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Top Rated Tax Management Software with Payroll Management in 2026

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Verified reviewer profile picture

All user reviews are verified by in-house moderators and provider data by our software research team.  Learn more

Last updated: February 2026

Payroll management ensures accurate salary processing, timely tax calculations, and compliance with both state and federal regulations. It simplifies payroll scheduling, tracks different pay types, and maintains comprehensive employee records. Our reviewers in tax management software rated this feature as highly important.

4 Best Tax Management Software with Payroll Management

  • Gusto
  • Patriot Payroll
  • QuickBooks Payroll - Highest rated for payroll management
  • QuickBooks Online

See other top Tax Management products with payroll management

How we picked the 4 top rated products

We chose the high-performing solutions on this list based on verified user ratings on our site. Depending on available data, qualifying products either had to be among the most user-reviewed or the most searched-for products in the tax management software category. They also needed to have sufficient reviews about payroll management, have a minimum user rating of 3 out of 5 for that feature, and show evidence of U.S. market presence. We then added a distinction for the product with the highest rating for payroll management based on our proprietary ratings and reviews. Sponsorship or client status has no influence on the selection of these products, but it may impact the order in which products appear.

Details for the 4 best products

Gusto logo
4.6
(4.1K)
learn more

User insights about the payroll management feature

Reviewers highlight Gusto's payroll management as user-friendly and efficient. They appreciate the automated payroll runs, direct deposit system, and the ability to manage various pay types, including salaried, hourly, and contractors. Users report that Gusto simplifies tax calculations and compliance, and they value the reminders for payroll deadlines. However, some users mention issues with customer service and occasional errors. Overall, Gusto is praised for its ease of use and the ability to streamline payroll tasks.
“Gusto Payroll Services has made the task of payroll very simplified. Their platform is integrated with our time keeping system and greatly reduces the time needed to run payroll. Changing any data is a breeze and I can log on from any computer anywhere to make sure my staff and the government get paid on time.”
LL

Lianna L.

Manager

“Payroll management is the heart of what Gusto does, they mak it very easy to manage payroll with features like the auto run of payroll for salaried employees and ensuring the business has all the neccasary insurance policies in place to stay compliant. ”
MM

Misty M.

Manager

Tax Management key features coverage

Gusto offers 3 out of the 5 key features for Tax Management software identified by reviewers:

Client Management
Workflow Management4.4
Tax Compliance4.4
Client Portal
Document Management4.6

Pros and cons based on 4,167 verified reviews

73% of users rated Gusto 5 out of 5 stars, while 3% gave it 1 or 2 stars. To determine these pros and cons insights we analyzed 4,167 reviews and identified the topics where users expressed positive and negative sentiment.

Pros:

Intuitive and clean interface

Seamless onboarding process

Comprehensive HR management

Easy navigation

Efficient payroll management

Cons:

Inadequate phone support

Limited reporting capabilities

Slow issue resolution

Account management challenges

See pros and cons details

Pricing

Starting price:$49 other/per month|Free version:Not available|Free trial:Available

Prices may vary depending on the number of users and features.

Patriot Payroll logo
4.8
(3.5K)
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User insights about the payroll management feature

Reviewers indicate that Patriot Payroll makes payroll management extremely easy and efficient. Users report that the software handles all withholding calculations and tax payments, freeing them from manual tracking. They appreciate the intuitive and user-friendly interface, which simplifies tasks like adding or adjusting employee information, running payroll, and generating reports. Users also highlight the convenience of managing payroll from a single platform and the ability to access payroll data from anywhere, including via a smartphone app.
“The ease of adding and terminating employees, giving raises, changing deductions and even adding a bonus is in your hands and so easy. I like the way I can always go back if I make a mistake and fix it. And support is always a phone call away.”
BC

Bessie C.

Accounting/Payroll

“Love that I can use the smart phone app to run payroll from anywhere at any time for any particular pay period I choose. I can adjust withholding easily at any time.”
LP

Lauren P.

Client Services

Tax Management key features coverage

Patriot Payroll offers 2 out of the 5 key features for Tax Management software identified by reviewers:

Client Management
Workflow Management
Tax Compliance4.8
Client Portal
Document Management4.7

Pros and cons based on 3,570 verified reviews

85% of users rated Patriot Payroll 5 out of 5 stars, while 1% gave it 1 or 2 stars. To determine these pros and cons insights we analyzed 3,570 reviews and identified the topics where users expressed positive and negative sentiment.

Pros:

Ideal for small businesses

Responsive support services

Significant cost savings

Excellent customer support

Quick question response

Cons:

Complex payroll deductions

Challenging account management

Slow direct deposit process

Inadequate print management

Inefficient time tracking

See pros and cons details

Pricing

Starting price:$17 flat rate/per month|Free version:Not available|Free trial:Available

Prices may vary depending on the number of users and features.

