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With the multitude of payroll software for contractors available, selecting the right one can be a real challenge. You're looking for a solution that simplifies paying your team and managing taxes, but the choice can be overwhelming. I understand what you need. Drawing from my extensive experience with HR software and workplace management tools, I've sifted through the options to present you with the best payroll software for contractors.

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Best Payroll Software for Contractors: Pricing Comparison Chart

This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top payroll software selections for contractors to help you find the best software for your budget and business needs.

Best Payroll Software for Contractors Reviews

Here are of the best payroll software for managing contractor-only payments, including their key features, pros & cons, and notes on why I included them in this list. I’ve also noted additional use cases for each software system in the list to help you find the best option for your business needs.

Best for compliant payments in 150+ countries

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4.8/5

Deel simplifies the process of hiring and paying contractors globally. It is best for compliant hiring across borders due to its robust legal infrastructure and localized contracts.

Why I picked Deel: I chose Deel because it specifically addresses the challenges of international payroll and compliance, areas where many other platforms fall short. What makes it stand out is its tailored approach to meet diverse international labor laws, making it ideal for companies looking to expand globally without legal headaches. Deel is best for organizations that need a reliable solution for compliant hiring across different countries.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include a comprehensive dashboard that allows users to manage contracts, track payments, and maintain compliance with local tax laws all in one place. It supports multiple payment methods and currencies, enhancing its usability for global teams. Additionally, Deel’s self-service portal enables contractors to manage invoices and payments independently, which simplifies administration for both parties.

Integrations include Adobe, Slack, QuickBooks, Salesforce, Google Workspace, Xero, Asana, Dropbox, Shopify, and Zendesk.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Intuitive user interface
  • Supports over 150 currencies and multiple payment methods
  • Comprehensive compliance features

Cons:

  • Complexity can be overwhelming for small businesses
  • Higher cost compared to some competitors

Best for managing global contractor payments

  • Free demo available
  • From $15/employee/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.5/5

Papaya Global offers a comprehensive solution for managing the complexities of global contractor payments. It specializes in streamlining payroll processes, ensuring compliance, and managing workforce spending across multiple countries.

Why I picked Papaya Global: I selected Papaya Global for this list due to its robust capability to handle payroll and compliance for a global workforce with ease. It stands out from other contractor payroll software due to its unique focus on global payment processes and regulatory compliance in multiple jurisdictions. For this reason, I believe Papaya Global is best for businesses that require efficient and compliant management of international contractor payments.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include real-time access to payroll expenditures and analytics, allowing companies to monitor and manage their global spending effectively. Papaya Global also automates compliance checks for each payment, ensuring adherence to local tax laws and employment regulations. Furthermore, the platform's user interface is designed for simplicity, making complex payroll tasks manageable for HR teams.

Integrations include BambooHR, Expensify, Google Workspace, HiBob, Okta, OneLogin, Oracle NetSuite, SAP SuccessFactors, and Workday. 

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Provides detailed payroll analytics
  • Handles currency conversions
  • Automates international tax and compliance

Cons:

  • Requires integration with existing HR systems for full functionality
  • May be too complex for smaller organizations or those with local payment needs only

Best for automatic tax calculations

  • 90-day free trial
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4.1/5

RUN powered by ADP is a comprehensive payroll and HR solution designed to simplify the payroll process for small businesses. This tool offers a range of features including automated payroll calculations, tax filing, benefits administration, and compliance management.

Why I picked RUN: It offers flexible payment options, allowing contractors to choose their preferred payment method, whether it be direct deposit, ADPCheck™, or the Wisely® Direct debit card. Additionally, the platform supports global payments, making it easier for businesses to manage international contractors. RUN also offers built-in tax and compliance, which automatically calculates and files payroll taxes.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include a self-service portal and mobile app provided by ADP that enable contractors to manage their funds and work assignments on the go, regardless of their location. Another key feature is the expert hiring and HR support, providing tools and expertise to help businesses grow their teams, including legal services and employee onboarding. 

