QuickBooks Desktop Payroll vs AME Software

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Our analysts compared QuickBooks Desktop Payroll vs AME Software based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Payroll Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Software Tool
AME Software Software Tool

Product Basics

QuickBooks Desktop Payroll is a subscription-based labor management solution that offers robust functionalities, including tax penalty protection, automated payrolls, expert support, direct deposits and detailed reports.

The product covers essential aspects of workforce regulation like payroll deductions and approvals, tax liabilities, workers' contributions, holiday tracking and more. It offers group health benefits, scalable subscription plans, smart integrations and support resources for an enhanced user experience. Same-day direct deposits save time and notifications help stay up-to-date with business processes.
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AME Software offers a comprehensive solution for managing payroll and related tasks, making it particularly well-suited for small to mid-sized businesses. The software streamlines payroll processing, tax calculations, and compliance reporting, which can significantly reduce administrative burdens. Users appreciate its user-friendly interface and robust functionality, which includes features like direct deposit, employee self-service portals, and detailed reporting capabilities.

One of the key benefits of AME Software is its affordability, with pricing typically falling within a moderate range, often based on the number of employees and frequency of payroll runs. This makes it an attractive option for businesses looking to balance cost and functionality. Compared to similar products, users often highlight its ease of use and reliable customer support, which can be crucial for businesses without dedicated payroll staff. Overall, AME Software provides a solid, cost-effective solution for efficient payroll management.

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$61 Monthly
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Tailored to your specific needs
$339 One-Time
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Tailored to your specific needs
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Product Assistance

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Product Insights

  • Manageable: Tack contributions for insurance, retirements, time-off and bonuses to ensure smooth administration through a software wizard. 
  • Automated Compliance: Ensure timely tax payments, regulatory compliance and error-free calculations with automated compliance services. 
  • Time-Saving: Give employees access to personal information to save time and fast-track key payroll processes without third-party intervention. 
  • Real-Time Tracking: Calculate and track company benefits such as contributions towards paid leaves, retirement and insurance, and process payments using an in-built wizard.  
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  • Time-Saving Processing: Automate payroll for all employees to save time and eliminate the margin of costly user error. 
  • Customize To Fit Any Business: Maximize the value of a new system by picking the right level of support. Choose between levels of payment and accounting support geared towards businesses small to large. 
  • Increased Security: Protect vulnerable documents and information with encoded checks and built-in data security for sensitive accounting material. 
  • Stay Up To Date with Dynamic Support: Remain compliant and avoid harmful errors with ever-changing local, state and federal requirements with a continuously updated operating system. 
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  • Time Management: Build employee schedules, track work hours, assign job functions, regulate shifts, create invoices, edit timesheets, oversee projects, change job codes and more on a fully-integrated system. 
  • Reporting: Review business finances and analyze employee performance using insightful reports based on company data. Review taxes, track loans, calculate payments, summarise earnings, understand costs and more. 
  • Benefits Management: Track vacations, sick leaves, paid time offs, medical insurance, retirement plans, cash advances and more for employees on a single platform. Use the pay-as-you-go workers’ compensation service to process total payments on payday automatically. 
  • Direct Deposits: Process payments into U.S. bank accounts or edit employees’ banking information before the paycheck date to save time and effort spent in making in-person bank visits. 
  • Integrations: Leverage powerful integrations to automatically complete key payroll processes without manual entries or technical work hassles. 
  • Compliance: Reduce the hassle of tax penalties with automated compliance services for changing government regulations and federal, state and local laws. Perform accurate calculations and file tax returns to avoid errors and missed deadlines. 
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  • Employee Payments: Process payments accurately and efficiently for guaranteed correct sums every time. Deposit wages directly into employees’ checking or savings accounts through any compatible third-party processing service. 
  • Digital Filing: Eliminate time-consuming paper trails with automated local, state and federal reporting and filing. Create customized invoices, statements and checks for specific business needs. 
  • Accounting Filing: Record income statements, bank reconciliations and monthly and yearly budgets. File unlimited 1099s and track unlimited vendors. 
  • Employee History: Track employee requests and records for vacation, sick leave and PTO accrual. Manage attendance history on the same platform as wage history. 
  • Electronic Signatures: Sign magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) checks with digital signatures before printing. Save time by simplifying the process of traditional paper checks. 
  • Personal Transmittals: Complete transactions with IRS compatibility for 940s, 941s and DE9s. Pay a rate per number of forms filed per quarter, or pay for a flat fixed rate if filing more than 500 forms. 
  • Tiered Platforms: Select platform support for small business payments and accounting, professional and enterprise payment, general ledger reporting only, direct depositing, check and PDF converting, or everything combined. Add additional state reporting for program tiers that require it. 
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Product Ranking