QuickBooks Payroll logo
4.5
(965)
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User insights about the payroll management feature

Users find QuickBooks Payroll's payroll management capabilities to be comprehensive and time-saving. Reviewers appreciate the seamless integration with QuickBooks Online, which eliminates the need for manual journal entries. They highlight the software's ability to automatically calculate, file, and pay payroll taxes, as well as manage direct deposits and employee records. However, some users mention challenges with customization and additional costs for certain features. Overall, reviewers value the ease of use and the efficiency it brings to managing payroll processes.
“Quickbooks Payroll's payroll management minimizes the time spent providing payments to our employees. Prior to using the software, it took myself and our executive director several hours each week to calculate the payroll, and we frequently made mistakes that caused both frustration and lost productivity. Quickbooks Payroll makes it simple to provide an accurate payroll in a short amount of time with only a minimal amount of effort. ”
KM

Keith M.

Program Director

“The feature I really like about "Payroll Management" in QuickBooks Payroll is its seamless integration with QuickBooks Online for accounting. It's great to have both accounting and payroll management in one platform.”
OS

Olugbemi S.

coordinator

Tax Management key features coverage

QuickBooks Payroll offers 2 out of the 5 key features for Tax Management software identified by reviewers:

Client Management
Workflow Management4.5
Tax Compliance4.5
Client Portal
Document Management

Pros and cons based on 965 verified reviews

68% of users rated QuickBooks Payroll 5 out of 5 stars, while 6% gave it 1 or 2 stars. To determine these pros and cons insights we analyzed 965 reviews and identified the topics where users expressed positive and negative sentiment.

Pros:

Seamless QuickBooks integration

Comprehensive tracking features

Ideal for small businesses

Efficient payroll management

Manageable learning curve

Cons:

Inefficient email communication

Long wait times for support calls

High costs for small businesses

Slow issue resolution

Subpar client support services

See pros and cons details

Pricing

Starting price:$3.50 flat rate/per month|Free version:Not available|Free trial:Available

Prices may vary depending on the number of users and features.

QuickBooks Online logo
4.3
(8.3K)
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User insights about the payroll management feature

Reviewers appreciate QuickBooks Online's payroll management for its simplicity and integration with other accounting functions. Users report that the software automates tax calculations and filings, direct deposits, and employee management, saving significant time. They highlight the ease of setting up and running payroll, as well as the comprehensive reporting features. Some users mention the need for additional payroll software for full functionality and challenges with customer support. Overall, QuickBooks Online is valued for its efficiency and user-friendly interface in managing payroll.
“If you use Quickbooks Online Payroll, taxes and return filing is automated. Email reminders to submit payroll. If you use QuickBooks Time (formally TSheets), approving timesheets is a breeze and imports into payroll to reduce double entry.”
NS

Nicole S.

owner

“Again the feature is super helpful and critical to the overall functioning of the software. It helps you save time by automating your tasks like calculating, filing and paying federal and state payroll taxes for every single employee.”
GJ

Gaurav J.

Sr. Marketing Manager

Tax Management key features coverage

QuickBooks Online offers 2 out of the 5 key features for Tax Management software identified by reviewers:

Client Management4.2
Workflow Management
Tax Compliance4.5
Client Portal
Document Management

Pros and cons based on 8,328 verified reviews

57% of users rated QuickBooks Online 5 out of 5 stars, while 5% gave it 1 or 2 stars. To determine these pros and cons insights we analyzed 8,328 reviews and identified the topics where users expressed positive and negative sentiment.

Pros:

Cloud-based accessibility

Ideal for small businesses

Seamless integrations

Comprehensive accounting features

Efficient tax management

Cons:

Frequent bugs and crashes

Limited desktop features

Recurring costs and price increases

Inadequate customer support

Complicated transaction management

See pros and cons details

Pricing

Starting price:$38 flat rate/per month|Free version:Not available|Free trial:Available

Prices may vary depending on the number of users and features.

Other Top Rated Tax Management Software with Payroll Management in 2026

Patriot Payroll logo
Category Leaders

Cloud-based accounting and payroll software for businesses

learn more
Patriot Software offers Full-Service? Payroll for all employer federal, state, and local tax liabilities.

Read more about Patriot Payroll

Users also considered
TaxDome logo
Category Leaders

Tax practice management software for bookkeepers and CPAs

learn more
TaxDome is a leading practice management platform for tax, bookkeeping and accounting firms, as well as CPAs and EAs. TaxDome allows firms of all sizes to streamline and maintain oversight of their practice by using one platform for both internal practice management and client-facing tools.