Integrations include Absorb LMS, Avionte, ClearCompany, Clockshark, Deputy, Dolce, FinancialForce, Infor, JazzHR, Oracle, PayActiv, PlanSource, QuickBooks, Replicon, Sage Intacct, SAP SuccessFactors, Workday, Xero, ZipRecruiter, and 7Shifts.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good mobile app for on-the-go use
  • Customizable reporting options
  • Employee self-service portal

Cons:

  • Most HR functions are only available on higher-tier plans
  • Limited to up to 49 employees

Best for contractor payment flexibility

  • Free demo available
  • From $25 - $199/user/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.5/5

Remofirst provides a global payroll solution that enables businesses to hire and pay international contractors with ease. It focuses on flexibility and compliance, offering tailored payment solutions across multiple currencies and countries.

Why I picked Remofirst: I chose Remofirst for its exceptional ability to manage international contractor payments with high flexibility. It stands out in the crowded market of contractor payroll services by offering customizable payment options and currency choices, which are critical for businesses working with a diverse international workforce. I believe Remofirst is best for companies that require adaptable payment solutions to meet the varied needs of global contractors.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include real-time tracking of contractor payments and expenditures, providing clear visibility into financial operations. The platform supports a variety of payment methods, ensuring contractors can be paid in their preferred currency. Additionally, Remofirst automates compliance with local tax laws, reducing the administrative burden and risk of penalties.

Integrations include ADP.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Simple and intuitive user interface
  • Automated compliance checks
  • Flexible payment options in multiple currencies

Cons:

  • No mobile app
  • Could use more native integrations with other tools

Best for paying US-based contractors

  • 30-day free trial
  • From $4/employee/month + $17/month base fee
Visit Website
Rating: 5/5

Patriot Payroll is an online payroll software that offers affordable payroll services with free direct deposit, making it a cost-effective option for businesses of all sizes. They provide free 2-day direct deposit for qualified customers and a range of comprehensive payroll reports and tools to manage payroll efficiently and accurately.

Why I picked Patriot Payroll: Their software offers features to make contractor management easier, including a free contractor portal to collect documents and empower your contractors to manage their own information, and the ability to pay contractors in the same payroll run as your employees.

You can also use Patriot Payroll to simplify your 1099 filing process since their system supports e-filing for 1099-NEC and 1099-MISC forms. You can prepare them using the software and send them directly to the IRS on behalf of all your active contractors.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include multiple pay rates, detailed payroll reports, printable or electronic W-2 forms, 2-day direct deposits, and the ability to e-file US tax documents.

Patriot offers two payroll software options, Basic Payroll and Full Service Payroll, with features such as a simple three-step process for running payroll, free payroll setup, and U.S.-based support. The software is accessible anytime, anywhere, and offers customizable time-off accrual rules, free direct deposit, and integration with accounting software.

Integrations include Patriot Accounting, QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Time, Plaid, and Workforce Time & Attendance.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Responsive customer support
  • Compliance with all 50 USA states
  • Simplified payroll runs for employees and contractors

Cons:

  • No global payroll abilities (USD only)
  • Only available for US-based businesses

Best for integrated payment solutions

  • From $6/user/month + $35/month base fee
Visit Website
Rating: 4.2/5

Square Payroll facilitates the processing of contractor payments, integrating with various business systems. It simplifies payroll management, offering tools for automatic tax calculations, payment scheduling, and compliance checks.

Why I picked Square Payroll: I selected Square Payroll for its robust integration capabilities, which streamline the payroll process by linking directly with other business operations platforms. Its distinct advantage lies in seamless integration with payment processing systems, making it a top choice for businesses that already utilize other Square products. I believe it is best for businesses looking for a payroll solution that enhances their existing payment infrastructure.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include automated tax calculations, which ensure accuracy and compliance with local and federal tax requirements. It also provides easy online account access for employers and contractors, allowing for efficient management of payroll features. The product supports flexible payment scheduling, which can be tailored to suit the specific needs of any business.

