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This guide connects to a larger category — explore the full Payroll & Benefits Administration Software listings.

Payroll and Benefits Platforms for Multi-State Employers
Albert Richer

Navigating the complex landscape of payroll and benefits platforms for multi-state employers can feel like trying to assemble IKEA furniture without the instructions—confusing and potentially frustrating. However, research suggests that some platforms stand out due to their robust features and positive user feedback. For instance, Gusto consistently earns high marks in customer reviews for its intuitive interface and comprehensive compliance support, while ADP often appears in industry roundups for its scalability and extensive reporting capabilities. Customer review analysis shows common patterns indicating that flexibility is essential for multi-state operations. Many consumers report that platforms offering automated tax calculations and state-specific compliance features significantly reduce headaches associated with payroll processing. Conversely, unnecessary bells and whistles, such as overly complicated onboarding systems, may detract from user experience. Navigating the complex landscape of payroll and benefits platforms for multi-state employers can feel like trying to assemble IKEA furniture without the instructions—confusing and potentially frustrating. However, research suggests that some platforms stand out due to their robust features and positive user feedback.

Similar Categories
1
Expert Score
9.8 / 10
438
170
TAX TIME SAVER
SEAMLESS INTEGRATION

Warp Payroll & Compliance

Warp Payroll & Compliance
View Website
Warp is an innovative SaaS solution designed for startups grappling with payroll, compliance, and benefits across multiple states. Its key strength is automating state tax compliance, which saves businesses time and reduces the complexity of payroll management.
Warp is an innovative SaaS solution designed for startups grappling with payroll, compliance, and benefits across multiple states. Its key strength is automating state tax compliance, which saves businesses time and reduces the complexity of payroll management.
TAX TIME SAVER
SEAMLESS INTEGRATION

Best for teams that are

  • Tech startups and founders (especially Y Combinator alumni) wanting autopilot compliance
  • Companies scaling from 10 to 1,000 employees needing automated state tax registrations
  • Founders who want to minimize time spent on administrative payroll tasks

Skip if

  • Traditional non-tech businesses requiring phone-based support
  • Companies needing a full-suite HRIS with deep performance management tools
  • Businesses that need complex manual controls rather than automated workflows

Expert Take

Our analysis shows Warp effectively solves the specific pain point of multi-state compliance for early-stage startups by automating tax registrations that typically require manual effort. Based on documented features, its 'autopilot' approach to state filings and 5-minute setup time makes it highly efficient for founders who need to offload administrative burdens immediately. While it lacks the deep HR customization of enterprise tools, its streamlined focus on compliance speed is a significant advantage for its niche.

Pros

  • Automated 50-state tax compliance
  • Fast setup in under 5 minutes
  • Transparent 3-tier pricing model
  • Global contractor payments (150+ countries)
  • SOC 2 Type 2 certified security

Cons

  • Relies on third-party infrastructure APIs
  • Limited HR automation workflows
  • Support friction for plan downgrades
  • Smaller integration ecosystem than competitors
  • Platform fees increase total cost
2
Expert Score
9.7 / 10
669
51
COMPREHENSIVE SUITE
EMPLOYEE EMPOWERMENT

PeopleKeep Multi-State Benefits

PeopleKeep Multi-State Benefits
View Website
PeopleKeep is a versatile SaaS platform that allows multi-state employers to design and manage comprehensive health benefits packages for their employees, regardless of their location. Its user-friendly interface and robust range of features specifically cater to the unique needs of businesses with a diverse, geographically spread out workforce, simplifying benefits administration and ensuring compliance with different state laws.
PeopleKeep is a versatile SaaS platform that allows multi-state employers to design and manage comprehensive health benefits packages for their employees, regardless of their location. Its user-friendly interface and robust range of features specifically cater to the unique needs of businesses with a diverse, geographically spread out workforce, simplifying benefits administration and ensuring compliance with different state laws.
COMPREHENSIVE SUITE
EMPLOYEE EMPOWERMENT

