Is QuickBooks Payroll free for accountants?

Is QuickBooks Payroll free for accountants?

If you’re an accountant, you probably already love QuickBooks. It handles your bookkeeping, invoicing, and taxes like a champ. But maybe you’ve wondered about payroll. Is QuickBooks Payroll free for accountants? Let’s break it down in a fun, simple way!

First things first – what is QuickBooks Payroll?

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QuickBooks Payroll is an add-on service from Intuit. It lets businesses pay employees and handle payroll taxes. Think of it as your digital HR assistant.

There are a few versions:

  • Core – for basic payroll needs
  • Premium – adds HR support
  • Elite – includes tax penalty protection and more

They all work smoothly with QuickBooks Online. But here’s the big question: What does it cost if you’re an accountant?

Accountants get some sweet perks

Good news! If you’re a part of the QuickBooks Online Accountant (QBOA) program, you’re treated differently. And by differently, we mean better.

QuickBooks loves accountants. Through the QBOA platform, you connect, manage, and support all your clients from one spot. It’s free to join, and full of goodies like training, discounts, and tools just for you.

So… is payroll free for accountants?

Here comes the not-so-straight answer: Yes and no.

If you’re an accountant using QuickBooks for your own firm, you will need to pay for payroll services. No freebies there, my friend. But if you’re managing clients who need payroll, that’s where the magic begins!

You can get discounts for clients

Intuit lets QBOA members buy payroll on behalf of clients at discounted prices. This is called the ProAdvisor Preferred Pricing Program. Let’s look at how it helps:

  • Accountants get 50% off for life on QuickBooks Online Payroll when they pay for it
  • OR clients get 30% off for 12 months when they pay directly

This means, while payroll isn’t exactly free, you can still save a lot. Plus, you get to offer more value to your clients. And possibly earn some extra revenue if you bundle it into your services.

What other payroll perks do accountants get?

Besides discounts, accountants get:

  • Access to expert product support
  • Training to become a payroll pro
  • Client payroll analytics
  • Consolidated billing (super convenient!)

And if your clients already have QuickBooks Payroll? You can still access and manage it from your accountant dashboard. No need to juggle a dozen logins.

Can I use it for free to test?

Yes! Intuit sometimes offers free trials of QuickBooks Payroll. As an accountant, you might be able to explore it first without paying right away.

It’s a great way to get your feet wet. Just check your QBOA dashboard or ask your Intuit rep.

Final thoughts

No, QuickBooks Payroll isn’t completely free for accountants. But thanks to the QBOA program, you get:

  • Awesome discounts
  • Special support and tools
  • The power to manage clients easily

So while you might not get a 100% free ride, the savings and perks make it a smooth and worthwhile journey.

Time to tally up the benefits!

Now that you know how it works, you can decide what’s best for you and your clients. Whether you’re running your own payroll or helping others, QuickBooks Payroll offers flexibility and rewards.

Not free. But definitely accountant-friendly.

And that, dear number wizard, is a win!