Integrations include Square POS, QuickBooks Online, Xero, TSheets, When I Work, Deputy, Gusto, and Zoho Books.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Access to US-based payroll support
  • Streamlined payroll process
  • Streamlined payroll process

Cons:

  • Variable pricing based on contractor count
  • Exclusively for 1099 contractors

Best for end-to-end contractor management

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4.9/5

Wingspan is a platform designed to support businesses that primarily use independent contractors and contingent workers. It offers a wide range of end-to-end features to help manage the entire contractor lifecycle.

Why I picked Wingspan: I chose Wingspan for its ability to automate contractor payments. This includes rapid payment options like ACH transfers and instant payouts. Automation also extends to onboarding. Contractors can easily import tax forms and bank information. This is augmented by the platform's capability to handle tax deductions and manage W-9 and 1099 forms, ensuring that both contractors and companies remain compliant with tax regulations. 

Standout features & integrations:

Features include a self-service portal, ensuring efficient verification and compliance management. The platform also has strong compliance features and contractor benefits options, which provide access to benefits typically reserved for full-time employees, such as checking accounts, insurance options, and financial tools.

Integrations include QuickBooks, Sage, Xero, LinkedIn, Greenhouse, Salesforce, HubSpot, Airtable, Google Workspace, Zoho, Rippling, Gusto, DocuSign, BambooHR, and ADP.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good expense management features
  • Simple onboarding workflows
  • Handles tax compliance paperwork

Cons:

  • Focus on contractors only, not employees
  • Limited customization options

Best for small business payroll

  • From $6/employee/month + $20/month base fee

Wave Payroll is designed to simplify payroll processes for small businesses, offering an easy-to-use platform that integrates payroll functions with financial management tools. This service allows small business owners to efficiently manage payroll, tax filings, and employee payments.

Why I picked Wave Payroll: I chose Wave Payroll because it offers a straightforward, cost-effective solution tailored to the needs of small businesses. It stands out due to its integration with Wave's other financial management tools, which helps streamline the accounting processes. Wave Payroll is best for small businesses looking for an affordable and user-friendly payroll system.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include automatic tax calculations and fillings, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring compliance, plus direct deposit and detailed payroll reporting to help businesses keep track of their finances. Additionally, Wave Payroll is known for an easy setup process, making it possible for business owners to run payroll without prior experience. 

Integrations include other Wave products such as Wave Accounting, Wave Invoicing, and Wave Receipts.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Automatic tax calculations and filings
  • Integrated financial management ecosystem
  • Affordable pricing structure

Cons:

  • Primarily beneficial for users of Wave's other financial tools
  • Limited features compared to larger payroll providers

Best for automated contractor onboarding

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request

Rippling offers employee and contractor management software that streamlines onboarding and payroll processes. It is best for onboarding efficiency due to its comprehensive and automated system.

Why I picked Rippling: I selected Rippling for its automated contractor onboarding process, which significantly reduces the administrative burden typically associated with bringing new contractors on board. It differentiates itself with powerful automation features that handle everything from document management to regulatory compliance checks. Rippling is best for businesses that require rapid scaling and need to onboard contractors quickly and efficiently.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include automated contractor onboarding, allowing companies to issue contracts, collect necessary tax forms, and set up payments, all from a single platform. It features a unified dashboard that provides a comprehensive view of contractor details, work statuses, and compliance documentation. Additionally, Rippling’s robust security measures ensure that sensitive data is handled safely and in compliance with global regulations.

Integrations include Salesforce, Slack, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Asana, GitHub, Jira, Zoom, and LinkedIn.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Automated onboarding processes
  • Comprehensive contractor management dashboard
  • Strong security and compliance features

Cons:

  • Higher cost for smaller businesses
  • May have a steep learning curve for new users

Best for multi-country payroll

  • Free demo available
  • From $19/employee/month

Plane offers a comprehensive payroll solution designed for businesses operating across multiple countries. This platform simplifies the complexities associated with international payroll management, including compliance with local tax laws and handling of currency conversions.

