If you’re a small business owner seeking a software solution for payroll and HR management, this Paychex Flex review provides an in-depth analysis of the features and advantages offered by this platform from Paychex. Paychex Flex is one of the top payroll software for small businesses in 2023.
What is Paychex Flex?
Paychex is a cloud-based enterprise solution for payroll, HR processes, and benefits outsourcing for businesses of every size. Paychex Flex is its platform for small businesses with 1 to 19 employees. It also has a mobile app that is compatible with iOS and Android phones and tablets.
Paychex Flex is a good software for rapidly growing companies as it is adaptable and scalable. It offers three plans for small enterprises:
- Paychex Flex Essentials, an entry-level plan for payroll and tax filing
- Paychex Flex Select, which adds one-on-one business support and employee training
- Paychex Flex Pro, with enhanced HR management features
Essentials, the most basic package, costs $39 per month + $5 per employee. Pricing for the higher tiers is available only on a custom quote from a company representative.
Paychex Flex pricing is on par with entry-level competitor products. However, with add-ons, it may work out pricier than more inclusive plans from competitors such as ADP Run and Rippling.
Quick View: Pros and Cons
pros
- Scalable and customizable plans
- Tax filing included
- Simplified payroll
- Dedicated payroll specialist available
- 24/7 support
- Business software integration
- Useful features for small businesses, such as employee training, reporting services, and background checks
cons
- Lesser Transparency in Pricing
- No free trial
- Separate platform for time-tracking
- Setups can take over 48 hours for higher tiers and added HR services
When to use
- If you are a small business and want basic HR tools included in your payroll plan
- If you have under 20 employees and simple payroll processes
- If any of your employees work remotely or from different states
- If your accounting department works predominantly over the telephone or mobile app
- If you want a free trial
- If you are a small enterprise looking for a standalone payroll solution
- If your business primarily pays contractors (Competitors such as QuickBooks Payroll and Square Payroll offer more affordable contractor payroll services)
- If you are looking for an inclusive plan with full suite of HR tools
Deciding Features
| Price | Flex Essentials: $39 base fee + $5 per worker. Flex Select and Flex Pro: Price based on a custom quote. |
| Ease of use | Good. Intuitive platform with a customizable dashboard. However, learning to navigate through multiple features may take time. |
| Scalability | Excellent. You can add features and services or upgrade to a higher tier as your business grows. |
| Tax filing | Included. Paychex Flex automatically calculates, pays, and files federal, state, and local payroll taxes. Extra charges for W2, 1099, and end-of-year filings. |
| Ease of integration | Good. Wide range of integration options with voice assistant, accounting software, and other business essentials. |
| Ease of sharing with accountants | Excellent. Paychex payroll specialists can be accessed over the phone as well as online. |
| Employee self-service capabilities | Excellent. User-friendly self-service tools and training resources for employees are available on both the web platform and the mobile app. |
| Support | Excellent. 24/7/365 support available on chat or over the telephone. |
Paychex Flex Pricing
In this Paychex Flex Review, let’s delve into the pricing structure of the platform. Of the three Paychex Flex packages, only Paychex Essentials has a set price. Pricing for the other two plans, Paychex Flex Select and Paychex Flex Pro, are based on a custom quote from the company. The costs for these tiers vary with factors such as the number of employees and how often you process payroll.
Here is how the three plans stack up in pricing and features:
Paychex Flex Essentials: $39/month + $5 per employee
It is a lean payroll processing and tax filing service with the following features:
- Mobile app for business owners and employees
- Flexible payment options including check, direct deposit, and pay cards
- Tax filings for federal, state, and local payroll taxes
- Financial wellness and cashflow assistance
- 24/7 chat and telephone support
- Integration with voice assistant and Paychex add-ons
- Add-ons include time tracking on Paychex Flex Time, benefits administration, and expense management
Paychex Flex Select: Custom Pricing
Apart from the above features, it includes –
- Job posting integration
- Accounting software integration
- Dedicated Paychex payroll specialist
- Online employee training and development programs
Paychex Flex Pro: Custom Pricing
Besides the features of Flex Essentials and Select, the Pro plan also offers –
- Enhanced reporting capabilities
- Garnishment payment service
- HR software and handbook tools
- Pre-employment screening
Paychex Flex Review: Advantages and Disadvantages
Here are the key advantages and drawbacks of Paychex Flex:
Advantages
- Simplified Payroll Processes – The Paychex payroll software allows you to pay employees by direct deposit, checks, or prepaid pay cards. Payroll tax calculation, filing, and payment are automated. The platform features an employee self-service portal where employees can access their paystubs and tax forms.
- Access to a Payroll Specialist – All plans provide the option to work with a dedicated payroll specialist.
- Voice Assist Capability – Voice Assist is a crucial accessibility feature that gives Paychex Flex an edge over some of its competitors. It allows for hands-free payroll reviews, submissions, and updates. This can make your business inclusive for employees with special needs.
- Flexible Payroll Submission Options – You can submit payroll over the telephone if you are unable to access the portal. This ensures that you can file payroll even with a system breakdown or malfunction.
- Customizable Plans – Paychex plans are scalable and customizable. You can add to your existing features as your business expands.
- Compliance Support – All plans provide new hire reporting. Paychex compliance experts ensure that tax filing, workers’ compensation, and reporting conform to state and local requirements.
Disadvantages
- No Free Trial – You may wish to try out a product before committing to it so that you get a fair idea of what works for your business. While companies like Patriot Payroll and QuickBooks offer a free trial period of 30 days, Paychex has no such facility.
- ·Opaque Pricing – Paychex Flex Essentials is the only plan with upfront pricing. The company does not publish the prices for its other plans and add-ons on its website. Competitors like QuickBooks and Patriot Payroll are more transparent about product pricing.
- Benefits Administration is an Add-On – Paychex Flex plans do not include benefits administration. Alternative products like Gusto and ADP Run support features such as health insurance, retirement benefits, and workers’ compensation through all their plans.
Paychex Flex Customer Service
Paychex Flex offers 24/7 support over the telephone, on web chat, or through the app for clients. The clients’ employees can avail of online support. Additional support options include
- FAQs for troubleshooting common problems such as login issues, changes in contact information, or access to payment and tax information
- Help articles and how-to guides on the website and in-app
- Access to an HR professional at extra cost
Paychex Flex Integrations
The Paychex Flex API integrates seamlessly with popular HR, productivity, and financial software, including QuickBooks Online, Sage, BambooHR, and Time Tracker. Most plans include voice assistant and accounting software integration. Add-ons such as PEO services software, too, can securely integrate with the platform.
Is Paychex Flex Worth It? – The Final Verdict
Paychex Flex is a good choice for small businesses in a rapid growth phase. Besides payroll processing and tax filing, the company offers a wide range of HR tools that securely integrate with the platform and help your business scale up. Not only does this Paychex Flex review emphasize the platform’s high ratings for scalability and customization, but other reviews also echo similar sentiments. It is consistently recognized for its ability to adapt to the changing requirements of businesses and provide tailored solutions.
However, Paychex pricing can be a complex affair as most administrative and HR services are add-ons. Your customized plan may work out pricier than inclusive plans from other companies. Moreover, if you need a basic, no-frills payroll solution, you may want to consider more affordable competitor products such as SurePayroll or Patriot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Paychex and Paychex Flex differ from each other?
Paychex is a payroll, HR, and benefits outsourcing solution for mid-sized to large businesses. Paychex Flex is its platform for small businesses with under 20 employees that focuses mainly on payroll and tax filing solutions.
