Managing payroll can be an extremely tedious and complex process for small businesses without the right software.
CheckMark Payroll aims to simplify payroll management for SMBs with an easy-to-use desktop solution that handles calculations, compliance, reporting, and more.
This review will take a close look at CheckMark Payroll's standout features like its intuitive interface, seamless accounting integrations, accurate tax calculations, and robust analytics to help you determine if it's the right fit for your business payroll needs.
Introduction to CheckMark Payroll: A Comprehensive Desktop Payroll Software for Small Businesses
CheckMark Payroll is a popular desktop payroll software designed specifically for small businesses and accountants. It stands out for its calculation accuracy, intuitive interface, seamless integration with accounting software, and robust reporting.
With CheckMark Payroll, small business owners can efficiently run payroll themselves or work with their accountant to manage the process. Its accuracy and ease of use makes payroll less tedious and time-consuming.
Why CheckMark Payroll Stands Out as Best Desktop Payroll Software
As a long-standing desktop payroll solution, CheckMark Payroll is tailored to meet the needs of small business owners and accountants handling payroll. Here's what makes it a top choice:
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Accuracy You Can Trust: CheckMark Payroll precisely calculates payroll taxes and deductions in all 50 states. Its up-to-date tax tables guarantee accuracy.
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User-Friendly Interface: The software is designed for simplicity. Easy-to-use wizards walk users through set-up, while intuitive icons and screens speed up processing.
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Seamless Accounting Integration: Bidirectional sync with CheckMark MultiLedger accounting software eliminates duplicate data entry. Data flows seamlessly between payroll and accounting.
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Comprehensive Reporting: Robust built-in reports include pay stubs, W-2s, 940s, 941s, workers' comp, and more. Custom reports can also be generated.
Exploring Key Features: CheckMark Payroll Review for Small Businesses
CheckMark Payroll packs an impressive range of features into its desktop payroll software:
Calculation Accuracy
- Automatically calculates federal, state, and local taxes for all 50 states
- Applies up-to-date tax tables for precise calculations
- Supports multiple pay types - hourly, salary, commissions, bonuses, reimbursements
Intuitive Interface
- User-friendly dashboard for easy access to tasks
- Streamlined data entry with customizable pay grids
- Simple wizard-based setup guides users through process
Robust Reporting
- Print or email pay stubs, W-2s, 1099s, and standard payroll reports
- Generate 941, 940, workers' comp reports required for tax filings
- Custom reporting capabilities
Accounting Integration
- Optional direct integration with CheckMark MultiLedger
- Bidirectional sync eliminates duplicate data entry
- Seamlessly share data between payroll and accounting
With its accuracy, ease of use, and comprehensive features, CheckMark Payroll simplifies payroll for small business owners and accountants alike.
Navigating CheckMark Payroll's User-Friendly Interface
CheckMark Payroll aims to provide small businesses and accountants with an intuitive interface to simplify payroll processing.
The Intuitive Dashboard of CheckMark: Desktop Payroll Software for Accountants
The CheckMark dashboard allows easy access to all key payroll features in one centralized location. As soon as users log in, they can view at-a-glance overviews of recent pay runs, important deadlines, and notifications to keep payroll tasks on track.
With just a few clicks, users can access employee details, run payroll, generate reports, make payments, and manage tax forms. The dashboard displays prompts and reminders to guide users through each step of the payroll workflow. This ensures essential tasks don't slip through the cracks.
The intuitive interface allows even novice users to confidently run payroll with CheckMark. There's no learning curve - the software is designed to make each process clear and straightforward.
Step-by-Step Guide to Payroll Processing with CheckMark
One of CheckMark's key strengths is how it provides step-by-step guidance for all payroll tasks, including:
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Calculating Payroll: Users enter hours worked or salary amounts for each employee. CheckMark automatically applies pay rates, deductions, and tax calculations.
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Generating Reports: With a single click, CheckMark creates detailed payroll reports on earnings, deductions, taxes, liabilities, and more for record-keeping.
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Making Payments: Users can pay employees via check, direct deposit, or pay card through CheckMark's integrated payment system.
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Managing Tax Forms: CheckMark helps users track, generate, and e-file various federal, state, and local payroll tax forms.
At each phase of payroll, CheckMark provides tips, explanations, and confirmation prompts to prevent errors. It's essentially like having a payroll expert guide you through everything required for full compliance and accurate payments.
With CheckMark's user-friendly payroll workflow, small business owners can run payroll confidently and accountants can efficiently manage payroll for multiple clients.
Ensuring Accurate Payroll Calculations with CheckMark Payroll
CheckMark Payroll is designed to handle all aspects of payroll processing and calculations accurately and reliably for businesses.
Reliable Tax Compliance and Calculations with CheckMark Payroll
CheckMark Payroll stays up-to-date with the latest federal, state, and local tax laws to determine accurate income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and other withholdings for each pay period. It can process payroll taxes and filings correctly to ensure compliance.
