ZenPayroll

ZenPayroll is a cloud-based payroll and human resources platform designed for small businesses. The service processes payroll, handles tax calculations and filings, issues employee payments, and provides self-service tools for staff. It also offers onboarding, benefits administration, time-and-leave tracking, and reporting, with integrations to common accounting and payroll ecosystems.

Founded in 2011 in San Francisco, ZenPayroll targeted startups and small employers seeking a streamlined approach to payroll and HR. In 2015, the company rebranded as Gusto to reflect an expanded product scope beyond payroll alone, broadening its focus to encompass a broader HR platform and benefits management.

Gusto positions itself as an all-in-one solution for payroll, benefits administration, and HR tasks, with support for federal, state, and local tax compliance and year-end reporting. The platform is typically offered on a subscription basis, with pricing tiers based on the number of employees and the level of service, targeting small businesses, often with fewer than 100 employees. The product emphasizes automation and user-friendly design and is commonly integrated with accounting software and other business tools.

In the competitive landscape of online payroll and HR services, ZenPayroll (now operating under the Gusto brand) competes with other payroll providers and HR suites ranging from standalone payroll services to comprehensive human resources platforms. The branding and product evolution reflect a shift toward a broader platform intended to help small businesses manage employees throughout the employment lifecycle.