Outsourcing payroll is a smart business decision for most companies. It frees up valuable time to pursue growth-oriented activities while also ensuring that you remain compliant with federal, state, and local regulations. However, choosing the right payroll provider isn’t always easy. It requires interviewing representatives at several companies to determine which one can best meet your needs and help you stay on budget. Below are several considerations that can help you narrow down your payroll provider candidates.
Does the Payroll Provider Guarantee a Certain Accuracy Rate?
You outsourced your payroll because you didn’t want to run the risk of an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) audit or fine because you submitted taxes incorrectly or made too many errors with employee pay. The last thing you need is for a payroll provider to make such an error on your behalf when you’re the one who must pay for it.
A company that stands behind its work should have no problem quoting a guaranteed accuracy rate. It might also offer to cover the cost of a fine its own error caused it. Nevertheless, you want to doublecheck the work for a while to make sure the quality is what you expected.
Determine Whether You Need Full-Service or A La Carte Services
Some businesses don’t have the time or in-house resources to handle any payroll or human service functions at all while others need only occasional help with some functions. Knowing what you need upfront will help expedite your search for a new payroll provider. Palmetto Payroll, for example, offers the following services:
- Full payroll service
- Tax deposit and filing
- Management reporting
- Human resources department
- Timekeeping
- Self-service solutions
It’s common for companies to start with one or two services and gradually add more as they learn to work well with the payroll company. The important thing is that you can trust your provider and that it offers every service you need from the start.
What Kind of Customer Support Can I Expect?
You should never feel like you’re a burden to your payroll provider when you have a question, even if it’s one you asked in the past but still don’t quite understand. With a function as time-sensitive and containing such personal data as payroll, you must have the reassurance of knowing your provider will offer a prompt solution to any problem. Be sure to ask about your contact options when you interview providers to make sure they work for you. If the office only accepts phone calls and you prefer to email or text, it’s best to keep looking for a more compatible payroll provider.
Some other things to ask about include:
- What are the credentials of the staff?
- How long the company has been in business?
- Is there a specialist dedicated to complex payroll issues?
- Does the company assign each new client a dedicated account manager?
- How do you prepare reports?
- Do you specialize in my industry?
Palmetto Payroll Happy to Answer These Questions and More
Palmetto Payroll wants to be your next payroll provider. We invite you to contact us today at 803-252-3083 or complete this form to receive a callback. You are free to ask any questions or request any resources to help make the best decision for your company’s payroll needs.