Why I picked Plane: I chose Plane for its focus on simplifying the complexities of multi-country payroll management. It stands out due to its robust compliance framework and ability to handle diverse payroll needs in various jurisdictions. Plane is best for organizations that operate internationally and require a unified payroll solution that adheres to local laws and standards in multiple countries.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include automated updates on changing payroll regulations in different countries, ensuring businesses remain compliant. It also supports multi-currency transactions, which is essential for timely and accurate employee payments. Additionally, Plane offers detailed payroll reporting tools, giving employers a clear view of their global financial commitments.

Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Gusto, Slack, TSheets, Asana, Stripe, Salesforce, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Teams.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Offers detailed real-time reporting
  • Automates local compliance checks
  • Handles multiple currencies and tax regimes

Cons:

  • Dependent on other systems for full functionality
  • Potential complexity in initial setup

Other Payroll Software for Contractors

Below is a list of additional payroll software for contractors that didn’t make it into my top 10 list, but are still worth checking out:

  1. Remote

    For international compliance

  2. Multiplier

    For global freelancer onboarding

  3. QuickBooks Payroll

    For quick payroll processing

  4. Oyster HR

    For contractor conversion

  5. Worksuite

    For managing enterprise freelancers

  6. Gusto

    For integrated employee benefits options

  7. OnPay

    For streamlined tax filings

  8. Justworks Payroll

    For international contractor management

If you still haven't found what you're looking for here, check out these other related tools that we've tested and evaluated:

Selection Criteria for Payroll Software for Contractors 

Selecting the best payroll software for contractors requires a thorough understanding of the features and functionalities that address common use cases and pain points organizations face when managing contractor payments.

As a software testing expert, I’ve personally tried and researched many payroll management tools, and the selection criteria I used to create this list are tailored to meet the nuanced demands of payroll processing for contractors. 

Here’s a summary of the main selection criteria I used:

Core Payroll Software Functionalities (25% of total score): To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases first:

  • Accurate tax calculation and filing
  • Time tracking integration
  • Multiple payment methods
  • Compliance with labor laws
  • Detailed financial reporting

Additional Standout Features (25% of total score): To help me find the best software out of numerous available options, I also kept a keen eye out for unique features, including the following:

  • Innovative features that set a product apart from competitors
  • Tools that offer unique automation capabilities
  • Solutions that provide advanced analytics and forecasting
  • Products that integrate seamlessly with other HR systems
  • Examples of products that include AI-driven insights for better decision-making

Usability (10% of total score): To evaluate the usability of each system, I considered the following:

  • Intuitive navigation and user interface
  • Clear and concise dashboard displays
  • Responsive design for mobile access
  • Streamlined workflows that reduce manual entry
  • Visual elements like graphs and charts for at-a-glance information

Onboarding (10% of total score): To get a sense of each software provider's customer onboarding process, I considered the following factors:

  • Availability of comprehensive training materials
  • Step-by-step guides for initial setup
  • Interactive product tours for new users
  • Support channels like chatbots for immediate assistance
  • Webinars and online resources for ongoing education

Customer Support (10% of total score): To evaluate the level of customer support each vendor offered, I considered the following:

  • Responsiveness of the support team
  • Multiple channels for support (phone, email, chat)
  • Availability of a knowledge base or FAQ section
  • Customer service hours and availability of emergency support
  • Quality of technical assistance provided

Value for Price (10% of total score): To gauge the value of each software, I considered the following factors:

  • Transparent pricing models
  • Comparison of feature sets against price points
  • Assessment of scalability and upgrade costs
  • Evaluation of any hidden fees or charges
  • Consideration of free trials or money-back guarantees

Customer Reviews (10% of total score): Evaluating customer reviews is the final element of my selection process, which helps me understand how well a product performs in the hands of real users. Here are the factors I considered:

  • Overall satisfaction ratings
  • Feedback on specific features and their effectiveness
  • User testimonials about customer service experiences
  • Analysis of common praises or complaints
  • Trends in user recommendations or warnings

Using this assessment framework helped me identify the contractor payroll software that goes beyond basic requirements to offer additional value through unique features, ease of use, effective onboarding, reliable customer support, and overall cost-effectiveness, as evidenced by customer reviews.

