Navigating the world of payroll can be a real headache for small business owners. You need something that’s affordable, reliable, and doesn’t require a degree in accounting to use. This is where do it yourself payroll software like ezpaycheck comes into the picture. It’s a popular desktop solution known for its simplicity and straightforward pricing.

For over a decade, thousands of businesses have trusted this software to handle their in house payroll needs. But is it the right fit for you? In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about ezpaycheck, from its core features to its update process. And if you find you need a more integrated, cloud based solution that combines HR and payroll, a platform like Bolto Payroll is built to manage your entire team in one place.

What is ezpaycheck? An Overview

ezpaycheck is a desktop payroll software created by Halfpricesoft.com for small to mid sized US businesses and accountants. First released in 2005, its main purpose is to give you the tools to calculate paychecks, manage tax withholdings, and generate essential payroll forms like the W2, 940, and 941.

Because it runs locally on your computer, you don’t need an internet connection for daily tasks, which helps keep sensitive payroll data secure. The company behind the software, Halfpricesoft, specializes in affordable financial software and is an IRS authorized provider for tax forms.

Trying and Buying ezpaycheck

• Free 30 Day Trial: Before committing, you can take advantage of a free 30 day trial. This is a fully functional version of the software that lets you test every feature without providing any credit card information. It’s a risk free way to see if ezpaycheck meets your needs.
• Pricing: The software is priced at $169 per calendar year for a single computer installation. This annual license covers all federal and state tax table updates for that year. A key benefit is that there are no monthly subscription fees, and the base license supports unlimited employees and companies.

Installation, Updates, and Data Management

Managing a desktop application involves a few key processes to keep things running smoothly, especially when a new payroll year begins.

The Annual Update Process

When you’re ready to process payroll for a new year, you’ll need to update your ezpaycheck software. It’s best to wait until you have finished all payroll for the current year before installing the new version. The process is simple: back up your data, install the new year’s program, and enter your new license key. Your company data from the previous year should carry over automatically.

Do I Need to Uninstall the Previous Version?

In most cases, you do not need to uninstall the old version of ezpaycheck before installing the new one. The installer is designed to work alongside the prior version. However, if you run into any installation errors, uninstalling the older version first might be necessary.

Downloading and Licensing a New Version

To get started, you need to download the correct version from the Halfpricesoft website. Each payroll year (e.g., ezpaycheck 2025, ezpaycheck 2026) has its own installer with updated tax tables. You will also need to purchase a new year license, which is the annual renewal that provides a key to activate the software for the specific year.

Data Backup and Recovery

Backing up your payroll data is critical. This means creating a safe copy of your payroll files in case of a computer issue or before you install an update. You can do this manually by copying the data folder or by using the software’s built in backup function.

If you install a new version too early, you can also roll back to a previous version. This involves backing up your data, uninstalling the current version, and reinstalling the older one from the download links provided on the Halfpricesoft website.

Checking for Mid Year Updates

Throughout the year, tax forms or rates can change. The “Check Updates” menu inside the software lets you quickly see if any patches or updates are available for your current version. Updates within the same calendar year, like a revised Form 941, are free for licensed users.

Core Payroll and Compliance Features

ezpaycheck is packed with features designed to handle the complexities of payroll calculations and ensure you stay compliant.

Tax Calculations

The software automatically calculates all necessary federal and state payroll taxes. It includes tax tables for federal withholding, Social Security, and Medicare, plus tables for all 50 states and Washington D.C. This automation saves time and helps prevent costly errors.

Payroll Period and Pay Type Support

ezpaycheck is flexible and supports daily, weekly, biweekly, semimonthly, and monthly payroll periods. It also handles numerous pay types, which is essential for businesses with varied compensation structures. This includes support for:

• Overtime Calculation: The software automatically calculates overtime pay, typically at 1.5 times the regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a week, helping you comply with labor laws.
• Qualified Tip Handling: For restaurants and service industries, ezpaycheck has features for managing tipped wages. You can enter reported tips, and the software will accurately calculate taxes and ensure minimum wage compliance is met.
• Differential Pay Calculation: If you pay employees different rates for different shifts or tasks (like night shifts, piece rate, or pay by mile), the software can handle these complex calculations in a single paycheck.

