QuickBooks Payroll review

QuickBooks Payroll makes the most sense when your accounting already runs on QuickBooks Online, because pay runs, tax payments and contractor payments post directly into the books. The entry plan, Workforce Payroll, lists at $50 per month plus $7 per employee and covers payroll tax calculation, filing and payment, auto payroll for salaried staff on direct deposit, 1099 e-filing and next-day direct deposit when you run payroll by 5:00 pm. Health insurance and 401(k) plans integrate so deductions come out of each paycheck. Premium, at $88 plus $13 per employee, adds time tracking, same-day direct deposit when you run payroll by 7:00 am and an expert review of your setup. Elite, at $134 plus $17, adds tax penalty protection that pays IRS penalties and interest up to $25,000 a year. Intuit often runs introductory discounts, but the per-employee fee climbs from $7 to $17 on the higher plans, so the cost rises quickly as a team grows and needs more features.

Who it is for

Businesses that already keep their books in QuickBooks Online.

Price

Workforce Payroll $50 per month plus $7 per employee; Premium $88 plus $13; Elite $134 plus $17 (list prices, discounts often offered).

Workforce Payroll Pay your team and get payroll taxes done for you. $50 + $7/employee
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 6, 2026.

Key features

• Payroll taxes calculated, filed and paid for you
• Next-day direct deposit on Workforce Payroll; same-day on Premium and Elite
• Auto payroll for salaried employees on direct deposit
• Integrated health benefits and 401(k) plans that deduct from paychecks
• Tax penalty protection up to $25,000 a year on Elite

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Payroll entries post straight into QuickBooks books
• Strength: Fast deposit options from the entry plan up
• Strength: Elite covers IRS penalty fees and interest up to $25,000 a year
• Weakness: Per-employee fee rises to $13 on Premium and $17 on Elite
• Weakness: Time tracking needs Premium or Elite
• Weakness: Best value only if you also use QuickBooks accounting

Key facts

• Starting price: $50 per month plus $7 per employee (list)
• Direct deposit speed: Next day on Workforce Payroll; same day on Premium and Elite
• 1099s: 1099 e-file included
• Penalty protection: Up to $25,000 a year on Elite
• Support: Payroll experts by phone and chat

Where it ranks

QuickBooks Payroll is No. 3 in our Best Payroll Software verdict.