Best for teams that are

  • Small employers (<50 employees) priced out of traditional group health insurance
  • Companies wanting to offer QSEHRA or ICHRA reimbursements instead of group plans
  • Businesses seeking a defined contribution model to control benefit costs

Skip if

  • Large employers (50+ FTEs) subject to ACA mandates requiring group health plans
  • Companies looking for a traditional group health insurance broker or carrier
  • Businesses wanting to offer a standard PPO/HMO plan directly to employees

Expert Take

Our analysis shows PeopleKeep effectively solves the complex 'multi-state' benefits problem for SMBs by leveraging the HRA model, which bypasses the need for expensive multi-state group policies. Research indicates their automated compliance engine handles the heavy lifting of ERISA and HIPAA documentation, making it a viable 'set and forget' solution. While the standard product lacks the deep payroll integrations of its enterprise 'ICHRA+' sibling, the documented ease of use and new integrated shopping features make it a standout for distributed teams.

Pros

  • Enables compliant multi-state benefits
  • Automated legal plan document generation
  • Tax-free reimbursements for employees
  • Integrated insurance shopping feature
  • Transparent per-employee pricing model

Cons

  • Employees must pay premiums upfront
  • Limited payroll integrations on base plan
  • Support primarily via chat/email
  • Requires individual market plan availability
  • Base fee applies regardless of usage
3
Expert Score
9.7 / 10
367
133
REMOTE WORKFORCE READY

Remote Global Payroll

Remote Global Payroll
View Website
Remote Global Payroll is a comprehensive SaaS solution designed to simplify multi-country payroll processes for multi-state employers. It seamlessly handles payments, taxes, and global compliance, catering specifically to the challenges of managing international and diverse workforces in the HR industry.
Remote Global Payroll is a comprehensive SaaS solution designed to simplify multi-country payroll processes for multi-state employers. It seamlessly handles payments, taxes, and global compliance, catering specifically to the challenges of managing international and diverse workforces in the HR industry.
REMOTE WORKFORCE READY

Best for teams that are

  • Companies hiring full-time employees internationally without local legal entities
  • Distributed teams needing a single platform for global contractor and employee pay
  • Businesses needing strong intellectual property protection and compliance globally

Skip if

  • US-only businesses seeking a low-cost domestic payroll solution
  • Companies needing deep domestic HRIS features like performance management
  • Small businesses with a limited budget for payroll processing fees

Expert Take

Our analysis shows Remote stands out by owning its global infrastructure rather than relying on third-party partners, which significantly reduces compliance risks and data exposure. Research indicates this 'full-stack' approach allows for faster processing and tighter security controls compared to aggregator competitors. Combined with a transparent $29/month price point, it offers exceptional value for companies prioritizing safety and simplicity.

Pros

  • Owns local entities (no third-party aggregators)
  • Transparent flat-rate pricing ($29/employee/mo)
  • Strong IP protection and compliance
  • Intuitive self-service user interface
  • SOC 2 Type 2 and ISO 27001 certified

Cons

  • Reporting features lack advanced customization
  • Support response times can be slow
  • Mobile app limited for admin tasks
  • Global Payroll covers fewer countries than EOR
  • Overtime calculations not always automatic
4
Expert Score
9.6 / 10
547
148
ULTIMATE FLEXIBILITY

Complete Payroll Solutions

Complete Payroll Solutions
View Website
Complete Payroll Solutions is a comprehensive HR, payroll, and benefits platform designed to tackle the complex needs of multi-state employers. Its flexible technology allows for customization according to business needs, ensuring accurate payroll across different state laws and robust HR management. The solution also includes various benefit plans to cater to diverse employee needs.
Complete Payroll Solutions is a comprehensive HR, payroll, and benefits platform designed to tackle the complex needs of multi-state employers. Its flexible technology allows for customization according to business needs, ensuring accurate payroll across different state laws and robust HR management. The solution also includes various benefit plans to cater to diverse employee needs.
ULTIMATE FLEXIBILITY

