Just like employees’ salaries add up to a large expense, so do the fees associated with processing them. Some processors impose surcharge after surcharge, annual or semi-annual rate increases, or charge minimums per month — or pay period — based on the number of employees. When you understand what you’re paying — and why — you can accurately examine and manage your payroll-related expenses.

Whether you have two employees or two thousand, paying your employees correctly and on time is critical. Some providers have inconsistent processing schedules which can lead to problems with check distribution and accuracy. By knowing your employees’ checks are dependably processed, delivered accurately and on schedule, you can focus on other aspects of your business.

Whether you are at home, at work or in a hotel on the other side of the world, you should be able to access your business’ payroll data securely anytime — at no additional cost.

Many processors will inform you if you have a tax notice/penalty, and then you are responsible for any late fees and penalties incurred. Others will make the needed changes, but charge you a fee for a tax service program. As a business owner, you should be confident your payroll processor will take responsibility and assume liability for the timeliness and accuracy of your payroll tax processing — without charging you extra to do it.

You probably don’t work just nine to five, and the processor handling your payroll shouldn’t either. If an issue arises with your payroll, you should expect assistance from a knowledgeable payroll professional beyond the traditional eight-hour work day.

Your business is unique, and so is the data reporting you need. When you have easy-to-access, detailed reporting that is 100% accurate, you can keep track of labor costs — and make well-informed business decisions.