Some key features for tax calculations include:
- Automatic federal, state, and local tax table updates
- Correct tax rates applied based on employee locations
- Proper calculation of pre-tax and post-tax deductions
- Accurate Social Security, Medicare, and other payroll tax calculations
- Easy tax payments and filings integration
By handling tax calculations seamlessly, CheckMark Payroll reduces the risk of errors and provides reliable compliance.
Accurate Overtime and Benefits Tracking in CheckMark Payroll
For hourly employees, CheckMark Payroll precisely calculates overtime pay based on hours worked over 40 in a week and any applicable overtime pay rates. Salaried employees are also correctly compensated for overtime per pay period.
In addition, CheckMark enables accurate tracking and deductions for:
- Paid time off (PTO) accruals and usage
- Insurance premiums
- 401k contributions
- Wage garnishments
- Reimbursements
- Bonuses
- Commissions
- And more
By integrating with timekeeping software and supporting a wide range of compensation rules, CheckMark Payroll can reliably calculate gross-to-net pay and benefits deductions each pay period for complex payrolls. This gives businesses confidence in the accuracy of their payroll.
In summary, CheckMark Payroll helps ensure accurate, reliable payroll tax calculations and robust earnings/deductions tracking for peace of mind. Its automatic updates and integration capabilities enable even small businesses to run payroll with precision.
Seamless Integration with Accounting Systems by CheckMark Payroll
CheckMark Payroll offers seamless integration with popular small business accounting platforms like QuickBooks and Xero. This allows easy transfer of payroll data between the systems, saving time and reducing errors.
Effortless Data Transfer to QuickBooks from CheckMark
With a single click, CheckMark Payroll enables easy export of key payroll details like payments, tax liabilities, and more directly into QuickBooks. This eliminates the need for manual data entry and reconciliation between the two systems.
Key benefits include:
- Automated transfer of payroll summaries, company contributions, deductions etc. into QuickBooks with one click
- Accurate and up-to-date data in QuickBooks ensuring correct financial reporting
- Significant time savings by eliminating duplicate data entry and reconciliation
Automated Connectivity with Xero and CheckMark MultiLedger
CheckMark Payroll offers deep integration with Xero through an add-on called CheckMark MultiLedger. This enables seamless, automated transfer of payroll data between the two platforms.
Key features include:
- Real-time, two-way sync between CheckMark Payroll and Xero
- Easy configuration of automated export of payroll journals into Xero
- Accurate financials in Xero with up-to-date payroll details
- Compliance with accounting standards for proper recording of payroll liabilities
With CheckMark Payroll's integrations with QuickBooks and Xero, small businesses can achieve simplified payroll and accounting workflows. The automatic connectivity eliminates time-consuming manual processes while ensuring accurate books.
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In-depth Payroll Reporting and Analytics with CheckMark Payroll
CheckMark Payroll offers comprehensive payroll reporting and analytics capabilities to help businesses gain valuable insights into their payroll data.
Comprehensive Built-in Payroll Reports by CheckMark
CheckMark comes equipped with all essential payroll reports built-in, including:
- Payroll Registers: Details gross and net pay for all employees each pay period.
- Tax Liability Reports: Tracks tax amounts withheld and owed for federal, state and local jurisdictions.
- Workers Compensation Reports: Monitors workers comp premiums and claims by quarter and policy year.
- 401k Reports: Manages employee 401k contributions and company match amounts.
These reports ensure full compliance and simplify payroll administration. The software also includes standard reports for managing paid time off, ACA compliance, employee turnover, and more.
Advanced Custom Report Capabilities in CheckMark Payroll
For more customized analytics, CheckMark offers an advanced report writer tool. Users can:
- Build custom reports from 100+ available payroll data fields.
- Apply filters, sorting, grouping, and calculations.
- Schedule and automate report delivery.
- Export reports to multiple formats like PDF, Excel, CSV.
With flexible custom reports, businesses can analyze payroll however they need - by location, department, project, and more. This unlocks valuable insights to inform better workforce decisions.
In summary, CheckMark Payroll provides robust reporting tools out-of-the-box, along with advanced customizations for deeper payroll analysis. This enables complete visibility and control over payroll spend.
Training and Support for CheckMark Payroll Users
CheckMark Payroll offers a variety of training resources and support options to help users learn and troubleshoot the software.
Accessing CheckMark Payroll's Knowledge Base and User Guides
CheckMark provides the following self-help payroll resources on their website:
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Knowledge Base - This searchable support site contains hundreds of help articles covering setup, usage, and troubleshooting advice for CheckMark Payroll.
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Getting Started Guides - Step-by-step documentation walking new users through the initial software setup and configuration.
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User Manuals - Comprehensive manuals explaining all payroll features and processes in detail. Manuals available as printable PDFs.
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On-Demand Webinars - Recorded webinars demonstrating key payroll workflows and concepts like processing payroll, correcting errors, year-end tasks etc.
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FAQs - Frequently asked questions section addressing common user queries.