Best for teams that are

  • Businesses in the Northeast US seeking a provider with a strong regional focus
  • Companies wanting a dedicated account representative and personalized support
  • Mid-sized organizations needing PEO or ASO services alongside payroll

Skip if

  • Companies seeking a purely self-service, modern SaaS interface
  • Businesses outside the US requiring international payroll processing
  • Startups wanting instant online signup and immediate software access

Expert Take

Our analysis shows Complete Payroll Solutions offers a rare blend of high-tech capability and old-school service. By leveraging the powerful 'isolved' platform, they deliver enterprise-grade HCM features, but they differentiate themselves with a 'Classic' service model that includes a dedicated representative and transparent pricing. Research indicates this hybrid approach is ideal for businesses that want robust technology without sacrificing the ability to pick up the phone and talk to a human who knows their account.

Pros

  • Dedicated Client Relations Specialist (CRS)
  • Transparent pricing published online
  • Tax penalty protection guarantee
  • Powered by robust isolved platform
  • Classic phone/fax reporting option

Cons

  • Significant 2024 data breach
  • Interface has steep learning curve
  • Not BBB Accredited
  • Manual entry lacks some auto-checks
  • No public API for custom integrations
5
Expert Score
9.3 / 10
707
157
COST-EFFECTIVE CHOICE

OnPay Multi-State Payroll

OnPay Multi-State Payroll
View Website
OnPay's Multi-State Payroll software is a comprehensive solution for businesses of all sizes needing to manage payroll across multiple states. It addresses the complex and unique needs of multi-state employers by offering automated tax management, accommodating all 50 states, and charging no extra fees for multi-state tax management.
OnPay's Multi-State Payroll software is a comprehensive solution for businesses of all sizes needing to manage payroll across multiple states. It addresses the complex and unique needs of multi-state employers by offering automated tax management, accommodating all 50 states, and charging no extra fees for multi-state tax management.
COST-EFFECTIVE CHOICE

Best for teams that are

  • Small businesses in niche industries like farms, non-profits, and restaurants
  • Companies seeking transparent, flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees
  • Users who need unlimited payroll runs and multi-state filing included in base price

Skip if

  • Administrators who need a native mobile app to manage payroll on the go
  • Large enterprises needing extensive third-party software integrations
  • Companies requiring native time-tracking without using integrations

Expert Take

Our analysis shows OnPay stands out for its transparent, all-inclusive pricing model that includes multi-state payroll and automated tax filings without the add-on fees common in the industry. Research indicates it is particularly valuable for small businesses with distributed teams, offering robust compliance features and an accuracy guarantee. While it relies on integrations for time-tracking, the core payroll capability is deep and user-friendly.

Pros

  • Unlimited monthly pay runs included
  • Multi-state payroll at no extra cost
  • Automated tax filing in all 50 states
  • Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
  • Free account setup and data migration

Cons

  • No dedicated employer mobile app
  • Fewer integrations than major competitors
  • No native time-tracking module
  • Support response times can vary
6
Expert Score
9.2 / 10
627
164
COMPLIANCE GURU

Greenshades Multi-State Payroll

Greenshades Multi-State Payroll
View Website
Greenshades Multi-State Payroll is an HR and Payroll platform designed specifically for multi-state employers. It simplifies the complex process of multi-state payroll management by ensuring accuracy in compliance and data management, making it a perfect fit for staffing firms that operate across multiple states.
Greenshades Multi-State Payroll is an HR and Payroll platform designed specifically for multi-state employers. It simplifies the complex process of multi-state payroll management by ensuring accuracy in compliance and data management, making it a perfect fit for staffing firms that operate across multiple states.
COMPLIANCE GURU

Best for teams that are

  • Mid-market companies using Microsoft Dynamics (GP, BC, F&O) ERP systems
  • Staffing agencies requiring complex payroll handling like shift differentials
  • Organizations wanting in-house control over payroll without outsourcing funds

