Payroll Master

CNET Editors' review

by: CNET staff on August 24, 2009

Payroll Master is a basic payroll program that, in theory, allows users to process payroll quickly and easily. Although the program works, we found some aspects of its operation annoying and time-consuming.

The program's interface is basic and not particularly attractive. The first annoying thing we noticed about it is that users must enter their password for every single function of the program. Want to open the employee database? Enter your password. Want to look at the tax table? Enter it again. Over and over. Since virtually all of the program's features are password-protected individually, we have no idea why the program's creator did not simply password-protect the whole thing to begin with. What a pain! We also didn't care for the way the program's features each opened in a separate window within the program, sometimes underneath other windows. Although the program's Help file is well-written and thorough, it didn't compensate for these basic design flaws. The program's features aren't bad, once you access them. Users can keep track of employees' paid time off, easily calculate overtime, and print checks and check stubs with the click of the button. Although the program's features are adequate and would probably satisfy most payroll needs, we just can't get past the frustrating aspects of the user interface.

Payroll Master has a 30-day/30-use trial period. It comes as a ZIP file but installs and uninstalls without issues. We recommend this program but with reservations; there's nothing functionally wrong with it, but users can likely find a similar program that's easier to use.

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Publisher's Description

From Simple Software Solutions:

Payroll Master 2.0 provides a way to create your payroll records. Payroll can be weekly or bi-weekly pay periods. After entering your business and employee information, creating your payroll is as easy as selecting the employee's name from a list and entering the hours worked. Payroll Master will calculate for bonuses and overtime, and you have a choice of up to three payroll deductions from your employees. They can be tax deferred such as a 401K plan, or non-tax deferred as in a Roth IRA. Payroll Master will calculate taxes for the self employed too. A payroll receipt can be printed using regular paper, or print your payroll checks and receipt on standard pre-printed checks. Automatically calculate vacation time, sick and personal leave time based on a qualifying pay period. Reports for your accountant are a snap to create. There is a choice of printing weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annual reports for all employees or for just one individual.

Version 2.1.1.0 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.

What's new in this version: Version 2.1.1.0 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.