When you have to print payroll checks for your business, you have to figure out what would be the best way to do it and save money. You could use a check-printing service, but that could cost you more than if you were to print them yourself.

By printing your own payroll checks using payroll software with check printing, you could save yourself a lot of money. But in order to save the most money, you first need to look into something very specific about payroll software: check printing pricing and costs.

1. Find the pricing and costs of payroll programs with check printing.

2. Find the pricing and costs of business check printing payroll software.

3. Find the pricing and costs of payroll check printing software solutions.

Action Steps to Implement Payroll Software
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Compare the pricing and costs of payroll programs with check printing

There are several payroll software programs on the market today, and you'll want to do your research one each of them. You'll want to find out what the software does, how it records your payroll, how many payroll checks it can print at a time and most importantly, how much it costs. You can compare prices of several payroll check software programs on the Internet.

I recommend: Payroll Mate 2009 prepares your payroll and prints checks, for only $99. Intuit offers several QuickBooks payroll software programs for businesses, starting at less than $9 a month.

Compare the pricing and costs of business payroll check printing software

If you'd rather use a payroll check printing software specifically made for businesses, you can find several companies that offer it. Again, you'll want to compare different software packages to see what each one has to offer. Some may be set up specifically for smaller businesses, if that's what you're looking for, and you'll want to know before you buy. But the most important research you'll want to do before buying a program is comparing prices. You can do this on the Internet.

I recommend: PayWindow Payroll Software allows you to print your business' payroll checks, for only $69.95. Easy Desktop Software offers Instant Check, which allows you to print all of your payroll checks on your PC-for only $39.95-$49.95.

Compare the pricing and costs of payroll check printing software solutions

Once you've selected and purchased your check printing software, you'll want to find software solutions to help you utilize it better. Some of these solutions can work specifically with the payroll software you purchased. Others can help you determine what the best way to utilize it. Either way, you'll want to compare these solutions to see which one is best for you, and to compare costs. You can find several payroll software solutions on the Internet.

I recommend: Peachtree by Sage offers three payroll software solutions, starting at $249.95/year. Sunburst Software Solutions works with QuickBooks to help your payroll run more smoothly, with prices beginning at $375.

Payroll software that prints checks is easy when you have software that works with your general accounting program to import the data, and then print it out on the forms you need. Many software programs allow you to print or file these forms electronically so your employees can get their information easily from the Internet. Some software programs demand certain types of printers, such as laser printers, to print out the checks and may not work with other types of printers.

Use software to get this job done quickly no matter how many employees you have or how many different types of payroll deductions you have to make. Look at the following when choosing payroll programs with check printing:

1. Buy payroll check printing software stand-alone programs.

2. Use your all-purpose payroll program to print payroll checks.

3. Get particular check printing payroll software for your one-of-a-kind business.

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Pick payroll software check printing programs for your check printing needs

Use software made just to print your payroll checks. Many of these programs will integrate with your general accounting program to import the needed data and make this job an easy one. Check the program before buying to ensure it works with the system you already have in place.

I recommend: Troy offers a check printing stand-alone program that integrates with your accounting software. Link your program to Troy and produce the checks you need. G7 Productivity Systems offers check printing software that integrates with most popular accounting programs for ease of use.

Select general accounting programs with paycheck printing software information

Purchase an accounting program with a section for check printing included. This saves money over buying two programs and you are sure the programs integrate, so collecting the check data is easy.

I recommend: Medlin Software offers a complete payroll program including a section devoted to printing out your checks. You can use almost any kind of paycheck stock or paper to print the checks. Pay Cycle offers complete payroll software that includes check printing. Test-drive it before you buy so you see how easy it is to operate.

Implement payroll check software for special needs

Some businesses, such as churches, or ones that deal with the government or outsourcing, have special payroll and check printing needs. Choose software for your special business needs.

I recommend: Parish Soft offers special software for church payroll. Track benefits, deductions and print checks with this software. Accu Build produces general payroll accounting software specifically for construction companies. Whether your company is small, medium or large, they will design a program to fill your needs right down to the check-printing segment.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Payroll software check printing programs are an expensive and important part of your business. Ask your insurance representative to include this software and your computer on your business policy in case of computer crash or vandalism.

