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

Download Comparison Guide

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. Support is included with the purchase.

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 and Mac Sierra (and above versions).

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 2018 version with new features such as:

Updated W2 wage and tax forms for 2017 tax filing
Updated W3 transmittal form for 2017 tax filing
Added option to suppress dollar-sign symbol from printing on paychecks
Updated employee earnings register in the .xls file format
New accrued hour options to accommodate sick pay changes
Automation of CT tax tables to make employee setup easier
Minor bug fixes

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. If you’re looking for client references, please contact CheckMark directly.

Download Now: The Payroll Software Buyer's Guide

Choosing a Payroll Software Solution is all about finding the right fit. Our report will walk you through the process and help you make a smart purchasing decision. Download Now

Implementation/Integration

CheckMark Payroll is available as a free trial. However, customers can order the software on its website for $429.

The 2018 version is now available, however, companies can also opt to purchase the 2017 version for end-of-fiscal-year tax and reports.

Customer Service & Support

CheckMark offers two support plans:

Pro Support – Previously known as Professional support, this plan gives customers phone, email and fax support for all CheckMark products for up to a year or 90 minutes, whichever comes first. Online access to program fixes, as they become available, is also included.
Pro+ Support – For one convenient fee, customers receive top-of-the-queue priority, reduced rates for data recovery services and peace of mind. Previously known as Priority Support, this plan offers phone, email and fax support for up to a year or 300 minutes, whichever comes first, for all CheckMark products. Plus, they’ll provide online access to program fixes as they become available. The plan also includes exclusive Pro+ Support Live Chat.

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

Pricing

CheckMark Payroll software starts with $429, which includes the Pro support package. Companies that want Pro+ support will expect to pay $499.

How Much Does Payroll Software Cost?

Download our free report to compare pricing on 5 popular Payroll Solutions including Gusto, Zenefits, and Patriot Software.Download Now

Shortcomings

CheckMark Payroll is an on-premise solution with an affordable price. 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.