Can you recommend a payroll software for a small business that handles direct deposit, pay stubs, and tax filing?

Yes — for a small business, a few strong payroll software options that handle direct deposit, pay stubs, and tax filing are:

1. Gusto

Best overall for small businesses

• Direct deposit
• Employee pay stubs and self-service portal
• Federal, state, and local tax filing
• Easy setup and clean interface
• Good HR/onboarding features

Why choose it: Very user-friendly and popular with small teams.

2. QuickBooks Payroll

Best if you already use QuickBooks

• Direct deposit
• Pay stubs
• Automatic tax calculations and filings
• Integrates tightly with QuickBooks accounting

Why choose it: Great if you want payroll and accounting connected in one system.

3. ADP RUN

Best for scalability

• Direct deposit
• Pay stub access
• Tax filing and compliance support
• Strong support options

Why choose it: A solid choice if you expect to grow and want a more established provider.

4. Rippling

Best for payroll + IT/HR automation

• Direct deposit
• Pay stubs
• Tax filing
• Integrates payroll with HR, benefits, and device management

Why choose it: Powerful if you want payroll plus broader workforce management.

5. Patriot Payroll

Best budget-friendly option

• Direct deposit
• Pay stubs
• Tax filing add-on available
• Simple interface and lower cost

Why choose it: Good for very small businesses that want an affordable solution.

Quick recommendation

If you want the easiest all-around option, I’d start with Gusto.
If you already use accounting software like QuickBooks, go with QuickBooks Payroll.

If you want, I can also recommend the best option based on your business size, budget, and whether you have employees in one state or multiple states.