Payroll is where “we will handle taxes” meets your actual liability if filings drift. For small teams, the buying decision is less about brand and more about operational tolerance: how much variance you have in pay types, states, and contractor mix.
Hidden issues we look for
- Implementation timelines when you add new states mid-year.
- Off-cycle runs and corrections: how painful, how audited.
- Benefits bundling that quietly increases per-seat totals.
Verdict (starter)
Optimize for accuracy and support responsiveness first; shiny employee self-service second.