Skip if

  • Small businesses with simple payroll needs not using an ERP system
  • Companies seeking a fully outsourced payroll service that handles all tax payments
  • Businesses that do not require complex general ledger integrations

Expert Take

Research indicates Greenshades stands out for its "no pre-funding" model, allowing companies to retain control of their cash flow rather than depositing taxes weeks in advance. Our analysis shows it offers significant value for complex payrolls by including unlimited garnishment processing at no additional cost, a feature often monetized by competitors. Furthermore, its deep, bi-directional integrations with Microsoft Dynamics and Acumatica make it a top-tier choice for ERP-centric organizations.

Pros

  • Unlimited garnishments processed at no extra cost
  • No pre-funding of payroll taxes required
  • Deep bi-directional Microsoft Dynamics & Acumatica integration
  • Automated multi-state tax reciprocity handling
  • Native support for complex shift differentials

Cons

  • Reports of cumbersome MA PFML filings
  • No public pricing transparency available
  • Occasional interface lag reported by users
  • Strict password requirements frustrate some users
  • Implementation can be complex for some
7
Expert Score
9.2 / 10
355
170
USER-FRIENDLY WINNER
24/7 SUPPORT STAR

BambooHR Payroll

BambooHR Payroll
View Website
BambooHR Payroll is a SaaS solution specifically designed to handle multi-state taxation for payroll and benefits. Its robust platform allows you to efficiently manage income and withholding taxation across different states, streamlining payroll and benefits administration for multi-state employers.
BambooHR Payroll is a SaaS solution specifically designed to handle multi-state taxation for payroll and benefits. Its robust platform allows you to efficiently manage income and withholding taxation across different states, streamlining payroll and benefits administration for multi-state employers.
USER-FRIENDLY WINNER
24/7 SUPPORT STAR

Best for teams that are

  • SMBs (25-500 employees) prioritizing a unified HR and payroll experience
  • Current BambooHR users wanting to eliminate double data entry
  • Companies focused on employee culture, onboarding, and self-service

Skip if

  • Global companies needing native international payroll processing
  • Large enterprises (>1000 employees) requiring complex custom payroll reporting
  • Very small businesses (<25 employees) due to monthly minimums

Expert Take

Our analysis shows BambooHR Payroll excels for US-based SMBs by prioritizing the employee experience with a clean, intuitive interface that simplifies complex tax filings. Research indicates it effectively unifies HR and payroll data to reduce administrative overhead, although it relies on a white-labeled backend (TRAXPayroll). While global capabilities require partner integrations, its robust security (SOC 2) and extensive app marketplace make it a trusted choice for growing companies.

Pros

  • User-friendly interface simplifies HR tasks
  • Automated US tax filing across 50 states
  • Strong ecosystem with 150+ integrations
  • SOC 2 Type 2 security compliance
  • Unified employee database reduces data entry

Cons

  • Payroll is a paid add-on, not included
  • Sync errors between HR and Payroll modules
  • Mobile app lacks full payroll functionality
  • Global payroll requires third-party partners
  • Opaque quote-based pricing model
8
Expert Score
8.9 / 10
378
73

Gusto Multi-State Payroll

Gusto Multi-State Payroll
View Website
Gusto's multi-state payroll solution is designed to seamlessly handle complex payroll and tax filing needs of businesses operating in multiple states. This tool not only automates the new-hire reporting and tax filing procedures but also ensures compliance with different state regulations, making it an ideal solution for multi-state employers.
Gusto's multi-state payroll solution is designed to seamlessly handle complex payroll and tax filing needs of businesses operating in multiple states. This tool not only automates the new-hire reporting and tax filing procedures but also ensures compliance with different state regulations, making it an ideal solution for multi-state employers.

