The efficiency of small companies often rests on the small business payroll software used. Here are six key attributes to look for when evaluating the usefulness of these programs.
#1: User-friendliness:
A good program takes into consideration users who may be trying a program of its kind for the first time. In fact avid users of accounting software still find programs that are easy to use great assets because their jobs are difficult as it is. The purpose of these tools is to help make it easier. So they must be user-friendly, whether they are being used by beginners or pros.
#2: Current Tax Tables and Tax Forms:
Most software has this information, but make sure you're not buying a previous year's edition that has outdated tax information. Since tax tables and tax forms may change several times a year, a good small business payroll software should also allow users to update payroll software easily and quickly.
#3: Good customer support:
Any company can offer an instruction manual or post a FAQ to their website. A software that comes backed with help from a live person is extremely useful. Assistance can be in the form of emails, online chats and via the telephones. Some providers will a charge for these added services but it is often worth it.
#4: Ease of paycheck printing:
As a small business owner chances are your time and resources are limited. Also, cost efficiency is a priority so taking time out to stand in bank lines or paying someone to do so is counterproductive. Does the accounting payroll program help you print the paychecks on blank check stock? Or you still need to purchase other check printing software or expensive pre-printed checks? If not, it is highly recommended that a different one be used since these are time and money saving tools that will be needed.
#5: Database back-up and restore features
Software without these features can cost you thousands of dollars if something happens to your computer or your data becomes corrupted. Back-up and restore features will allow you to get back to normal operations with a minimum of fuss. A good program should allow users backup and restore data easily.
#6: Printing tax forms and reports:
No company can successfully grow if an owner has no idea how well or badly it is doing. Company and staff performances are important to the survival of each business so a fast and accurate means of generating these when needed is important. Most small business will need to file forms 941, 940, W2 and W3. No package is complete without it.
There are a number of other criteria to think about when buying a small business payroll software. Although individual company needs will dictate what is integral and what is not, these six criteria should always be met. Vetting each software may prove to be difficult and time consuming however the time, money and resources that should be saved in the long run will compensate.
