Best low‑cost or free payroll software that supports auto‑enrolment

[Hans Gruber]

I run a small business with two employees (previously three, including myself). I’ve been using BrightPay Desktop ever since HMRC’s Basic PAYE Tools couldn’t handle auto‑enrolment. It used to be free for up to three employees, then became paid, and now it’s being discontinued.

I bank with NatWest, so I believe I may be eligible for FreeAgent at no cost, although I still need to check the details.

Would FreeAgent let me run a simple payroll and handle auto‑enrolment?

If not, can anyone please recommend an alternative?

 

[GLAbusiness]

FreeAgent supports auto enrolment. Google it and you will see the relevant support page

 

[LPB 123]

Why not move to Brightpay cloud? Considering you are used to Brightpay desktop, it should be a straightforward move for you

 

[Newchodge]

Why not move to Brightpay cloud? Considering you are used to Brightpay desktop, it should be a straightforward move for you

Cost.

 

[Newchodge]

I run a small business with two employees (previously three, including myself). I’ve been using BrightPay Desktop ever since HMRC’s Basic PAYE Tools couldn’t handle auto‑enrolment. It used to be free for up to three employees, then became paid, and now it’s being discontinued.

I bank with NatWest, so I believe I may be eligible for FreeAgent at no cost, although I still need to check the details.

Would FreeAgent let me run a simple payroll and handle auto‑enrolment?

If not, can anyone please recommend an alternative?

Try Moneysofy Payroll Manager, or consider outsourcing to a payroll bureau

 

[LPB 123]

Cost.

It's the same price they are paying now, £84 a year.

 

[DontAsk]

The Pensions regulator supposedly has a free toolkit, but it's quite basic and may not suit you and I haven't actually been able to find it.

There more here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUlQjXTgRTw (from BrightPay funnily enough).

 

[Newchodge]

It's the same price they are paying now, £84 a year.

I thought it was a lot more, but they don't show prices on their site.

 

[GLAbusiness]

It's the same price they are paying now, £84 a year.

If OP moves to FreeAgent with NatWest they save the £84 p.a.

 

[Newchodge]

If OP moves to FreeAgent with NatWest they save the £84 p.a.

Has anyone used FreeAgent for payroll? I know it is a valued accounts package but I have never seen anyone refer to it as a payroll package.

 

[GLAbusiness]

I use it for payroll. Only 2 employees so it's great for that

 

[LPB 123]

I thought it was a lot more, but they don't show prices on their site.

Yes they do. Scroll down to pricing:

BrightPay | Cloud-Based Payroll Software | Bright

Access your cloud-based payroll software from anywhere, at any time, from any device. Automatic payroll data backups.

brightsg.com

 

[Newchodge]

Yes they do. Scroll down to pricing:

BrightPay | Cloud-Based Payroll Software | Bright

Access your cloud-based payroll software from anywhere, at any time, from any device. Automatic payroll data backups.

brightsg.com

But you have to put in contact details and I have only just managed to stop receiving messages and phone calls from them 3 years after i left! So I will not give them my contact details.

 

[LPB 123]

But you have to put in contact details and I have only just managed to stop receiving messages and phone calls from them 3 years after i left! So I will not give them my contact details.

You do not need to put in contact details.

Go to pricing and put in the number of employees and gives you the cost which is £84 for 3 employees or less, same as Brightpay Desktop.

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

I cant says its the best as I've not tried and tested any others for a long time but MoneySoft certainly works well.

 

[GLAbusiness]

IF OP moves his accounts to FreeAgent I can't think of any reason not to use FreeAgent for payroll as well. That way the accounts are automatically updated with the payroll details