Read more about TaxDome

Users also considered
QuickBooks Online logo
Category Leaders

Accounting and business management software

learn more
The payroll feature in Quickbooks Online automatically calculates tax and generates tax forms, while financial reporting tools help to meet tax standards.

Read more about QuickBooks Online

Users also considered
Gusto logo
Category Leaders

Gusto is the all-in-one HR platform for growing businesses.

learn more
Gusto smoothly integrates HR, payroll, health benefits, employee onboarding, workers' compensation insurance and automated tax processing, accessible from any web-enabled device. Gusto automates payroll filings and tax payments, so you don't have to worry about them.

Read more about Gusto

Users also considered
NetSuite logo

AI-powered cloud-based business management suite

learn more
NetSuite is an AI-powered cloud-based business management suite. It helps organizations streamline their operations and gain real-time insights into their performance. The suite caters to a range of industries such as manufacturing, retail, and professional services.

Read more about NetSuite

Users also considered
QuickBooks Payroll logo

Small business payroll platform

learn more
QuickBooks Payroll is a cloud-based payroll solution for small businesses which offers automatic payroll tax calculations, integrated time tracking, same day direct deposit, real-time data updates, tax form preparation and filing, and an online employee portal to streamline the payroll process

Read more about QuickBooks Payroll

Users also considered
TriNet HR Plus logo
Category Leaders

HR | Onboarding | Payroll | Benefits | Compliance

learn more
Use Zenefits to manage your employees' and contractors' payroll with automatic employee tax management and benefits deductions.

Read more about TriNet HR Plus

Users also considered
Canopy logo
Category Leaders

Practice management software for accounting firms

learn more
Canopy is a cloud-based practice management solution for accounting professionals. Streamline your firm and create a connected client experience using our suite of features including workflow, document management, time and billing, payments, a CRM with a secure client portal.

Read more about Canopy

Users also considered
Firm360 logo

Built for accountants by accountants to simplify your firm.

learn more
Firm360 is the all-in-one platform built for accountants by accountants to simplify the work behind the workflow. From project management to client communication and billing, we help accounting firms operate with clarity, supported by expert training and responsive support.

Read more about Firm360

Users also considered
FreeAgent logo

FreeAgent has been voted the UK's #1 accounting software.

learn more
Use FreeAgent to automatically apply country-specific tax rates to all sales and purchases and to generate sales tax reports.

Read more about FreeAgent

Users also considered
Vertex logo

Proven tax technology to simplify the complex.

learn more
Vertex's tax software and services help simplify and automate tax processes for companies of every size.

Read more about Vertex

Users also considered
Crunch logo

You live life. We do the numbers.

learn more
Crunch is a groundbreaking online accountancy firm for freelancers, contractors and small businesses. By combining accredited, award-winning in-house accountants with real-time cloud software.

Read more about Crunch

Users also considered
Payment Evolution logo

Simple, fast, affordable payroll software.

learn more
Run 100% compliant payroll in under 5 minutes. Return to doing what you do best - automate payroll deductions, remittances and taxes.

Read more about Payment Evolution

Users also considered
CenterPoint Payroll logo

Better tools for those outgrowing basic payroll systems

learn more
Payroll Software for growing businesses that adds profits by reducing the time and money associated with payroll processing. CenterPoint Payroll Software stands apart from other payroll software programs with features that are not found in basic packages, and won't cost you a bundle like they would in the complex, more expensive packages.

Read more about CenterPoint Payroll

Users also considered
ADP SmartCompliance logo

HCM, compliance, and payroll solutions

learn more
ADP SmartCompliance is a cloud-based HCM compliance portfolio that is as an extension of your current payroll or other business planning technology. SmartCompliance aims to help you reduce the regulatory compliance burden for your organization, with a combination of technology and service.

Read more about ADP SmartCompliance

Users also considered

Key features for Tax Management software

Based on GetApp's analysis of verified user reviews collected between July 2021 and August 2024.

  • Client Management: Users value the ability to centralize client information, customize fields, and track communications for efficient organization and workflow management. 97% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Workflow Management: Reviewers highlight the automation of tasks and reminders, ensuring deadlines are met and improving overall efficiency and organization. 95% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Tax Compliance: Users appreciate automated tax calculations, timely filings, and the ability to stay compliant with tax laws, reducing the risk of penalties and legal issues. 95% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Client Portal: Users find the secure, centralized access for document exchange and communication enhances client interaction and simplifies information management. 93% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Document Management: Reviewers value the centralized storage, organized folder structures, and ease of uploading and accessing documents, improving overall efficiency. 91% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.