What Does Payroll Bookkeeping Really Cost?

Payroll isn’t just about cutting checks-it’s about compliance, tax reporting, and accurate recordkeeping. If you’re trying to figure out how much a bookkeeper should charge for payroll services, here’s what you need to know.

Common Pricing Models

1. Flat Monthly Fee
   Many bookkeepers charge a fixed monthly rate that includes payroll processing for a set number of employees.
2. Per Employee / Per Pay Period
   Some charge based on how many employees you pay and how often you run payroll (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, etc.).
3. Hourly Rates
   In-house or freelance bookkeepers may bill by the hour, which can get expensive during tax season or audits.

What You Might Pay

Business Size	Payroll Frequency	Avg. Monthly Cost
Sole Proprietor	Monthly	$75 – $150
5-10 Employees	Bi-Weekly	$200 – $500
20+ Employees	Weekly	$500+

These are averages. Costs may be higher with added compliance, multi-state payroll, or benefits tracking.

How RemoteBooksOnline Saves You Money

We include payroll-ready bookkeeping in most monthly plans-so you’re not paying extra for payroll-specific services. Our bookkeepers ensure:

• Payroll expenses are accurately categorized
• Tax payments and withholdings are properly booked
• Your CPA has everything needed for compliance and filings

Want full-service bookkeeping without surprise fees? Check out our monthly bookkeeping pricing or get caught up fast.

Get a free month of bookkeeping and see how RemoteBooksOnline can support your payroll without hidden charges.