#90

among all
Payroll Software

#116

among all
Payroll Software

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Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Accurate Calculations: Users praise QuickBooks Desktop Payroll for its precise tax calculations, ensuring compliance and reducing errors.
Direct Deposit: The direct deposit feature streamlines payroll processing, making it convenient for both employers and employees.
Reporting Capabilities: QuickBooks Desktop Payroll offers comprehensive reporting options, providing valuable insights into payroll expenses and employee data.
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Ease of Use: Users consistently praise AME Software for its intuitive interface, making it easy to navigate and understand, even for those with limited payroll experience.
Time-Saving Features: AME Software's automation features, such as automatic tax calculations and direct deposit processing, significantly reduce the time spent on manual tasks, allowing payroll professionals to focus on more strategic initiatives.
Reliable Accuracy: Users consistently report high levels of accuracy in payroll calculations, minimizing the risk of errors and ensuring timely and correct payments to employees.
Excellent Customer Support: AME Software's customer support team is highly responsive and knowledgeable, providing prompt assistance and resolving issues efficiently.
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Outdated Interface: Many users find the interface clunky and outdated compared to modern cloud-based payroll solutions.
Limited Mobile Functionality: Users seeking robust mobile access for tasks like approving time-off requests or running payroll on-the-go may find the mobile app lacking.
Technical Issues: Some users report encountering technical glitches and errors, leading to frustration and wasted time.
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Limited Customization: Some users have reported difficulty in tailoring the software to their specific payroll needs, particularly when dealing with unique pay structures or complex deductions. For example, they may find it challenging to set up custom pay periods or integrate with specific third-party applications.
Steep Learning Curve: The software's interface can be overwhelming for new users, requiring significant time and effort to master its functionalities. This can be particularly challenging for smaller businesses with limited IT resources.
Lack of Mobile App: The absence of a dedicated mobile app can be a drawback for businesses that require on-the-go access to payroll information. This can be inconvenient for managers who need to approve time off requests or view employee pay stubs remotely.
Customer Support Issues: Some users have expressed dissatisfaction with the responsiveness and quality of customer support. They may encounter long wait times or find it difficult to resolve technical issues effectively.
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Is QuickBooks Desktop Payroll truly a "quick" book to payroll mastery, or does it leave users feeling like they're stuck in a rut? User reviews from the last year suggest that QuickBooks Desktop Payroll is a powerful and reliable tool for managing payroll, but it may not be the best fit for every business. Users praise its ease of use, particularly for those already familiar with QuickBooks Desktop, and its affordability compared to other payroll software like Gusto or ADP. However, some users have reported that the software can be slow and clunky, especially when dealing with large amounts of data. A key differentiating factor for QuickBooks Desktop Payroll is its tight integration with other Intuit products, such as QuickBooks Desktop accounting software. This integration allows for seamless data transfer and eliminates the need for manual data entry, saving businesses time and reducing errors. However, this integration can also be a drawback for businesses that don't use other Intuit products, as it can limit flexibility and make it difficult to switch to other software in the future. Overall, QuickBooks Desktop Payroll is best suited for small to medium-sized businesses that are already using QuickBooks Desktop for their accounting needs and are looking for a reliable and affordable payroll solution. Businesses with complex payroll needs or those looking for a more modern and user-friendly interface may want to consider other options.

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Is AME Software the "ace" up your sleeve for payroll, or does it leave you feeling confused? User reviews from the past year paint a mixed picture of AME Software, particularly focusing on its payroll capabilities. Some users appreciate its simplicity and affordability, highlighting features like unlimited checks and direct deposit processing as major pluses, especially for smaller businesses. However, a chorus of concern emerges regarding the software's outdated interface and clunky functionality, with some users even likening it to stepping back in time. For instance, one user pointed out that "almost everything has to be done by hand." The recent update to version 3.0 has been met with resistance, with users reporting significant glitches and a preference for the older version. While the company offers live technical support, some users have reported difficulties in getting issues resolved effectively. This mixed bag suggests that AME Software might be best suited for businesses prioritizing affordability and simplicity over modern features and a seamless user experience, particularly those already familiar with the software's quirks. However, businesses seeking a more contemporary and feature-rich payroll solution might find AME Software lacking and should consider exploring alternative options.

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