Jan 13, 2025

Top Payroll Software for Small Businesses in India for 2025

Discover top payroll software in India for small businesses, offering benefits like streamlined processing, compliance, and cost savings.

EOR in India
Starting from
$99
/month
Wisemonk is a leader in Employer of Record (EOR) on G2
Wisemonk is a leader in Employer of Record (EOR) on G2
Wisemonk is a leader in Employer of Record (EOR) on G2
Table of contents

Introduction to Payroll Software

As a small business owner in India, you face challenges in managing payroll. The process is often time-consuming and prone to errors, especially with changing tax regulations. Payroll software offers a solution by streamlining processes and ensuring accuracy. 

This software automates tasks, calculates wages, deducts taxes, and generates pay slips and reports. By adopting payroll software, you can save time and resources, allowing you to focus on growing your business.

Key Benefits of Payroll Software for Small Businesses

Streamlined Payroll Processing 

Payroll software automates many manual tasks associated with payroll processing, resulting in a more efficient workflow. 

  • Automatic Calculations: The software accurately calculates wages, overtime, bonuses, and deductions.  
  • Integrated Time Tracking: Many payroll software solutions integrate with time tracking systems, automatically importing hours worked by employees.  
  • Bulk Processing: You can process payroll for multiple employees simultaneously, saving both time and effort.  

A Deloitte study showed that companies with automated payroll systems reduced processing time by 30%, enabling HR to focus on strategic growth initiatives.

Compliance with Labor and Tax Regulations  

Navigating India’s complex labor and tax laws can be challenging for small businesses. Payroll software assists in maintaining compliance by:  

  • Automatically updating tax rates and regulations.  
  • Generating required compliance reports.  
  • Calculating accurate tax deductions.  

According to a report by PwC India, companies utilizing payroll software in India achieve a compliance rate of 92%, significantly higher than those managing payroll manually.

Cost Savings Through Automation  

Although there is an initial investment in payroll software, it often leads to significant long-term cost savings:  

  • Reduction in manual labor costs.  
  • Fewer errors that may result in penalties or overpayments.  
  • Time savings that allow staff to focus on more strategic tasks.

According to the NASSCOM Payroll Solutions Report 2023, automating payroll processes enables companies in India to save an estimated 2-5% on total payroll costs annually.

Enhanced Data Security  

Payroll data is sensitive and demands strong security measures. Payroll software offers enhanced data security through:  

  • Encrypted data storage and transmission.  
  • Role-based access controls.  
  • Regular backups and disaster recovery options.  

A Nasscom HR Tech Study revealed that adopting cloud-based payroll systems has led to a 20% reduction in data breaches.

Now that we've explored the key benefits of payroll software for small businesses, let's look at how to select the right payroll software for your specific needs.

Selecting the Right Payroll Software for Your Business

When choosing payroll software, you must consider your business needs, its ability to integrate with your existing systems, and its compliance capabilities. Let's explore how you can select the perfect payroll solution that aligns with your small business requirements and helps you comply with Indian regulations.

Identify key requirements specific to small businesses.

As a small business owner in India, you have unique payroll needs that differ from giant corporations. Here are some essential requirements:

  • Scalability: Choose software that can grow your business.
  • User-friendly interface: Opt for an intuitive system that's easy to use.
  • Cost-effectiveness: Look for affordable solutions that offer value for money.
  • Mobile accessibility: Consider software with mobile apps for on-the-go management.

Evaluate integration capabilities with your current systems

Seamless integration with your existing software is crucial for efficient payroll management. Consider the following: 

  • Accounting software integration: Ensure the payroll software can sync with your accounting system.
  • Time and attendance tracking: Look for integration with your time-tracking tools.
  • HR management systems: Check if the software can connect with your HR platforms.

Ensure the software supports compliance with regulations

Staying compliant with Indian payroll regulations is essential. Your chosen software should: 

  • Automatically calculate and deduct taxes (TDS, Professional Tax).
  • Handle PF and ESI contributions accurately.
  • Generate necessary compliance reports (Form 16, Form 24Q).
  • Stay updated with changing tax laws and regulations.

By focusing on these critical areas, you can select a solution that simplifies your payroll processes and supports your business growth. 

