Square Payroll offers two monthly plans: Full-service payroll at $35/month plus $6 per person paid, and Contractor-only payroll at $6 per person paid per month. Both plans include unlimited pay runs with no long-term commitment.
Square Payroll costs between $6 and $35 per month with 2 plans: Full-service payroll at $35/mo plus $6 per person paid, and Contractor-only payroll at $6/mo per person paid.
Here's a closer look at what each plan covers and who it suits best.
Full-service payroll
Price: $35/mo + $6 monthly fee per person paid
Best For: Businesses with W-2 employees that want taxes handled
Other Features:
- Unlimited pay runs and off-cycle payments
- Automated federal and state tax filings
- Auto payroll, multistate payroll, and multiple pay rates
- Two-day and next-day direct deposit options
- Tip tracking, overtime calculations, and labor-cost reports
Full-service payroll is the pick if you pay employees and want payroll taxes off your plate. Square calculates, withholds, and files federal and state taxes for you. You also get benefit deductions, digital pay stubs, QuickBooks Online sync, and free seasonal inactivity. It's a natural fit for restaurants, retail, and anyone using Square POS, since timecards and tips import automatically.
Contractor-only payroll
Price: $6/mo per person paid
Best For: Businesses that only pay 1099 contractors
Other Features:
- Pay contractors right from your Square Dashboard
- Form 1099-NEC prepared and filed for you
- Digital W-2/1099 delivery and pay stubs
- Square Team App for onboarding and management
- QuickBooks Online integration
This plan skips the $35 base fee and charges only for people you actually pay. That makes it a smart choice if your workforce is all freelancers or contractors. You still get self-onboarding, flexible payment options like direct deposit or Cash App, and help from payroll specialists.
Both plans are month-to-month, so there's no long-term contract, and Square says you can cancel anytime. Keep an eye on add-ons, though: workers' comp, health insurance, 401(k), compliance alerts, and paper W-2 mailing ($3 per form per year) all cost extra. There's no free plan or free trial on the pricing page, so budget for the monthly cost from day one.