How to Choose Payroll Software for Contractors

As you work through your own unique software selection process, keep the following points in mind:

  • Compliance Management: Contractor payroll software must adhere to various tax laws and regulations. It should automatically update to reflect changes in legislation, thus ensuring that you remain compliant without having to manually track legal updates. For instance, in the US, this would include handling different state tax requirements and IRS regulations for 1099 forms.
  • Flexible Payment Options: Contractors often have different payment terms than regular employees. The right software will offer flexibility in payment schedules (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly) and methods (direct deposit, checks, online payrolls). This is crucial for businesses that work with a diverse group of contractors who may have varying preferences for how they receive their payments.
  • Scalability: As your business grows, your contractor base might expand. The payroll system should be able to scale with your business, accommodating an increasing number of contractors without a drop in performance or the need for a system overhaul. This is particularly relevant for startups and SMEs poised for rapid growth.
  • Ease of Use: The software should be user-friendly, allowing both HR staff and contractors to navigate it with minimal training. A straightforward interface is essential to avoid errors and save time. For example, contractors should be able to easily submit their hours and view their payment history without needing assistance.
  • Integration Capabilities: The payroll system should integrate with other software solutions you use, such as accounting software or project management tools. This ensures that data flows smoothly between systems, reducing the need for time-consuming manual data entry and the potential for errors. For businesses that use a suite of tools for operations, this integration is key to maintaining an efficient workflow.

Here are some trends I’ve noticed in payroll software for contractors, plus my take on what these trends might mean for the future of the payroll software industry. I sourced countless product updates, press releases, and release logs to tease out the most important insights:

  • Increased Emphasis on Global Compliance Capabilities: Payroll software for contractors is increasingly adopting advanced compliance tools to handle diverse international labor laws. These tools automatically update and apply local tax and employment regulations, ensuring businesses remain compliant as they expand into new markets. This evolution provides organizations with international teams the confidence to scale globally without legal risks.
  • Real-Time Analytics and Reporting: Payroll software for contractors now includes advanced analytics features to meet the demand for real-time data. Dashboards provide instant insights into payroll costs, budget allocations, and contractor performance, enabling managers to make quick, informed decisions. These tools are essential for businesses seeking greater transparency and control over their financial operations. 
  • Integrations with Other Business Systems: Payroll software for contractors is increasingly designed to integrate seamlessly with ERP systems, HRIS, and other HR tools. These integrations streamline workflows, ensure data consistency, and reduce manual entry, minimizing errors. This functionality saves time and boosts the efficiency of HR operations across business functions.
  • Enhanced Contractor Self-Service Portals: Novel features like contractor self-service portals are gaining traction, providing contractors with the ability to manage their profiles, track payments, submit invoices, and access tax documents independently. This functionality not only improves the contractor's experience but also reduces the administrative burden on HR teams.
  • Shift Towards Mobile Optimization: As remote work continues to rise, there is a growing demand for mobile-optimized payroll solutions that allow HR staff and contractors to access payroll functions on the go. This trend has led to the development of mobile apps and responsive web designs that ensure users can perform essential tasks from any device, enhancing flexibility and accessibility. 

These trends demonstrate a significant shift towards more integrated, compliant, and user-friendly solutions in payroll software for contractors, reflecting the broader needs of businesses trying to adapt to a dynamic global talent market.

What is Payroll Software for Contractors?

Payroll software for contractors is a specialized solution designed to manage and streamline the payment processes for contract-based workers. It serves as a critical tool for employers who engage with contractors, ensuring accurate and timely workers’ compensation while adhering to tax regulations and reporting requirements. The tool is used by companies of various sizes to handle the complexities of contractor payments, from calculating varying rates to generating detailed payment reports.