Labor Compliance and Efiling

A major benefit of using payroll software is maintaining labor compliance. ezpaycheck helps you adhere to regulations like the Fair Labor Standards Act by automating calculations for overtime and minimum wage. It also helps you stay on top of tax compliance by generating the necessary forms. For added convenience, you can efile federal forms like the 941 and 940 directly through the software using an optional, paid add on service.

While ezpaycheck provides the tools for compliance, businesses seeking a more hands off approach might consider an all in one HR platform. Explore how Bolto can automate more of your compliance and payroll tasks.

Advanced Capabilities and Platform Support

Beyond basic calculations, ezpaycheck offers several features that add value for small businesses and accountants.

Check Printing and Multi Company Support

You can print paychecks directly from the software on either blank check stock or pre printed business checks. Printing on blank stock is often more affordable, as the software prints all the necessary bank details, including the MICR line.

One of the standout features for accountants is its multi company support. A single license allows you to manage payroll for an unlimited number of companies, each with its own separate data file, at no extra cost.

Network Access and Platform Compatibility

The standard license is for a single user on one computer. However, a network version is available at an additional cost that allows 2 to 10 users to access the shared payroll data simultaneously.

In terms of compatibility, ezpaycheck works with most modern Windows systems, including Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7. A separate version of ezpaycheck is also available for Mac users, which must be purchased independently. The software and its support materials are primarily offered in English.

Support, Reviews, and Final Verdict

No software is complete without good support and a track record of satisfied users.

User Resources and Troubleshooting

Halfpricesoft provides a comprehensive online FAQ section that covers dozens of common questions, from installation to tax calculations. If you can’t find your answer there, you can contact the support team via email, live chat, or a phone callback request system. Technical support is included for free with your license. For troubleshooting, the recommended steps are to check the FAQs, ensure your software is updated, and verify your settings before contacting support.

User Reviews and Media

User reviews for ezpaycheck are generally positive, with users praising its affordability and ease of use. It is often highlighted as a great value compared to more expensive payroll services. Some critiques mention that the user interface looks a bit dated and that it lacks integrations with accounting software like QuickBooks. To help new users, Halfpricesoft provides video tutorials and screenshots in its help guides.

Pros and Cons of ezpaycheck

Pros:

• Very Affordable: A low, flat annual fee with no per employee charges.
• Simple to Use: Designed for business owners, not just accountants.
• Offline Data Security: All your sensitive payroll data stays on your local computer.
• Comprehensive Features: Handles taxes, multiple pay types, check printing, and tax forms (W2, 941, etc.).
• Unlimited Companies: Manage payroll for multiple businesses with one license.

Cons:

• No Cloud or Mobile Access: It is a desktop only application, which limits remote access.
• Limited Integrations: Does not sync directly with accounting or time tracking software. If integrations matter, see our guide to the best HRIS systems for end-to-end connectivity.
• Dated Interface: The design is functional but not as modern as cloud based competitors.
• Extra Costs for Some Features: Efiling and multi user network access require additional fees.

In conclusion, ezpaycheck is a solid choice for small businesses that want a simple, no frills, and affordable way to manage payroll in house. However, if your business is growing and you need the flexibility of cloud access, seamless integrations, and a unified system for both HR and payroll, it may be time to look at a more modern solution. Start with our roundup of the best payroll software.

Ready to see what a fully integrated HR and payroll platform can do for your business? Discover how Bolto simplifies everything from hiring to payday.

Frequently Asked Questions about ezpaycheck

1. Is ezpaycheck a good choice for accountants?
Yes, it is very popular with accountants and bookkeepers because a single license allows them to manage payroll for an unlimited number of client companies without additional fees. For a comparison of tools built for firm workflows, check the best payroll software for accountants.

2. How much does ezpaycheck cost per employee?
There is no per employee cost. The standard license of $169 per year covers an unlimited number of employees and companies for a single computer installation. For a transparent view of cloud based pricing models, visit Bolto pricing.

3. Can ezpaycheck handle direct deposit?
Yes, ezpaycheck supports direct deposit, though it may require a compatible third party add on or service to process the transactions with your bank. If you need options tailored to small businesses, see our picks for direct deposit payroll software.

4. Does the software automatically file my payroll taxes?
No, ezpaycheck calculates your tax liabilities and generates the necessary forms (like the 941 and 940), but it does not automatically file and pay the taxes for you. It offers an optional efiling service for an extra fee per form, but the user is still responsible for initiating the filing and making payments.