Now that we've covered selecting the right payroll software let's explore some of the top 

options available to small businesses in India.

Top Payroll Software for Small Businesses in India 2025

In 2025, the market is brimming with Payroll Software options tailored to meet the unique needs of small businesses like yours.

Feature Comparison Table

Feature Comparison of Payroll Systems
Feature DeskTrack Logo
DeskTrack
Craze Logo
Craze
Zoho Payroll Logo
Zoho Payroll
RazorpayX Payroll Logo
RazorpayX Payroll
Wisemonk Logo
Wisemonk
Automated Payroll Processing ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️
Compliance Management ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️
Employee Self-Service Portal ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️
Direct Bank Transfers ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️
Expense Management ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️
Leave Management ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️
Attendance Tracking ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️
Customizable Salary Structures ✔️ ✔️ ✔️
Tax Calculations ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️
Statutory Compliance ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️
Payslip Generation ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️
Integration with Accounting Software ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️
Employee Database Management ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️
Multi-Currency Support ✔️ ✔️
Mobile App Access ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️

DeskTrack

DeskTrack is more than just payroll software that Indian businesses can rely on; it's a complete productivity and employee monitoring solution that integrates seamlessly with payroll functions. This versatile platform offers small companies powerful tools to manage their workforce efficiently. 

DeskTrack

Features (Customizable tools for monitoring and productivity)

Features of DeskTrack

  • Automated time tracking: Accurately capture employee work hours without manual input.
  • Project management: Assign and track tasks to improve team productivity.
  • URL and app usage tracking: Monitor employee activity to identify productivity trends.
  • Customizable reports: Generate detailed insights on employee performance and payroll data.
  • Attendance management: Simplify leave tracking and attendance records.
  • Integration capabilities: Connect with other business tools for a unified workflow.

Pricing

DeskTrack offers competitive pricing that makes it accessible for small businesses, 

  • DeskLite: Starting at $5.99 per user per month
  • Stealth: Starts at $8.99 per user month
DeskTrack Pros and Cons
Pros Cons
Comprehensive productivity tracking integrated with payroll functions May require time to set up and customize for specific business needs
User-friendly interface suitable for small business owners without technical expertise Some employees might need time to adjust to activity monitoring features

Customer Rating

DeskTrack has received positive user feedback, with a G2 rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on customer reviews.

DeskTrack is a versatile solution for small businesses looking to optimize their payroll processes while gaining valuable insights into employee productivity. 

Craze

Craze is an all-in-one HR and payroll management solution designed specifically for startups and small businesses in India. With Craze, you can manage everything from employee onboarding to payroll processing and compliance management in one centralized platform. The software automates many time-consuming tasks, allowing you to focus on growing your business. 

Craze

Features (Comprehensive HR and payroll management)

Features of Craze
  • One-click payroll processing: Pay your team directly to their bank accounts quickly.
  • Automated salary calculations: The software handles complex calculations, ensuring accuracy.
  • Employee self-service portal: Allow team members to manage reimbursements, view payslips, and access tax documents.
  • Leave and attendance management: Set policies, track leaves, and manage overtime with automatic payroll syncing.
  • Customizable salary structures: Create and modify salary components to suit your business needs.
  • Compliance management: Generate detailed EPF, ESIC, and TDS tax liabilities summaries.
  • Contractor and intern payments: Easily manage payments based on TDS or GST slabs.

Pricing

Craze offers flexible pricing options tailored to small businesses: 

  • Core HR: $1/month per person (mandatory)
  • Payroll: $1/month per person
  • Leaves: $1/month per person
  • Attendance: $1/month per person

The total cost for a comprehensive package starts around $2/user/month, making it an affordable option for startups and small businesses.

Craze Pros and Cons
Pros Cons
Clean and modern user interface No mobile application available yet
Fast customer support without extra fees Limited customization options compared to some competitors

Customer Rating

While a specific G2 rating for Craze was not found in the provided search results, user reviews on other platforms are generally positive. For example, SoftwareSuggest users have praised Craze's ease of use and efficient payroll processing.

Craze’s affordable pricing and user-friendly features make it an attractive option for startups and growing companies. However, the lack of a mobile app and some customization limitations may be considerations for specific users.

