Hiring · 7 min read
Payroll Company vs CPA Payroll Services
You can run payroll through a dedicated provider like Gusto, ADP, or Paychex — or have your CPA's firm handle it directly. Both work. The right pick depends on the complexity of your situation, your need for tax planning integration, and how much you value a single point of contact.
What a payroll company gives you
- Automated paycheck calculations and direct deposit
- Federal, state, and local tax deposits filed automatically
- Year-end W-2 and 1099 issuance
- Employee self-service portals
- Benefits, 401(k), and workers' comp integrations
- Typical cost: $40–$150/mo base + $5–$15/employee
What CPA payroll services add
- S-Corp reasonable compensation studies built in
- Owner draw vs salary planning across the year
- Multi-state payroll setup with nexus analysis
- Fringe benefit and accountable plan structuring
- Tax planning sessions that include payroll data
- Single point of contact for tax + payroll + books
Where CPAs are stronger
When you're an S-Corp owner, run multiple entities, or operate across states, CPA-run payroll closes the gap between what gets paid and what gets taxed. The CPA can adjust reasonable comp mid-year if profit forecasts change, model owner-employee benefits, and ensure quarterly estimates account for actual payroll.