The components of payroll for contractors include tax calculation tools, compliance tracking, invoicing capabilities, time tracking integration, and reporting features. These elements work together to manage contractor data, calculate earnings based on hours or project completion, and generate necessary documentation for tax purposes.

Features of Payroll Software for Contractors

When selecting payroll software for contractors, pay close attention to each system’s standout features and how they may address any pain points you’re currently facing Each feature should contribute directly to simplifying the payroll process, ensuring compliance, and optimizing financial management within your projects. Here are the most important features to look for:

  • Automated tax calculations: This feature simplifies the complex process of calculating local, state, and federal taxes for contractors. It ensures that payroll is compliant with tax laws, which is crucial for minimizing the risk of penalties.
  • Multi-currency support: This feature supports payments to contractors in different currencies, which is essential for businesses operating internationally.
  • Integration with accounting software: Connecting your payroll data to your other financial systems is vital for accurate financial reporting and simplifying the reconciliation process.
  • Customizable payment schedules: This feature accommodates various contract terms and payment agreements, such as different pay rates and schedules, aligning with project timelines and budgets.
  • Digital timesheets and project tracking: Accurate time-tracking or integrated timecards ensure that payments are based on the actual work completed, which is essential for budget management.
  • Self-service portals for contractors: This feature allows contractors to access and manage their payment information and documents. It both reduces administrative overhead and enhances contractor satisfaction by empowering them with self-management tools.
  • Compliance management tools: These tools are vital for keeping track of all contractor-related compliance needs while adhering to industry and legal standards, protecting your business from compliance risks.
  • Real-time financial reporting: Up-to-date insights into your payroll expenditures are crucial for effective financial planning and immediate decision-making.
  • Mobile access: This feature ensures that payroll tasks can be handled flexibly and on the go, fitting into the dynamic nature of managing diverse projects.
  • Secure data encryption: High-level security is essential to protect sensitive contractor data, prevent data breaches, and maintain trust and compliance.

These features provide a robust framework for managing contractor payroll, ensuring each aspect of the process from payment to compliance is handled efficiently and securely. As businesses continue to evolve and expand their use of contract labor, having a payroll system equipped with these capabilities will become important to maintain operational efficiency and compliance

Benefits of Payroll Software for Contractors

When managing contractors, payroll software can be a vital tool for ensuring accurate and timely compensation. It offers a range of benefits that can improve the efficiency of payroll processes for both users and organizations. Here are several advantages that payroll software provides to those managing contractor payments:

  • Automated Tax Calculations: Automating tax calculations reduces the risk of human error. The software accurately computes taxes for each contractor, ensuring compliance with tax regulations and saving time on manual calculations.
  • Simplified Invoicing and Billing: Streamlining the invoicing process, payroll software allows contractors to submit their hours and expenses, which are then automatically incorporated into the billing system, reducing administrative workload.
  • Enhanced Record Keeping: Maintaining comprehensive records, the software keeps detailed logs of all payments and financial transactions, which are essential for auditing purposes and financial management.
  • Customizable Payment Schedules: Offering flexibility, payroll software enables the creation of custom payment schedules to meet the unique needs of contractors and the business, ensuring timely and accurate payments.
  • Integrated Time Tracking: By integrating time tracking features, the software allows for accurate recording of hours worked by contractors. This simplifies the payroll process and ensures that contractors are paid for the actual time worked.

Adopting payroll software for contractors can significantly improve the payroll management process, providing a more efficient and reliable system for contractors and businesses. It saves time, reduces errors, ensures tax compliance, and enhances overall financial management

Costs & Pricing for Payroll Software for Contractors

As a software buyer, it’s important to understand the different plan options and pricing structures available for payroll software for contractors. Payroll software can simplify paying contractors, managing payroll taxes, and ensuring compliance with labor laws. The right software can automate many of the tasks associated with contractor payroll, such as calculating pay based on hours worked, handling various tax withholdings, and generating necessary reports and forms.

Below is a summary of the plan options and their pricing, along with common features included for each plan.

