Gusto payroll, explained step by step
Real Gusto walkthroughs, honest comparisons and plain-English guides for small business owners. Sign up with our link, run your first payroll and get a $100 bonus.
Get $100 with Gusto →Independent guide. Not affiliated with Gusto. We may earn a referral bonus.
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Why we recommend Gusto
Clear, published pricing
Plans start at $49/mo + $6 per person. No sales call needed.
Taxes filed for you
Gusto calculates, pays and files federal, state and local payroll taxes.
Payroll on AutoPilot
Set it once and Gusto runs salaried payroll for you on schedule.
Easy for employees
New hires enter their own info and sign W-4s and I-9s online.
Gusto vs ADP vs QuickBooks at a glance
| GustoOur pick | ADP | QuickBooks Payroll | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prices listed online | Yes | Quote only | Yes |
| Payroll taxes filed for you | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Most small businesses | Larger teams wanting a rep | Businesses already on QuickBooks |
| $100 bonus with our link | Yes | No | No |
All videos & guides
How to Pay Yourself as an S Corp Owner
Reasonable salary through payroll, then distributions. What "reasonable" means, mistakes the IRS looks for, and how to set it up in Gusto.
How to Pay Yourself From an LLC
Owner's draws, the 15.3% self-employment tax, quarterly estimates, multi-member LLCs, where Gusto fits and when an S corp helps.
How to Set Up Gusto Payroll, Step by Step
Everything you need to set up Gusto: company details, addresses, federal and state taxes, bank account, pay schedule, employees, and signing.
How to Run Payroll in Gusto, Step by Step
Six steps inside a real Gusto account: open payroll, check dates and bank, enter hours and extras, review, check taxes and debits, and submit.
Gusto vs ADP vs QuickBooks Payroll
An honest side-by-side of price, features, support and ease of use, with a clear verdict for small businesses.
Gusto Review 2026: Full Tour of a Real Account
Every section of Gusto from inside a real small-business account, what it costs, and how to get $100 when you sign up.
Gusto plans and pricing
Prices from Gusto's pricing page. All plans: no long-term contract, free setup, unlimited payroll runs.
Simple
- Full-service single-state payroll
- Payroll taxes filed for you
- W-2s and 1099s
- Employee self-onboarding
Plus
- Everything in Simple
- Multi-state payroll
- Next-day direct deposit
- Time tracking & scheduling
Premium
- Everything in Plus
- Same-day & instant pay
- Premium support
- HR guidance
Get $100 with Gusto
Sign up with our link and run your first payroll
Frequently asked questions
How do I get the $100 Gusto bonus?
Sign up for Gusto using our referral link and run your first payroll. Gusto pays the $100 bonus under its current referral terms.
How much does Gusto cost?
Gusto Simple is $49 per month plus $6 per person, Plus is $80 per month plus $12 per person, and Premium is $180 per month plus $22 per person. There are no long-term contracts and setup is free.
Does Gusto file payroll taxes for me?
Yes. Gusto calculates, pays and files federal, state and local payroll taxes, and produces W-2s and 1099s on every plan.
Is Gusto better than ADP or QuickBooks Payroll?
For most small businesses Gusto is the easiest to use with transparent pricing. ADP quotes pricing case by case, and QuickBooks Payroll makes the most sense if you already live in QuickBooks. Watch our comparison for the full breakdown.
Can I pay myself with Gusto?
If your business is taxed as an S corp, you pay yourself a reasonable salary through Gusto payroll. Owners of a regular LLC usually take owner's draws instead. See our pay-yourself guides.
Need a tutorial we haven't made yet?
Tell us what you're stuck on. If you signed up for Gusto through our link, we'll prioritize your request and email you the video when it's ready.