7 Signs it’s Time to Switch Payroll Software

Last updated on June 23rd, 2022 at 04:24 am

Payroll software can help you do everything from tracking employee hours to calculating payroll taxes, but like any other tool, it only works well if you use it correctly. If you’re not getting the most out of your current payroll provider, it may be time to make a change. Here are seven signs that it might be time to switch payroll software providers or do something else altogether.

1) Increase in Complaints

It’s normal for your payroll software provider to occasionally get negative feedback. Some are even built on an open-source model, which means anyone can tell you how much they dislike a particular provider. The problem isn’t that your provider is always getting complaints—it’s that you’re seeing an increase in them recently. If people are suddenly using words like a nightmare and terrible in their reviews, it could be time to start looking for alternatives.

2) Lack of Innovation

If you’ve been using payroll software for more than five years, that doesn’t mean you have to stick with it. In fact, as business needs change and new technologies emerge, you may find your current system has limited capabilities. If your current provider can’t keep up with your evolving needs or technology, you need a new solution. Sooner or later most businesses run into payroll software limitations due to features needed on a large scale or updates required by state and federal agencies. It’s time for a fresh look at what is out there and exactly what makes sense for your company’s specific situation.

3) Poor Customer Service

You may not notice an issue if everything is running smoothly with your payroll processing. But one day you’ll find that there are simply too many issues with data, or with how your current process works. or with customer service—something can come up and make you realize that you can do better. You should always want to be looking for ways to improve how your business runs, so knowing when something isn’t working is a big part of making sure you maintain a high level of professionalism in your organization. Before long, poor service or subpar technology will affect your company culture and prevent new hires from getting onboard successfully. Make sure you’re aware of potential problems before they become full-blown issues that could derail operations for months at a time.

4) Too Many Issues With Data

If you need payroll software, don’t settle for anything less than industry-leading support. That way, when an issue comes up (and they always do), you can count on your provider to help you navigate it quickly and easily. If your current provider isn’t up to par in terms of support or issues arise frequently, take a look at our top-rated payroll software solutions. That way, you know exactly what you’re signing up for—no guessing or surprises—when it’s time to switch.

5) Employer Tax Calculations Problems

It’s likely that you know all too well that payroll is a complex, time-consuming task for employers. When your employees change jobs, their tax rates and other details often change as well. This can mean you need to make adjustments, which can be difficult or even impossible if your system doesn’t support such changes. If your current provider isn’t flexible enough with its tax calculations, consider switching so you’ll have an easier time handling employee turnover and rate changes in general. These kinds of changes are pretty common and most small businesses want solutions that allow them to handle any necessary adjustments quickly and easily.

6) Difficult-to-Use App

A clunky payroll app can have a direct impact on your business. If you have to call customer service every other day, that will take away time from actually running your business. It’s also frustrating for employees who are used to being able to update their information in real-time, so they expect better when you introduce them to your new software. The easier an app is for employees and employers alike, the happier everyone will be—especially if you aren’t getting stuck in phone trees or dealing with complicated security protocols.

7) No Online Support Resources Available

If your payroll software company doesn’t have an online support resource, you might as well be getting your services from a hermit. No one can use the software if they have trouble figuring out how it works. In addition, not having a support site can tell you something about how much effort a company puts into its products. If they have no interest in educating users about how to get good results from their software, why should you trust them? Find a company that does offer online support and asks them what other features and benefits their product offers over other similar offerings.