Gusto: run payroll, file taxes, and manage your team from one place
Short version: Gusto is payroll and HR software for small businesses in the United States. First, plans start at $49 per month plus $6 per person. However, the per-person fee grows with every hire, so your headcount decides the real cost.
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Which Gusto plan fits your team?
First, answer a few quick questions, so the estimate below shows the plan that matches.
Plan that fits
Estimated price per month
$49 base plus 5 people at $6
Overall, this estimate uses list prices from public sources and ignores add-ons, so it is not a Gusto quote.
Try this planFrom timesheet to paycheck to tax filing
Because pay, taxes and HR live together, payday stops being a monthly chore.
Full-service payroll
Specifically, gusto calculates pay and files payroll taxes for you, so deadlines stop slipping.
Direct deposit
Next, employees get paid by direct deposit, with faster options on higher plans.
Employee self-service
In addition, staff view pay stubs and tax forms in their own accounts.
Hiring and onboarding
Moreover, offer letters, e-signatures and new-hire paperwork happen online.
Time tracking and PTO
Meanwhile, Plus adds time tracking and paid-time-off tools, so hours flow into payroll.
Benefits and contractors
Finally, you can offer health insurance and retirement plans, and you can pay contractors too.
Four plans, each with a base fee plus a fee per person
Public sources list the prices below per month. However, prices have risen over time, so confirm the current amounts on the official pricing page.
Simple
In fact, simple covers full-service payroll in one state, tax filing and self-service, so basic needs get handled.
Choose SimplePlus
Plus adds multi-state payroll, next-day deposit, time tracking and PTO, so growing teams get more tools.
Get PlusPremium
Overall, Premium brings HR expertise, priority support and faster pay options, so complex teams get guidance.
Pick PremiumContractor Only
Specifically, this plan pays contractors and files 1099 forms, so a business without employees saves money.
See Contractor Only| Feature | Simple | Plus | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base fee per month | $49 | $80 | $180 |
| Fee per person | $6 | $12 | $22 |
| Payroll coverage | Single state | Multi-state | Multi-state |
| Direct deposit | Two-day | Next-day | Next-day |
| Time tracking and PTO | Paid add-on | Included | Included |
| Support | Standard | Standard | Priority included |
Add-ons carry separate fees. Next-day pay costs $15 plus $3 per person on Simple, and Priority Support costs $30 plus $3 per person on Simple and Plus. Also, Premium offers same-day pay at $90 and instant pay at $100 per payroll. In addition, plans change, so check the official page.
Three small-business situations, and the plan each one points to
State count and team size are the clearest signals, because they decide where the fees climb.
A small shop in one state
In particular, five employees in one state fit Simple, so the monthly bill stays modest. However, time tracking costs extra on this plan.
A remote team across several states
Multi-state payroll needs Plus. As a result, one hire in a new state raises the per-person fee.
A freelancer who only pays contractors
For instance, a studio that pays five contractors uses Contractor Only, which skips the employee fees.
Where it shines
- Overall, Payroll taxes get filed automatically, so deadlines stay safe.
- Employees also get a simple self-service portal.
- Specifically, pricing follows headcount, so small teams pay little.
- Finally, benefits and contractor payments sit in the same place.
Worth checking first
- In fact, per-person fees add up, so multiply by your headcount.
- Add-ons cost extra, however, on every plan.
- Overall, multi-state payroll needs Plus, because Simple covers one state.
- Likewise, the product focuses on the United States.
Per-person fees, add-ons and multi-state payroll: answers before you subscribe
Short answers to what people ask most.
Getting started
What does Gusto do?
Specifically, gusto is payroll and HR software for small businesses in the United States. Also, it calculates pay, files payroll taxes and handles year-end forms. In addition, it supports hiring, onboarding and benefits.
Is there a free trial?
In particular, offers change, so check the signup page for any trial or promotion. However, Gusto charges a base fee from the start on most plans. Therefore, compare the offer with your headcount before you commit.
Which businesses should use Gusto?
Overall, it suits small businesses with employees, contractors or both. For example, a ten-person shop in one state fits Simple. On the other hand, a business that needs complex HR policies may prefer a larger platform.
Plans and pricing
How much does Gusto cost?
Specifically, public sources list $49 per month plus $6 per person for Simple, $80 plus $12 for Plus, and $180 plus $22 for Premium. Moreover, contractor-only payroll costs $35 plus $6 per contractor. Because prices have risen over time, confirm the current amounts on the official pricing page.
What does one employee cost?
In fact, A one-person business pays the same structure as everyone else. For instance, Simple costs $49 plus $6, so one employee runs about $55 a month. As a result, the base fee matters most for very small teams.
Do contractors cost extra?
Yes, each contractor counts as a paid person. Meanwhile, a business that pays only contractors can pick the contractor-only plan at $35 plus $6 each. Therefore, check your mix of workers before you choose a plan.
What do the add-ons cost?
Next-day pay costs $15 a month plus $3 per person on Simple, while Plus and Premium include it. Also, Priority Support costs $30 a month plus $3 per person on Simple and Plus. In addition, Premium offers same-day pay at $90 and instant pay at $100 per payroll.
Everyday use
Which plan do I need for several states?
Overall, Plus adds multi-state payroll, so it fits teams in more than one state. However, Simple covers a single state only. Therefore, one remote hire in a new state can push you to Plus.
Does Gusto file my payroll taxes?
Yes, Gusto calculates, files and pays federal, state and local payroll taxes on its payroll plans. Moreover, it prepares year-end forms such as W-2s and 1099s. As a result, tax season gets lighter.
Does Gusto offer benefits?
Yes, you can offer health insurance and retirement plans through Gusto. Also, an integration with a health insurance broker is available for $6 per eligible employee. However, benefit costs vary, so ask for a quote.
Does Gusto work outside the United States?
Specifically, gusto focuses on United States businesses and workers. Therefore, confirm support for your situation before you sign up.
Run your first payroll with Gusto
First, pick the plan that fits your headcount. Then add your team, set a pay schedule, and let Gusto handle the taxes.
Try Gusto