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
- Flat Monthly Fee
Many bookkeepers charge a fixed monthly rate that includes payroll processing for a set number of employees. - 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.). - 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.