Zoho Payroll

Zoho Payroll stands out as a popular choice among payroll software India offers. This cloud-based platform is designed to streamline your payroll processes, ensuring accuracy and compliance with Indian tax regulations. Zoho Payroll caters to businesses of all sizes, from startups to established companies. The software integrates seamlessly with other Zoho products, offering a unified ecosystem for your business operations.

Zoho Payroll

Features (Facilitates instant salary disbursements)

Features of Zoho Payroll
  • Automatic salary calculations and tax deductions
  • Direct salary deposits to employee bank accounts
  • Employee self-service portal for accessing payslips and tax documents
  • Compliance with Indian tax regulations (PF, ESI, PT, TDS)
  • Integration with Zoho Books and Zoho People for seamless data flow
  • Customizable salary structures and components
  • Leave management and attendance tracking.

Pricing

Zoho Payroll offers three pricing tiers:

  • Free: $0 for up to 10 employees.
  • Standard: > $1/user/month (minimum 25 users)
  • Professional: Up to $1/user/month (minimum 50 users)
ZohoPayroll Pros and Cons
Pros Cons
Zoho Payroll integrates seamlessly with other Zoho applications, providing a unified experience. Some users feel that Zoho Payroll lacks certain advanced features compared to other payroll solutions
The software ensures adherence to Indian tax regulations, reducing compliance risks. There have been reports of delays in customer support responses, which can be a concern for users needing immediate assistance
Users find Zoho Payroll easy to navigate, enhancing the overall user experience

Customer Rating

Zoho Payroll has received positive feedback from users on G2, with an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 18 reviews.

Zoho Payroll offers a robust solution for managing your payroll needs, with features that cater to the specific requirements of Indian businesses. However, the lack of advanced customization and round-the-clock support may be a drawback for some users.

Razorpay X Payroll

Razorpay X Payroll offers a solution that aims to simplify the payroll process, making it an attractive option for businesses looking to streamline their payroll operations. This payroll software India provides is designed to automate many time-consuming tasks associated with payroll management. From automated salary calculations to compliance management, Razorpay X Payroll aims to cover all aspects of payroll processing. 

Razorpay X Payroll

Features (Automated payroll and compliance)

Feaures of Razorpay X Payroll
  • Automated salary calculations and direct bank transfers.
  • Compliance management for TDS, PF, PT, and ESIC.
  • Employee self-service portal for payslips and tax documents.
  • Leave and attendance management integration.
  • Contractor payments with TDS handling.
  • Bulk actions for efficient payroll processing.
  • Instant reimbursements.
  • HR management tools for employee lifecycle.

Pricing

Razorpay X Payroll offers different pricing plans:

  • Price: $30 per month for up to 20 employees.
  • Elite: $65 per month for up to 50 employees, $1 per additional employee.
  • Enterprise: Custom pricing for 100+ employees.
RazorpayX Payroll Pros and Cons
Pros Cons
RazorpayX Payroll automates salary disbursements, reducing manual effort. Some users have reported challenges integrating RazorpayX Payroll with other HR systems.
The software helps businesses stay compliant with statutory requirements, minimizing legal risks. There have been instances where users experienced delays in receiving support, impacting their experience.

Customer Rating

On SoftwareSuggest, Razorpay X Payroll has an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars based on user reviews.

Razorpay X Payroll’s automated features and compliance management tools make it a strong contender in India's payroll software market. However, like any software, it has its limitations, such as the need for improved reporting capabilities. 

As you consider your options for payroll management, let’s explore how Wisemonk with its expertise in HR and payroll solutions can help you.

Wisemonk Payroll for SMEs

Managing payroll as a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) in India can be challenging due to complex tax regulations and compliance requirements. Wisemonk Payroll is designed specifically for SMEs, offering a comprehensive HR and payroll management solution. With features like automated salary calculations, tax deductions, and direct bank transfers, Wisemonk Payroll simplifies your operations and ensures compliance, making payroll processing effortless.