Plan Comparison Table for Payroll Software for Contractors

Plan TypeAverage PriceCommon Features
Free$0Basic payroll processing, direct deposit, and limited contractor management
Basic$10/contractor/monthAutomated payroll, tax calculations, direct deposit, and basic reporting
Standard$25/contractor/monthAll Basic features, advanced reporting, time tracking, and multi-state payroll
Premium$50/contractor/monthAll Standard features, dedicated support, HR tools, and benefits management
Enterprise$100+/contractor/monthCustom solutions, full-service payroll, extensive integrations, and compliance support
A breakdown of plan types, costs, and features for payroll software for contractors.

When selecting a payroll software plan for contractors, you should consider the size of your contractor workforce, the states in which they operate, and the level of support and features you require. It's important to choose a plan that not only fits your current needs but can also scale with your business. 

Payroll Software For Contractors FAQs

Here are some answers to the frequently asked questions I’ve received about payroll software for contractors:

What features should I look for in payroll software for contractors?

When selecting payroll software for contractors, it’s important to consider features such as the ability to handle various tax forms relevant to contractor work, like Form 1099-NECs. The software should also offer flexible payment schedules to accommodate different contract terms, and it should be able to manage multiple rates of pay if a contractor works on different projects with different pay scales. Additionally, the software should be compliant with IRS guidelines for contractor payments.

Can payroll software for contractors integrate with other systems?

Yes, many payroll software solutions designed for contractors can integrate with other systems. This includes accounting software, time-tracking apps, and project management tools. Integration capabilities allow for the automatic transfer of data, which can save time and reduce errors in bookkeeping.

Is it possible to pay contractors in different countries with payroll software?

Some payroll software solutions are equipped to handle international payments, which is beneficial for businesses that hire contractors from different countries. These solutions, referred to as global payroll solutions, can manage multiple currencies and adhere to various tax laws and regulations. However, not all software has this capability, so it’s important to verify this feature if international payments are a requirement for your business.

How does payroll software for contractors handle taxes?

Payroll software for contractors typically includes features that assist with tax calculations and reporting. The software can calculate the appropriate taxes to be withheld based on the contractor’s information and the tax laws of their jurisdiction. It can also generate tax forms such as 1099s for independent contractors, which are necessary for annual tax filings.

Can contractors access their payment information through the software?

Many payroll software solutions offer self-service portals where contractors can access their payment information, including pay stubs, payment history, and tax forms. This feature provides transparency and allows contractors to manage their own financial records, which can be especially helpful during tax season.

How secure is payroll software for contractors?

Payroll software for contractors typically includes robust security measures to protect sensitive financial data. This often involves encryption of data both in transit and at rest, multi-factor authentication, and regular security audits. It’s crucial to choose a software provider that prioritizes security and complies with industry standards to ensure the protection of your business and contractor data.

What kind of support can I expect with payroll software for contractors?

Support options vary by software provider, but many offer a range of support services including email support, live chat, phone support, and an online knowledge base. Some providers may also offer dedicated account managers or support for setup and training. It’s advisable to choose a provider that offers the level of support that aligns with your business needs.

How does payroll software for contractors affect compliance?

Payroll software for contractors helps businesses maintain compliance with labor laws and tax regulations by automating many of the compliance-related tasks. The software can keep track of changing tax rates and regulations, generate necessary tax forms, and ensure that payments are made in accordance with legal requirements. However, it’s still important for businesses to stay informed about the laws that affect their operations and to ensure that their software is updated accordingly.

What’s Next?

Payroll software for contractors addresses common operational challenges and introduces new efficiencies into your business processes. As you consider the future of your contractor management, think about how the integration of such a system could redefine the way you handle contractor engagements and payroll operations.

Take the next step by evaluating software options that align with your specific business needs and objectives, including the possible addition of contractor management software to complement your payroll operations.

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Faye Wai
By Faye Wai

Faye Wai is a HR Technology Analyst and contributor to People Managing People, with a background in branding, public relations, and content marketing. She has vet vendors as an end-user in both consultancy and in-house capacities, providing her with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities within the people operations sector.