Last updated: October 17, 2026
Payroll Research is free to use. We keep it that way by earning commissions from some of the payroll providers we write about. This page explains how that works and how we keep it from influencing what we publish.
The short version
- Some links on this site, including most “Check Price” and “Visit Site” buttons, are affiliate links. If you click one and later sign up or buy, we may earn a commission.
- You never pay more because you used our link. The price you pay is set by the provider.
- Commissions never decide our rankings. Our cost calculator sorts providers purely by price math, and the Payroll Match Quiz scores them on your answers.
How affiliate links work here
Our affiliate links go through a short redirect on our own site (they look like payrollresearch.com/go/provider-name/). That redirect sends you to the provider or to an affiliate network that tracks the referral. Those networks may include PartnerStack, Impact, CJ Affiliate and FlexOffers, as well as programs run directly by the providers. When you land on their site, they may set a cookie to credit the referral to us; their own privacy policies apply from that point.
Not every provider we cover pays us, and the providers we have affiliate relationships with can change over time. Whether or not a provider pays us, it is shown and ranked by the same rules.
How we keep recommendations independent
- Same math for everyone. The Total Cost of Ownership calculator uses each provider’s published base fee and per-employee fee (or a clearly labeled estimate for quote-only vendors) and sorts from cheapest to most expensive at your headcount.
- No paid placements. Providers cannot pay to be ranked higher, featured as a quiz match, or excluded from a comparison.
- Downsides stay in. Every provider card lists drawbacks as well as strengths, including for providers that pay us.
- Estimates are labeled. Vendors that only quote prices privately are marked “Est.” so you know the figure is a ballpark, not a published rate.
Prices and accuracy
Payroll pricing changes often. We check vendor pricing pages and independent sources every month and show when each provider’s prices were last verified, but prices, plans and promotions can change at any time. Always confirm the current price on the provider’s site before you buy.
Not professional advice
Our comparisons and guides are general information to help you research payroll software. They are not tax, legal, accounting or financial advice. For decisions about your own business, such as S-corporation salary or multi-state tax obligations, talk to a qualified professional.
Questions
If you have questions about this disclosure or a specific link, email contact@payrollresearch.com.