Gusto Reviews: My Experience with This Payroll Platform

If you've ever wrestled with the tangled mess that is payroll and HR, you know how crucial it is to find a tool that actually works—one that won't have you tearing your hair out at tax season. 

Enter Gusto.

I stumbled on this platform after reading all those "Gusto reviews" that pop up when you Google, well, anything payroll-related.

And after giving it a real spin, I'm ready to share my journey to help you decide if Gusto is right for you.

Ready? Let’s roll.

What Is Gusto?

Gusto is a cloud-based payroll and HR platform launched in 2012. It is designed to simplify HR and payroll for small—to medium-sized businesses.

So, what does it do?

We're talking payroll processing, benefits administration, and compliance management all in one place. 

Sounds dreamy, right? 

Especially if you've ever fumbled through a mountain of paperwork just to hire a single intern.

But keep reading.

Who’s Using Gusto?

I did some research and learned Gusto's sweet spot is:

• Small to Medium-Sized Businesses: If you're short on HR resources, Gusto’s got you. It's intuitive, comprehensive, and won’t make you feel like you need an MBA to understand it.
• Startups: Forget steep learning curves. Startups love Gusto because it’s easy to set up and start rolling with.
• Remote Teams: If you’ve got people scattered across the U.S., Gusto handles all those state-specific tax headaches for you.

Quick note, though—Gusto is all about the U.S. If your business spans global borders, this might not be your platform. In that case, an international employer of record may be a better bet.

5 Gusto Features: From Payroll to Perks

Let's talk features. Gusto offers the following features:

1. Payroll Processing

The real magic of Gusto is in the payroll wizardry:

• Ease of Use: Setting it up was almost...enjoyable. Gusto walked me through adding employees, setting pay schedules, and nailing down taxes.
• Automation: It automatically calculates, files, and pays federal, state, and local payroll taxes. Translation? Hours of my life back and far fewer panic attacks.
• Direct Deposits: No paper checks—just direct deposits. Simple and convenient for all involved.

2. Benefits Administration

Gusto’s more than just payroll—it’s like an HR assistant on steroids:

• Health Insurance: Employees enrol directly through Gusto.
• Retirement Plans: Integration with 401(k) providers makes managing retirement a breeze.
• Workers' Comp: Gusto even handles workers' compensation insurance, adjusting premiums based on payroll data.

3. Onboarding Tools

The onboarding experience is another win:

• Digital Docs: W-4s, I-9s, you name it—all online.
• Employee Self-Service: Employees access their own pay stubs and benefits, meaning fewer "Hey, can you send me that form?" emails.

4. Integrations

• Accounting Software: Syncs like a dream with QuickBooks, Xero, and other popular tools.
• Time Tracking: Gusto’s basic time-off tracker is fine, but if you’re hardcore about tracking, you might want an add-on like TSheets.
• Project Management: Tools like Asana plug in nicely, helping keep HR aligned with your projects.

5. Compliance Support

Gusto keeps you on the right side of the law:

• Tax Filings: They handle filings for federal, state, and local taxes.
• New Hire Reporting: Gusto does the boring government reporting for you.
• Compliance Alerts: Heads up about changes in the law or upcoming deadlines—your HR guardian angel.

Let’s look at Gusto’s pricing now that we know what Gusto is and what features it offers.

What’s the Damage? (Gusto Pricing)

Gusto has three main pricing tiers:

• Simple Plan: Covers basic payroll features at a reasonable $40 per month and $6 per person.
• Plus Plan: Includes all Simple features, plus enhanced HR tools like time tracking.
• Premium Plan: Everything from Plus, plus extra HR support and a dedicated help desk.

Be careful, though—those extras can add up quickly if you’re a small business. The hidden fees for things like health benefits can catch you off guard.

Gusto Pros and Cons: The Good, the Bad, and the Payroll-y

Now, let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of using Gusto.

Pros

• User-Friendly: Navigating Gusto is a breeze, even if you’re not exactly tech-savvy.
• All-In-One: Payroll, benefits, and compliance in one spot.
• Automation Galore: No more manual tax headaches.
• Solid Integrations: Plays well with other software you’re likely already using.
• Self-Service: Empowers employees to handle their own stuff, meaning fewer basic questions coming your way.

Cons

• Pricing: It’s easy to blow past your budget if you need the fancier features.
• Limited Global Reach: U.S.-centric, so not great for international teams.
• Advanced Features Cost More: Want time tracking or robust reporting? Get ready to pay for it.
• Hidden Fees: Not everything’s included in your base price.
• Support Limitations: Lower-tier plans might mean waiting longer when you need help.

And there you have it: the pros and cons of using Gusto. But what do other people say about using Gusto? Let’s find out.

My Final Thoughts

And there you have it: Gusto’s got a lot to love if you’re a small business that needs to simplify payroll, benefits, and HR. 

It might just be the all-in-one solution you've been dreaming about—just make sure to weigh the costs against your specific needs.

And don't be afraid to explore alternatives like an EOR such as Sauce. There’s always a perfect fit for your business out there; you just need to find it.