PayCycle Turns Payroll Into Easy Work

That requires a strong level of interaction, and PayCycle has it. One important example is a system of reminders that keep users apprised of when tax payments or other payments or transfers of funds are due. "Maybe the best thing about PayCycle is that it keeps tabs on things and sends me notes when I have to do something," says Scheittler. PayCycle makes payments to federal, state, and local authorities electronically or by checks, and can comply with user requests for immediate or quarterly payments.

The system supports many types of employees, including regular salaried staff, hourly employees, commissioned sales representatives, contractors, and others. "We support twenty different profiles," says White, "and employees can be paid by check or by direct deposit, with notices on paper or by e-mail." The system also takes care of employee contributions for benefits, including health insurance, and pension contributions.

You're in Control

While PayCycle's DIWY approach is designed to keep users organized, the company has made substantial efforts to make sure that users remain firmly in control. "The most frequent reason people give for doing their own payroll," says White, "is that they don't want to lose control of their money. We have to be sure that they don't lose control, and that they don't think they are losing control."

PayCycle is also designed to integrate with other systems, including Intuit's popular QuickBooks and Microsoft Money accounting software. "That's right up there in importance with the reminders," says Scheittler. The company no longer integrates with Intuit's Quicken because of changes that company made in its supported file transfer formats.

The product is also designed to be reasonably priced. You can sign up directly at www.PayCycle.com, and begin with a free trial. Prices start at $14.99 per month, and there are no extra charges for setup, direct deposit, electronic tax payments and filings, reports, or W-2's. The company provides free toll-free phone and e-mail support to registered users.