Gusto runs payroll, handles tax filings, and covers basic HR for small companies hiring their first employees or contractors in the US. For a founder whose company has a US presence, it replaces payroll spreadsheets with an automated system that keeps filings on track.
Key features
- Unlimited payroll runs: on every plan.
- Automated tax filings: included in the subscription.
- Contractor-only plan: for companies without employees.
- Multi-state payroll and HR support: on higher tiers.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Contractor Only | about $35/month + $6 per contractor | Contractors only |
| Simple | about $49/month + $6 per employee | Single-state payroll |
| Plus | about $80/month + $12 per employee | Multi-state payroll |
| Premium | about $180/month + $22 per employee | Dedicated support, fuller HR |
You are billed only for active employees or contractors.
Prices change over time. Figures above are based on Gusto’s own pricing page.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unlimited payroll runs at no extra cost per run | Per-employee fees add up as the team grows |
| Contractor-only tier keeps costs low | Full HR and multi-state payroll need higher tiers |
Who it’s best for
Companies hiring their first US-based employees or contractors that want payroll and tax filing handled automatically.
Skip it if your team is paid entirely outside the US. Gusto’s tax compliance is built for US payroll, so you need a local solution.
How to get started
Choose the plan that matches your team, contractors or employees, and run a first payroll cycle to see the process end to end.
FAQ
Does Gusto work outside the US? It is built around US payroll tax compliance. Confirm current international contractor support before relying on it for a non-US team.
Am I charged for people who leave mid-month? Billing follows active employees, so cost adjusts with headcount.
Disclosure: atlaspreneur may earn a commission if you sign up for Gusto through the links in this article. This does not change what you pay, and it does not influence which tools we choose to cover.