Best for teams that are

  • Small businesses and startups wanting an easy-to-use, automated interface
  • Companies needing automated tax registration and filing across all 50 states
  • Businesses that want integrated benefits, time tracking, and payroll in one system

Skip if

  • Large enterprises (100+ employees) with complex custom reporting needs
  • Companies requiring a hands-off PEO model for total liability outsourcing
  • Businesses with heavy international payroll needs beyond simple contractor payments

Expert Take

Gusto's multi-state payroll solution is a game-changer for businesses with operations across different states. The automation of tax filing, payroll, and new-hire reporting eliminates tedious manual tasks, while ensuring compliance with diverse state regulations. This ability to manage payroll complexities with ease makes it a loved choice among multi-state employers. Plus, there's no additional cost for multi-state payroll, which is a huge plus.

Pros

  • Automated multi-state payroll
  • Compliance assistance
  • Easy tax filing
  • New-hire reporting
  • No extra cost for multi-state payroll

Cons

  • Limited HR features
  • No offline availability
  • Learning curve for beginners
9
Expert Score
8.6 / 10
621
134
MULTI-STATE PRO
BENEFITS MASTER

Paychex Payroll & HR Solutions

Paychex Payroll & HR Solutions
View Website
Paychex is a comprehensive SaaS solution specifically designed for multi-state employers, streamlining payroll and HR tasks across various locations. It automatically handles taxes, simplifying complex multi-state tax compliance, and offers robust HR and benefits administration tools to manage diverse employee requirements.
Paychex is a comprehensive SaaS solution specifically designed for multi-state employers, streamlining payroll and HR tasks across various locations. It automatically handles taxes, simplifying complex multi-state tax compliance, and offers robust HR and benefits administration tools to manage diverse employee requirements.
MULTI-STATE PRO
BENEFITS MASTER

Best for teams that are

  • Mid-to-large businesses (50-500+ employees) with complex compliance needs
  • Companies looking for a PEO model or extensive HR outsourcing services
  • Businesses requiring 24/7 support and dedicated payroll specialists

Skip if

  • Micro-businesses seeking low, transparent, flat-rate pricing
  • Companies that want to avoid upsells for basic features like general ledger reporting
  • Users who prefer a DIY, tech-first platform over a service-heavy model

Expert Take

Paychex stands out for its robust multi-state tax compliance, a crucial feature for any multi-state employer. Its comprehensive suite of HR and payroll tools simplifies management of diverse employee needs. Moreover, its extensive integration capabilities ensure seamless connection with other business systems, while the 24/7 support and employee self-service portal enhance user experience.

Pros

  • Automated multi-state tax compliance
  • Comprehensive HR and payroll tools
  • Extensive integration capabilities
  • 24/7 support
  • Employee self-service portal

Cons

  • User interface could be more intuitive
  • May be over-complex for small businesses

Product Comparison

Product Has Mobile App Has Free Plan Has Free Trial Integrates With Zapier Has Public API Live Chat Support SOC 2 or ISO Certified Popular Integrations Supports SSO Starting Price
1 Warp Payroll & Compliance
No No Contact for trial No No Email/Ticket only Not specified Limited integrations No Contact for pricing
2 PeopleKeep Multi-State Benefits
No No Contact for trial No No Email/Ticket only Not specified Limited integrations No Contact for pricing
3 Remote Global Payroll
No No Contact for trial No No Yes Not specified Custom integrations only Yes Enterprise pricing
4 Complete Payroll Solutions
Yes No Contact for trial No No Yes Not specified Limited integrations No Custom pricing
5 OnPay Multi-State Payroll
No No Yes - 30 days Yes No Yes SOC 2 QuickBooks, Xero, TSheets No $36/month plus $4 per person
6 Greenshades Multi-State Payroll
No No Contact for trial No No Email/Ticket only Not specified Custom integrations only No Enterprise pricing
7 BambooHR Payroll
Yes No No Yes Yes Yes SOC 2 Slack, QuickBooks, Xero Yes Custom pricing
8 Gusto Multi-State Payroll
Yes No Yes - 30 days Yes Yes Yes SOC 2 Slack, QuickBooks, Xero Yes $39/month
9 Paychex Payroll & HR Solutions
Yes No Contact for trial Yes Yes Yes SOC 2 QuickBooks, Xero, Salesforce Yes Contact for pricing
1

