Gusto

Cloud-based payroll, HR, and benefits administration software designed for growing businesses.

Gusto provides a modern cloud-based platform designed to streamline payroll, HR, and benefits management for growing businesses. As an alternative to traditional workforce systems, Gusto automates complex administrative processes so business owners can focus on operations. Main payroll features include fully automated full-service payroll runs across all fifty states. The platform automatically calculates, files, and pays federal, state, and local payroll taxes. It supports multiple pay rates, flexible pay schedules, direct deposit, and direct contractor payments via 1099 filings. HR capabilities encompass streamlined digital onboarding, custom employee handbooks, applicant tracking, performance evaluations, and automated benefit management. Employers can offer employee health insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, and 401(k) retirement plans directly through the unified dashboard. Time tracking features allow employees to track hours worked, request paid time off, and record break times seamlessly. Managers can review digital timesheets, approve PTO requests, and automatically sync tracked hours directly into the payroll run to calculate regular hours and overtime pay without manual data entry. Construction-specific benefits include robust job costing tools that allow managers to allocate labor costs to specific job sites, departments, or projects. Gusto supports multi-state wage calculations, contractor payments, and integrates with third-party software to facilitate certified payroll reporting for public work contracts. Payroll compliance is backed by automated updates that align with shifting federal, state, and municipal tax codes. The platform manages filings for Form 941, Form 940, and W-2 creation, while offering integrated pay-as-you-go workers' compensation policies to reduce upfront audit risk. Integrations span key business software including accounting tools like QuickBooks Online, Xero, and FreshBooks, as well as time-tracking systems such as QuickBooks Time and Clover. Mobile app availability provides employees with access to Gusto Wallet, enabling staff to view paystubs, manage direct deposit accounts, check tax forms, and track time off from iOS or Android mobile devices. Reporting features deliver actionable workforce insights through customizable labor cost reports, payroll summaries, contractor details, and benefit participation metrics that can be exported quickly for tax preparation. Customer support includes access to phone, chat, and email support representatives, along with an extensive online knowledge base, setup guides, and compliance resources. Pricing overview offers transparent plans starting with a monthly base fee plus a fixed per-employee rate, alongside flexible tiers depending on required HR and payroll features. Pros include an exceptionally clean user interface, strong tax automation, and easy integration setup. Cons involve higher cost scaling for larger teams and fewer custom workflow configurations compared to enterprise platforms. Ideal business size ranges from small contractors to mid-sized growing companies seeking an intuitive, scalable payroll and HR solution.