Payroll in the US

A US company that hires an employee becomes an employer, and the first practical step is an Employer Identification Number from the IRS. The IRS states that you never have to pay a fee for an EIN, which is a useful check when a provider offers to sell you one. After that, each pay run needs withholding, payslips, state registration and filings with the tax authorities, and the rules differ from state to state.

Ask a firm whether it runs payroll itself or only advises, which payroll software it uses, how it handles a founder who is not a US resident, and how it deals with contractors. Ask what happens if a payment is late or wrong, and which states it supports. A company with a Spanish-speaking workforce may value a firm that communicates in Spanish; the profile shows the languages. The US country guide covers the structure of the company.

178 firms offer payroll in the United States: 165 accounting firms and 12 corporate services providers and 1 law firms. Of these, 147 are small practices, 24 medium and 7 large networks. English is the most common language (118), and Spanish is close behind (45). Real estate, construction, startups and non-profits are the sectors named most. Payroll firms are listed under Miami, New York, Houston, Dallas and Las Vegas, and a free quote request saves choosing one.

Firms offering payroll in the US

H&CO LLP

Accounting firm · International network

Miami, Florida

  • Company formation
  • Accounting and bookkeeping
  • Tax compliance
  • +4 more

Languages: English · Spanish · Portuguese

View profile of H&CO LLP

154 more firms offering payroll in the US

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an EIN to run payroll?

An employer needs an Employer Identification Number from the IRS, and the IRS states that there is never a fee to get one. International applicants without an SSN or ITIN apply by phone, fax or mail, so ask a firm whether it helps with the process.

Can a non-resident owner be paid through payroll?

It is possible in some cases, but the tax treatment depends on the owner's status and where the work is done. Ask a payroll provider and a tax preparer to confirm before you set it up.

Does payroll vary by state?

Yes. States have their own registration, withholding and reporting rules, so a company with staff in several states needs a firm that supports each one. Get the list of covered states in writing.

Other services in the US

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Setting up a company in the US: the guide and every firm

General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules, rates and fees change: check them with the official sources linked on this page or with a qualified adviser before you act.