Warp Payroll & Compliance

Has Mobile App
No
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Contact for trial
Integrates With Zapier
No
Has Public API
No
Live Chat Support
Email/Ticket only
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Limited integrations
Supports SSO
No
Starting Price
Contact for pricing
2

PeopleKeep Multi-State Benefits

Has Mobile App
No
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Contact for trial
Integrates With Zapier
No
Has Public API
No
Live Chat Support
Email/Ticket only
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Limited integrations
Supports SSO
No
Starting Price
Contact for pricing
3

Remote Global Payroll

Has Mobile App
No
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Contact for trial
Integrates With Zapier
No
Has Public API
No
Live Chat Support
Yes
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Custom integrations only
Supports SSO
Yes
Starting Price
Enterprise pricing
4

Complete Payroll Solutions

Has Mobile App
Yes
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Contact for trial
Integrates With Zapier
No
Has Public API
No
Live Chat Support
Yes
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Limited integrations
Supports SSO
No
Starting Price
Custom pricing
5

OnPay Multi-State Payroll

Has Mobile App
No
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Yes - 30 days
Integrates With Zapier
Yes
Has Public API
No
Live Chat Support
Yes
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
SOC 2
Popular Integrations
QuickBooks, Xero, TSheets
Supports SSO
No
Starting Price
$36/month plus $4 per person
6

Greenshades Multi-State Payroll

Has Mobile App
No
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Contact for trial
Integrates With Zapier
No
Has Public API
No
Live Chat Support
Email/Ticket only
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Custom integrations only
Supports SSO
No
Starting Price
Enterprise pricing
7

BambooHR Payroll

Has Mobile App
Yes
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
No
Integrates With Zapier
Yes
Has Public API
Yes
Live Chat Support
Yes
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
SOC 2
Popular Integrations
Slack, QuickBooks, Xero
Supports SSO
Yes
Starting Price
Custom pricing
8

Gusto Multi-State Payroll

Has Mobile App
Yes
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Yes - 30 days
Integrates With Zapier
Yes
Has Public API
Yes
Live Chat Support
Yes
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
SOC 2
Popular Integrations
Slack, QuickBooks, Xero
Supports SSO
Yes
Starting Price
$39/month
9

Paychex Payroll & HR Solutions

Has Mobile App
Yes
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Contact for trial
Integrates With Zapier
Yes
Has Public API
Yes
Live Chat Support
Yes
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
SOC 2
Popular Integrations
QuickBooks, Xero, Salesforce
Supports SSO
Yes
Starting Price
Contact for pricing

Similar Categories

How We Rank Products

Our Evaluation Process

The "How We Choose" section for payroll and benefits platforms for multi-state employers focuses on several key factors and criteria including specifications, features, customer reviews, ratings, and overall value. Specific considerations important to this category involve compliance with varying state regulations, ease of use, integration capabilities with existing systems, and the adaptability of the platforms to different employee needs across states. The research methodology involved a comprehensive analysis of product specifications, assessing customer feedback and ratings from reputable sources, and evaluating the price-to-value ratio to ensure that multi-state employers can find solutions that meet their diverse payroll and benefits requirements effectively.

Overall scores reflect relative ranking within this category, accounting for which limitations materially affect real-world use cases. Small differences in category scores can result in larger ranking separation when those differences affect the most common or highest-impact workflows.

Verification

  • Products evaluated through comprehensive research and analysis of payroll compliance features for multi-state employers.
  • Rankings based on a thorough analysis of user reviews and expert ratings in the payroll and benefits sector.
  • Selection criteria focus on key considerations such as tax compliance, employee benefits management, and integration capabilities.

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Score Breakdown

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What This Award Means