Responsive Technical Support for CheckMark Payroll Software
For personalized assistance, CheckMark offers:
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Email Support - Submit payroll questions to CheckMark's email support team and receive responses within 24 hours.
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Toll-Free Phone Support - Call CheckMark's US-based support team on 1-800-000-0000, Monday-Friday 9am-6pm EST. Average call wait times under 2 minutes.
Knowledgeable representatives can troubleshoot software issues, provide usage instructions, and answer account-related questions over phone/email.
With abundant self-help payroll resources and prompt technical support, CheckMark enables users to fully leverage the software while resolving any challenges.
Understanding the Pricing Structure of CheckMark Payroll
CheckMark Payroll offers affordable pricing tailored to small, medium, and large businesses based on number of employees. Their pricing structure is straightforward with no hidden fees.
Affordable Pricing for Small Businesses Using CheckMark Payroll
CheckMark Payroll is designed for small businesses with up to 50 employees. They offer both monthly and annual subscription plans to fit different budgets:
- Monthly Plan: $39 per month base fee plus $4 per active employee per month
- Annual Plan: $399 per year base fee plus $3 per active employee per month (paid upfront annually)
For example, a small business with 10 active employees would pay either $79 per month or $699 per year. CheckMark Payroll keeps pricing affordable even as your small business grows.
Comparing CheckMark Payroll Subscription Plans
CheckMark Payroll subscription plans differ based on number of active employees:
- 1-50 Employees: $39/$399 base fee plus $4/$3 per employee per month
- 51-100 Employees: $59/$599 base fee plus $4/$3 per employee per month
- 100+ Employees: Custom Quote Based on Needs
The annual subscription represents over 15% savings compared to paying month-to-month. Both plans include unlimited pay runs, direct deposit, new hire reporting, and free customer support.
In summary, CheckMark Payroll aims to provide the full-featured desktop payroll software needed by small businesses at a fair and competitive price point. Their pricing model scales affordably as your employee count grows.
Additional CheckMark Solutions: CheckMark 1099 and CheckMark 1095
CheckMark Payroll offers comprehensive solutions beyond just desktop payroll software. Two additional products, CheckMark 1099 and CheckMark 1095, provide robust capabilities for tax reporting and Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliance.
Simplifying 1099 Filings with CheckMark 1099
As a business owner, filing 1099 forms for contractors and freelancers can be an arduous process. CheckMark 1099 simplifies 1099 filing by:
- Automatically generating 1099 forms based on payments made in CheckMark Payroll or CheckMark MultiLedger
- Supporting printing and e-filing directly to the IRS
- Tracking contractor information and payments throughout the year
- Providing reminders and guidance on 1099 filing deadlines and requirements
With CheckMark 1099, businesses can streamline the 1099 filing process and ensure timely and accurate contractor tax reporting.
Meeting ACA Requirements with CheckMark 1095
The Affordable Care Act established new health insurance reporting rules that businesses must comply with. CheckMark 1095 makes meeting these requirements simple by:
- Automatically generating all required 1095-B and 1095-C forms
- Supporting both printing and e-filing capabilities directly to the IRS
- Storing employee healthcare plan enrollment data
- Providing reminders on form deadlines and submission requirements
CheckMark 1095 eliminates the complexity of ACA reporting. Businesses can easily generate compliant forms and securely submit them to stay on top of changing regulations.
With CheckMark Payroll's full suite of solutions, businesses get everything needed for payroll, tax reporting, and ACA compliance in one integrated package. This simplifies workflows and provides complete personnel management capabilities.
Final Verdict: CheckMark Payroll Reviews and Stand-alone Payroll Software Benefits
CheckMark Payroll is an accurate, easy-to-use desktop payroll software designed for small businesses and accountants managing payroll. Based on user reviews and its feature set, CheckMark simplifies payroll tasks while ensuring compliance and adaptability.
Summarizing the Benefits and Strengths of CheckMark Payroll
Key benefits of CheckMark Payroll include:
- Accuracy - Automatically calculates complex payrolls to ensure accuracy and compliance. Includes robust reporting.
- Simplicity - Intuitive interface simplifies payroll tasks. Easy to learn and use.
- Adaptability - Flexible setup works for a wide variety small businesses and accountants. Supports multiple companies.
- Compliance - Supports tax forms, direct deposit, garnishments, and other payroll requirements.
- Support - Provides exceptional US-based customer support.
Overall, CheckMark Payroll strives to make payroll easy through an accurate and adaptable desktop solution.
Who Should Choose CheckMark Payroll in 2023
CheckMark Payroll is a good fit for:
- Small business owners - An affordable and easy solution for those managing their own payroll. Avoid outsourcing costs.
- Accountants - Manage payroll for multiple companies easily. Integrates with accounting systems.
- Single-location companies - Supports up to 50 employees. Good for retail, services, healthcare, and nonprofits.
- Companies wanting control - Take ownership of payroll tasks rather than outsourcing.
Businesses and accountants wanting an accessible desktop payroll system can benefit from CheckMark Payroll's combination of simplicity, accuracy, and support.
