CheckMark Payroll Software Review

Product:
Vendor:
Founded:
Headquarters:

CheckMark Payroll
CheckMark Inc.
1984
Fort Collins, CO

Ownership
Customers:
Deployment Model:
Free Trial:

Private
8,000+
On-Premise
Yes

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CheckMark Payroll At A Glance

Good: Choice of direct deposit or printing checks, intuitive interface, compatibility with Windows 10.

Bad: On-premise solution only, not intended for larger businesses.

Bottom Line: Easy-to-use payroll software for small businesses that want a complete DIY solution and the ability to host their own data.

Product Overview

CheckMark Payroll is intended for small businesses that want a DIY payroll solution. It’s available for both Mac and Windows systems, and it can be integrated with other accounting software, such as CheckMark’s MultiLedger product.

This software is for a company that would rather have an on-premise solution instead of paying a monthly subscription cost. All a business would have to pay for is the cost of the software each year (aside from purchasing support plans and other add-ons).

CheckMark Payroll has intuitive interfaces. For example, one interface used for entering employee hours resembles a spreadsheet.

CheckMark Payroll has the following system requirements: 100MB available disk space, 512MB of memory and a compatible printer. PCs should use Windows Vista or higher; Intel-based Macs should be using at least OS 10.5.

We do want to note that CheckMark is compatible with Windows 10.

For companies that want more help handling payroll, CheckMark offers its own payroll services, including processing payroll and filing and paying taxes.

Features

In addition to the features indicated above, CheckMark Payroll offers:

Federal and state withholding tax tables that are updated with new tax changes
User ability to define deductions and income
Spreadsheet-like interface for entering employees’ hours
Ability to import hours from a time and attendance solution
Payroll processing for an unlimited number of employees at no additional cost
Ability to print MICR checks
Ability to email direct-deposit statements/paystubs to employees
User export of reports in spreadsheet or text file formats

And CheckMark Payroll has just introduced its 2017 version with new features such as:

Ability to remove employees from W2 filing if employee didn’t receive wages in 2016
Ability to import and export Employee Information in a .csv file
Automation of state tax tables for Connecticut and Oregon
New W-2 forms and W-3 wage and tax transmittals for 2016

Benefits Management?
Direct Deposit?
Employee Self-Service?
Mobile Functionality?
Payroll Processing?
Reporting?
Tax Management?
Time & Attendance?

Target Market

CheckMark is intended for small to medium-sized businesses in all industries.

Unfortunately, we don’t have a list of its customers at this time.

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Implementation/Integration

CheckMark Payroll is available as a free trial. However, customers can order the software on its website for $359.

The 2017 version is now available, however, companies can also opt to purchase the 2016 version for end-of-fiscal-year tax and reports.

Customer Service & Support

CheckMark offers three Support Plans:

Basic (included in software price) – This plan covers up to 30 minutes of support for issues such as setting up a new employee or other basic payroll questions.

Professional ($429) – This plan covers up to 90 minutes of support within a 12-month period (email, phone or fax support). Users also have online access to software fixes or upgrades.

Priority ($499) – This plan covers up to 300 minutes of support within a 12-month period (email, phone or fax support). Users receive an exclusive priority-support toll-free number and priority-support live chat access. They’ll also get top priority in support queues as well as a reduced fee for data recovery services.

Additionally, CheckMark offers a product manual and payroll resources on its website.

Pricing

The cost of the software is $359, which also includes the Basic support package. Companies that want Professional support or Priority support will expect to pay $429 and $499, respectively.

Shortcomings

CheckMark Payroll is an on-premise solution only. Smaller businesses looking for a Web-based solution can check out our other reviews, such as Patriot Software or Xero Software.

Also, it’s not available for larger businesses.

Screenshots

About

CheckMark, Inc. rolled out its first product, General Ledger accounting software for Mac users, in 1984. CheckMark Payroll was launched in 1986 for Mac users with a Windows version debuting in 1998.

In addition to payroll and accounting software, CheckMark sells 1099 software, payroll solutions for Canadian companies, and paper products such as checks and envelopes, tax forms and other business forms.

In 2011, CheckMark launched its Service division, providing payroll and accounting services, time and attendance solutions, and an online HR support center.

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