How Much Do Accountants Charge for Payroll Services? (2025 Rates & What’s Included)
Running payroll is more than cutting checks. It’s about keeping your employees happy and your business compliant. Many owners start by asking, how much do accountants charge for payroll services, because they want a full overview of what to expect before outsourcing.
Payroll pricing in 2025 is easier to understand, but it still changes based on business size, payroll schedule, and extras included.
Why Small Businesses Need Payroll Services
Payroll does not mean you just have to pay the employees. It also involves tracking work hours, handling benefits, deducting the right taxes, and keeping your records organized. For a small business, that’s a lot to stay on top of.
When you ask how much do accountants charge for payroll services, it helps to also think about the value behind it. Handing this work to an accountant takes the pressure off. You save valuable time, lower the chance of errors, and know everything is being managed properly.
At Skyline Financial Management, we give you the confidence that your team and your business are in good hands.
Payroll Service Prices in 2025
The exact fee depends on the cost of payroll services you need and the pricing structure of the accountant or payroll company. In 2025, most accountants charge:
● Base monthly fee: $20–$180 per month for small businesses.
● Per-employee fee: $6–$12 per employee, per payroll run.
● Additional fee for tax filing: $25–$50 per filing, depending on state and federal requirements.
For example, if you run payroll biweekly for 10 employees, payroll service prices usually come to about $140–$300 each month. If your payroll frequency is weekly or semi-monthly, the cost may be a bit higher since the accountant has to process payroll more often.
What Are the Factors That Affect Payroll Costs?
Every business is unique, which means your payroll service cost will depend on many factors, like the ones we mentioned below:
1. Number of employees
The more employees you have, the higher your payroll costs. A company with 5 employees may pay around $50–$100 per payroll run.
2. Payroll frequency
Weekly payroll takes more processing than semi-monthly or monthly payroll, and that usually leads to higher fees.
3. Included services
Some accountants handle just payroll processing, while others also take care of tax filing, direct deposit, and year-end reports. If you add more services, they may charge extra.
4. Compliance needs
Businesses that need help with tax filings or additional compliance reporting may pay higher fees.
5. Software integration
If your accountant uses advanced payroll software, the monthly fee might be a little higher. But it usually makes payroll smoother and more accurate.
What You Usually Get with Payroll Services
When you ask, how much do accountants charge for payroll services, it’s important to know what you are actually paying for. Most payroll packages include:
● Payroll processing (wages, deductions, benefits).
● Direct deposit setup.
● Tax filing (federal, state, and local).
● Year-end W-2 and 1099 forms.
● Employee record-keeping.
● Compliance with labor laws.
Some accountants also bundle in advisory services, such as tax planning or guidance on payroll-related deductions. At Skyline, we carefully guide you so you don’t just meet deadlines but also save money in the long run.
When Outsourcing Payroll Becomes Cost-Effective
A lot of small business owners ask if outsourcing payroll is really worth it. The truth is, if you are spending hours every month on payroll processing, that is time you could be using to grow your business instead.
Hiring a CPA for payroll is cost-effective because:
● You avoid errors that could cause penalties or compliance issues.
● The cost of payroll software is already built into the service.
● An accountant can connect payroll with your tax strategy. This helps a lot if you need S-Corp tax preparation services.
Outsourcing payroll is really about peace of mind because you are not only paying to get payroll done. You are paying to free up your time and run your business with full focus and confidence.
Are you ready to make payroll easier? Contact Skyline Financial Management today and let us take care of the details while you focus on growth.
So, How Much Do Accountants Charge for Payroll Services in 2025?
To recap, most small business payroll services in 2025 range from $20 to $180 per month, plus $6–$12 per employee per payroll run. The cost depends on how many employees you have, your payroll frequency, and whether tax filing is included. Some accountants also give bundled packages that cover both payroll and tax services.
The bottom line is that your payroll service cost really comes down to your business size and needs. But outsourcing is usually more cost-effective than doing it yourself, especially when you think about compliance and the time you save.
At Skyline Financial Management, we do more than payroll processing. We help you stay compliant, cut down payroll costs, and connect payroll with your bigger tax strategy.
Don’t let payroll slow you down! Reach out to us today and let us handle it so you can keep building your business.
FAQs About Small Business Payroll Services
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Most small business owners asking how much do accountants charge for payroll services will find that costs range between $50 and $150 per month, plus a per-employee charge.
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Yes, many charge an additional fee for state and federal tax filing. It is usually between $25 and $50 per filing.
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Weekly payroll usually costs more than biweekly or semi-monthly because accountants process payroll more often.
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Payroll software can take care of a few tasks, but it can’t replace the compliance expertise of an accountant. Accountants also fix errors and tax filings, which software alone can’t.
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Yes, outsourcing saves you time and helps cut down errors. It’s even more useful when accountants connect payroll with tax planning or S corporation election services to keep you compliant.