Payroll check printing software is a must for any business no matter what the size. Keeping accurate records will save your business from endless headaches when tax time comes, or when looking at the company's financial statements. But when it comes to trying to choose a payroll software that prints checks, the task can be difficult. After all, there are literally hundreds of solutions on the market.

So before you go diving into the abyss in search of the perfect payroll check printing software for your business, take a moment to familiarize yourself with some basic applications and how they should work. This will allow you to form an opinion on exactly what your business needs to run smoothly in terms of payroll software. Think of this tutorial as payroll software: check printing for beginners.

1. Download free applications of payroll check printing software to see if they are the right kind of application that you need for your business.

2. Take tutorials of check printing payroll software to gain additional knowledge about how certain applications work.

3. Get training on office software to learn how to print payroll checks.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn about payroll software check printing by downloading a program on a trial version

Because there are so many check printing payroll software solutions, companies know that they need to stay competitive in the marketplace. Therefore they often offer free versions of their basic software or trial versions of their more expansive payroll check software so that you, as a potential consumer, can use the application and become comfortable with it before diving in for the full purchase.

I recommend: Check out the website for PayCycle. They offer a 30-day free trial of their software so that you can familiarize yourself with the applications. You'll simply need to fill out some basic information and your trial will begin. Half Price Soft also offers software they you may download for free called "ezCheck Printing Software."

Take tutorials of programs with payroll software with check printing

Viewing a tutorial is another great way to learn the basics of payroll programs with check printing. Rather than fumbling around an application, allow the tutorial to show you how the software is meant to be used. Letting the manufacturer guide you along the journey can take a lot of stress out of trying to train yourself on the software.

I recommend: Visit the website for the Checker company. They have a tutorial right on their website which gives you an in-depth presentation on how the checks are printed. Just simply click and download the tutorial. The Sage Abra company also offers tutorials and demonstrations of their pay check software.

Receive training on how to print payroll checks

Many check printing software companies offer training either online or in the form of a representative that can come and train your payroll department. These seminars are a valuable way to train everyone in your office so that they are all comfortable operating the same software. Having everyone on the same page will allow the department to run smoothly so that other aspects of the business can get the attention it deserves.

I recommend: Check out the website for Check Mark Software. They offer training in the form of over-the-phone consultations as well as consultants that can be hired to come to your office and train you and your employees. Also VersaCheck offers training videos from their software website.

Whether you have full-time employees or independent contractors, you will need some type of check printing software. Usually, it is included in payroll software, so it is easy to keep things organized in your office, but you might not know the terms often used in such a program. It is difficult to choose a type of check to print or a style of paper to use if you do not know what it is. For that reason, it is important to get to know the definition and benefits of items you need in order to print checks from your computer, as well as the types you can choose between. This knowledge will ensure quality checks.

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Manual check

This type of check is one that is filled in by hand. You can have customized checks printed for your company with blanks in the areas you'd prefer to fill in by hand.

I recommend: Payville USA defines manual checks.

Wallet check

A wallet check usually comes three to a page, and can be printed with the necessary information already filled in or left blank. It is slightly smaller than a standard check.

I recommend: Intuit describes wallet checks on its website about check printing software.

Standard check

This type of check also usually comes three to a page, and usually simply includes the pertinent information. Most offices use the standard check, which is where it gets it name.

I recommend: PrintCountry describes the standard check and its variations.

Laser printer

You will need a laser printer for best results when printing checks. This type of printer uses static electricity to transfer ink to paper. This makes it able to print very fast while maintaining quality, but it is a little more expensive than an ink jet printer.

I recommend: Order Cheap Color Printers and Ink Cartridges is a blog that describes different printer types.

Blank check stock

This type of paper is necessary for printing checks from the computer, as checks need to be on this kind of stock in order to be considered valid.

I recommend: Check Writer explains the idea behind blank check stock.

Magnetic ink

This kind of ink is used in check printing, and is known for having iron oxide particles added to it.

I recommend: Print Digital defines the magnetic ink used in check printing.