I've been using the C&S "Paycheck Manager" for not quite three months to: (a) compute the payroll for my one employee (b) deposit funds as required with the Federal Government and the State of California, and (c) prepare and submit the appropriate reporting forms. I'll update this review later if things don't turn out as expected.
I decided to try the C&S "Paycheck Manager" because the minimum charges of independent payroll services seemed disproportionaly expensive when dealing with only one employee. Furthermore, it seem to me that entering the payroll servicer's transactions into my accounting system would entail substantially the same work as using a lower cost on-line service.
What I've learned is:
(1) The C&S Paycheck Manager is up to the task and then some. I particularly like that they send me e-mails reminding me of due dates if I've not already taken the appropriate steps,
(2) C&S Paycheck Manager requires dedication to learn how to use. All the data that you need is computed and accessible in appropriate form, but it takes a while to learn how to find it.
(3) C&S Paycheck Manager is economical to use, but not quite as cheap as I had thought. The basic fee of $30 to $40 is only the start. If you want to have them transfer the money from your checking account to the State and Federal agencies, it will cost ~ $25/year for each. However, that fee is quite reasonable considering that it works out to ~ $2/month/agency, and it saves me the time of dealing with State and Federal deposit sites. (Keep in mind that the State of California is mandating electronic transfers of deposits; soon you'll pay a fee if you want to pay by check.) C&S Paycheck manager also tacks on other fees if you want direct submission of certain forms, but the fees are reasonable and can be avoided entirely if you want to print and mail yourself. Overall, I guess I'll be spending about $120/year.
I'm not sure how PayCheckManager compares with other on-line services, but so far it is working for me. read more