Payroll Services vs. Doing It Yourself: Which Saves You More Time and Stress in 2025
Payroll is one of those business tasks that seems straightforward — until you actually start doing it. Between calculating wages, withholding taxes, filing reports, and keeping up with ever-changing laws, payroll can quickly become a source of stress for business owners.
At Dan Reganata CPA MBA PFS, we often hear from small business owners who are torn between handling payroll themselves or using a payroll service. Both options have their place — but which one saves you the most time, effort, and stress in the long run?
The Hidden Complexity of Payroll in New Jersey
If your business is in Cherry Hill, Marlton, Moorestown, Mount Laurel, or anywhere in New Jersey, payroll involves more than just paying employees. Every pay period, you need to:
- Calculate gross and net pay accurately
- Deduct the correct federal and state taxes
- Handle state-specific deductions like Family Leave Insurance (FLI) and Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI)
- Submit tax payments on time
- File quarterly and annual payroll reports
- Keep detailed records for audits and compliance
Dan Reganata CPA MBA PFS Insight: Even one missed step — such as filing a required NJ wage report late — can create unnecessary complications for your business.
Option 1: Doing Payroll Yourself (DIY)
Many small business owners start with DIY payroll because it feels simple and gives them full control over the process.
Advantages:
- You oversee every detail of payroll.
- No outside parties handle sensitive employee information.
- You can make changes instantly when needed.
Challenges:
- Payroll takes time away from running your business.
- You must keep up with tax law changes on your own.
- Mistakes can lead to compliance issues or delays in employee pay.
Local Note: New Jersey’s payroll rules can be more detailed than federal requirements, so staying compliant often requires extra attention.
Option 2: Using a Payroll Service
A payroll service manages most or all payroll tasks for you, from calculating paychecks to filing tax forms.
Advantages:
- Frees up time so you can focus on business operations.
- Reduces the risk of errors in calculations and filings.
- Keeps you up to date with changing federal and state requirements.
- Often includes features like direct deposit and employee portals.
Considerations:
- You rely on an outside provider’s systems and processes.
- Choosing the right provider is important to ensure reliability and accuracy.
Dan’s Tip: Many NJ businesses find payroll services especially valuable for managing the state-specific deductions that can be tricky to calculate accurately.
The Hybrid Solution: CPA-Managed Payroll
One option many business owners overlook is CPA-managed payroll.
With this approach, your payroll is handled by a CPA who also understands your full tax and financial picture. This means:
- Payroll and tax planning are fully aligned
- Compliance issues are caught early
- Bookkeeping and payroll records work seamlessly together
Why It Works: At Dan Reganata CPA MBA PFS, we integrate payroll into your overall business strategy, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency all year long.
Key Payroll Compliance Requirements in New Jersey
No matter which method you choose, you’ll need to manage:
- Federal tax withholding and deposits
- NJ Gross Income Tax withholding
- Unemployment Insurance (UI) contributions
- Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) deductions
- Family Leave Insurance (FLI) deductions
- Quarterly wage reporting (WR-30)
- Annual W-2 and 1099 filings
Failure to meet these requirements can lead to unnecessary complications and extra work.
Which Approach Fits Your Business Best?
Ask yourself:
- Do I have the time to process payroll consistently?
- Am I confident in staying compliant with changing laws?
- Would outsourcing free me to focus on growth and customers?
If you’re not sure, a consultation with Dan Reganata CPA MBA PFS can help you evaluate your options and choose the approach that works best for your business’s size, complexity, and goals.
Final Word
DIY payroll can work well for very small, simple operations, but as your team grows and regulations evolve, a professional payroll service — or CPA-managed payroll — can offer peace of mind, accuracy, and valuable time savings.
At Dan Reganata CPA MBA PFS, we provide tailored payroll solutions for businesses across Cherry Hill, Marlton, Moorestown, Mount Laurel, and beyond. Whether you need full-service payroll or integrated payroll and bookkeeping, we’ll make sure your employees are paid accurately and on time while keeping your business fully compliant.
Contact Dan Reganata CPA MBA PFS for Payroll Solutions
Address: 1892 Greentree Road Suite 2, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
Phone: (856) 874-1892
Email: danr@dsrjcpa.com
Business Hours: Mon - Fri: 9:00AM - 5:00PM | Sat & Sun: Closed
Contact us today to find out how we can simplify your payroll and give you back valuable hours each month.
