subject matter expert with experience researching, testing, and evaluating small business software and services.
2. Wave’s pricing for its Payroll software is based on the services available in your state and how many employees you pay each month.
3. Wave Financial Inc. is an accredited business with the Better Business Bureau and has an A+ rating from the company.
4. The company Wave Apps has a customer score of 1.54 out of 5 stars with the Better Business Bureau.
5. Price depends on the state in which you do business and how many employees you process.

Pay employees and contractors

Wave Payroll’s two pricing packages, Tax Service States and Self-Service States, respectively, offer full-service and self-service payroll. Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. Here is a list of our partners and here’s how we make money. We provide different levels of support, depending on the plan and/or the add-on features you choose. Cornell recently intercepted a wave of payroll theft attempts.

Final Verdict: Is Wave Payroll Worth It?

We also look for the presence of client and employee portals, benefits administration, PTO and time management tools, and many more vital features. Wave Payroll is a cloud-based software that helps small businesses run payroll the historical cost principle and business accounting and calculate and file payroll taxes. While it offers a reasonably priced option for small businesses, it is lacking in some features compared to competitors and only offers tax filing services in 14 states. Wave Payroll lets businesses manage payroll, employee deductions and taxes all in one platform. Employers can run payroll for employees and contractors, connect their accounts with Wave Accounting and let Wave file their payroll taxes for them in some states.