Gusto, in plain English

• Gusto is a modern, all‑in‑one people platform that helps you handle the hard back‑office stuff — payroll, HR, benefits, time, and even expenses and cash flow — in one place. Think fewer logins, fewer manual processes, and more time back. (gusto.com)

Why this matters for a solid Back Office

• One system of record: Payroll, time, benefits, and people data live together, so updates flow automatically across the stack and you keep a clean audit trail. (gusto.com)

• Built‑in compliance: Automated tax filings, guardrails for payroll and benefits, and worker’s comp administration help you stay compliant without extra spreadsheets. (gusto.com)

• Operational efficiency: From onboarding to time tracking to reimbursements, routine tasks get automated, which reduces manual entry, errors, and close‑of‑month headaches. (gusto.com)

• Cash‑flow aware: With Gusto Money, you can send invoices, pay bills, and access a payroll line of credit when you hit a cash‑flow pinch — so payroll still runs on time. (gusto.com)

What you can run in Gusto

• Full‑service payroll: Unlimited runs, automatic federal/state/local tax filings, direct deposit, W‑2s/1099s, and add‑ons for faster funding (same‑day/instant). It’s designed to be simple and stay compliant. (gusto.com)

• Time tracking and scheduling: Built‑in time clocks (web, mobile, kiosk), GPS options, PTO policies, project/workforce costing, and scheduling that syncs straight to payroll. (gusto.com)

• Hiring and onboarding: Offer letters, checklists, e‑sign, and self‑serve onboarding so new hires are in payroll and benefits with minimal hand‑holding. (gusto.com)

• Benefits that sync with payroll: Medical, dental, vision administration with licensed advisors, plus HSAs/FSAs, life and disability, commuter benefits, and broker integration if you already have a plan. (gusto.com)

• Worker’s compensation (pay‑as‑you‑go): Set up in minutes through NEXT Insurance and pay premiums each payroll instead of lump sums, easing cash flow and simplifying audits. (gusto.com)

• 401(k) retirement plans: Seamless payroll sync via Gusto’s leading partner Guideline, so deductions and contributions run automatically. (guideline.com)

• Expense management: Employees submit expenses (including mileage) and, once approved, reimbursements flow into the next paycheck — with reporting to keep spend visible. (gusto.com)

• Money tools: Bill Pay, Invoicing, and a payroll line of credit (“Payroll Bridge”) live inside Gusto to bring money in/out under one roof. (gusto.com)

• Global options when you need them: Pay contractors in 120+ countries and use Gusto Global (EOR) to hire abroad while staying compliant. (gusto.com)

Pricing at a glance (as of November 15, 2025)

• Simple: $49/month base + $6/person. Good for single‑state payroll and core HR.

• Plus: $80/month base + $12/person. Adds time tracking, scheduling, multi‑state payroll, and more HR tools.

• Premium: $180/month base + $22/person. Adds dedicated support, HR experts, and advanced capabilities.

• Contractor‑only and promotional offers exist; details can vary. (gusto.com)

Who it fits best

• Owners/finance leads who want a clean back office without stitching five tools together.

• Growing teams that need multi‑state payroll, time tracking, expense reimbursements, and benefits in one place.

• Solo S‑corps and contractor‑heavy shops who want compliant, automated pay now with room to add benefits later. (gusto.com)

Standout details that reduce admin

• Time → Payroll, automatically: Hours, PTO, and schedules flow to payroll with fewer touches and fewer mistakes. (gusto.com)

• Expenses → Payroll, automatically: Approved reimbursements hit the next payroll run, no separate ACH needed. (gusto.com)

• Benefits → Payroll, automatically: Deductions and changes sync without manual updates or file uploads. (gusto.com)

• Cash‑flow tools close the loop: Bill Pay, Invoicing, and Payroll Bridge reduce juggling across multiple finance apps. (gusto.com)

Industry‑specific solutions

• Gusto offers tailored workflows and guidance for industries like construction, restaurants, healthcare, trucking, nonprofits, retail, and more — useful when things like tips, prevailing wage, multi‑job costing, or credentialing come into play. (gusto.com)

Recognition and trust

• Gusto is trusted by 400,000+ businesses and consistently earns top rankings for payroll and benefits administration. Awards include “Best Overall Payroll Software” and “Best Human Capital Management Software for the Midmarket,” among others. (gusto.com)

Quick watch‑outs (so you choose the right tier)

• Time tracking is included with Plus and Premium; Simple users can add time tools as an add‑on or upgrade. (gusto.com)

• Benefits availability and setup can vary by employer eligibility and carrier, but Gusto can broker plans or integrate with your existing broker and sync everything to payroll. (gusto.com)

• Global hiring and faster payroll funding are available but are add‑ons with separate fees; check current pricing when you’re ready. (gusto.com)

Bottom line

• If you want an easy, compliant back office, Gusto brings payroll, time, benefits, expenses, and money movement together so your team gets paid accurately, your books stay clean, and your admins aren’t buried in busywork. That’s why it’s a strong backbone for a growing company.