Wisemonk Payroll for SMEs

Features

Features of Wisemonk Payroll for SMEs

Automated Payroll Processing  

Wisemonk Payroll simplifies payroll, saving time and reducing errors with features like:  

  • Automatic salary calculations  
  • Integration with attendance and leave management  
  • Direct salary deposits  

Compliance Management  

Stay compliant with Indian tax regulations:  

  • Automatic tax deductions (TDS, PF, ESI, PT)  
  • Compliance report generation (Form 16, Form 24Q)  
  • Regular updates on tax law changes  

Employee Self-Service Portal  

Empower employees through a user-friendly portal:  

  • Access to payslips and tax documents  
  • Leave management  
  • Update personal information  

Customizable Salary Structures  

Create tailored salary structures with:  

  • Custom salary components  
  • Flexible benefit plans  
  • Easy adjustments as your business grows  

Comprehensive Reporting  

Generate reports for informed decision-making:  

  • Payroll summaries  
  • Departmental salary breakdowns  
  • Custom report options

Pricing

Wisemonk offers a transparent pricing structure for its Employer of Record (EOR) services in India, tailored to the annual salary of each employee:

Annual Salary and EOR Fee Structure
Annual Salary (INR) EOR Fee (USD per employee per month)
Up to ₹7,50,000 $75
₹7,50,001 to ₹30,00,000 $150
₹30,00,001 to ₹50,00,000 $200
₹50,00,001 to ₹75,00,000 $250
Above ₹75,00,001 $300

For detailed information on Wisemonk's pricing and services, please visit our official pricing page.

Wisemonk Pros and Cons
Pros Cons
Wisemonk offers expertise in Indian labor laws and payroll management, ensuring compliance. Wisemonk's services are primarily focused on India, which may not suit companies seeking global solutions.
Provides Employer of Record services, simplifying hiring and managing employees in India.
Offers affordable pricing models suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises.
Includes equipment lifecycle management and employee onboarding assistance.

Wisemonk Payroll offers a robust solution for SMEs looking to streamline their payroll processes and ensure compliance with Indian regulations.

As you consider your options for payroll software India provides, remember that Wisemonk is more than just a software provider. We offer personalized support to help you implement and optimize your payroll processes.

Contact Wisemonk today for a free demo and see how we can help your SME thrive.

Recommended Read: Top Best Payroll Processing and Outsourcing Services in India

Conclusion

As a small business owner in India, you know that managing payroll can be challenging. The right payroll software can simplify this process, saving you time, money, and stress. Here are the key reasons to choose the right payroll software:

  • Efficiency: Automate tedious tasks to focus on growing your business.
  • Accuracy: Reduce errors with automated calculations for timely employee payments.
  • Compliance: Stay current with India's tax laws without constant manual updates.
  • Cost-effectiveness: An initial investment in quality software saves money in the long run by reducing errors and streamlining processes.
  • Scalability: Select software that grows with your business.

Make Informed Decisions with Software Demos

Before committing to payroll software, follow these steps:

  • Request Demos
  • Ask Questions
  • Involve Your Team
  • Compare Options
  • Check User Reviews

Choosing the right payroll software significantly affects your efficiency and compliance. 

Wisemonk understands the unique challenges small businesses face in payroll management. Our user-friendly software offers robust compliance features and scales with your business. 

Get in touch with us or Request for a demo

FAQ’s

What are the key benefits of using payroll software for small businesses in India?

Streamlined processing, regulation compliance, cost savings, and enhanced data security.

How do I choose the right payroll software for my small business?

Identify your specific requirements, evaluate integration capabilities, and ensure compliance support.

What features should I look for in payroll software for small businesses in India?

Automated calculations, tax compliance, employee self-service portals, and reporting capabilities.

Can payroll software help with tax compliance in India?

Yes, most payroll software automates tax calculations and generates required compliance reports.

What makes Wisemonk's payroll solution unique for small businesses in India?

Wisemonk offers a comprehensive solution tailored for SMEs, including compliance management and customizable features.

Does Wisemonk provide support for setting up and using their payroll software?

Wisemonk offers personalized support and guidance for implementing and optimizing payroll processes.

Can Wisemonk's payroll software integrate with other HR and accounting systems?

Wisemonk's solution is designed to integrate seamlessly with popular HR and accounting systems for efficient operations.