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Is It Time to Upgrade Your Payroll Software Before Year-End?

Monday, October 13, 2025

As we approach year-end, business owners everywhere are preparing for one of the busiest times of the year: holiday sales, tax planning, and wrapping up the books. But there’s one area that often gets overlooked until it becomes a headache: payroll.

Suppose your current payroll system leaves you frustrated with clunky processes, limited reporting, or extra time spent fixing mistakes. In that case, Q4 might be the perfect time to prepare for making the switch.​

Why Upgrade Payroll Software Before Year-End?

Making a change in payroll mid-year can feel daunting, but upgrading before December has several advantages:

  • Clean start for the new year – You’ll ring in January with streamlined payroll processes already in place.
  • Year-end reporting is easier – Many platforms offer automated W-2s, 1099s, and tax filings, saving you hours.
  • Tax compliance peace of mind – The right software helps you avoid costly penalties and missed deadlines.
  • Better data for decision-making – Robust reporting gives you insights into labor costs, overtime trends, and profitability.

Why We Recommend Gusto

At J&S Accounting, we’ve seen firsthand how Gusto can transform payroll and HR for small businesses:​

  • Automated tax filing and year-end forms
  • Easy employee self-service portal (pay stubs, W-2s, benefits)
  • Integrations with accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero
  • Robust reporting for smarter financial planning
  • Options for benefits, retirement plans, and contractor management

And the best part? It’s designed for small business owners, not payroll experts. You don’t need to be a tech wizard to get set up.

Special Offer for Our Clients​

Thinking about making the switch? Right now, you can sign up for Gusto with our referral link and get free payroll software setup in minutes.

Sign up for Gusto | Free payroll software setup in minutes

Not only will you get robust payroll and reporting tools, but you’ll also have J&S Accounting in your corner to help you get started.​

The Bottom Line

If payroll has been a pain point in 2025, don’t drag those frustrations into 2026. By making the switch now, you’ll head into the new year with confidence; fully set up, compliant, and ready to run payroll without stress.

At J&S Accounting, we know small business owners wear many hats, and payroll shouldn’t be the one that keeps you up at night. While we don’t typically process payroll for clients, we do have the industry knowledge to recommend the right software solutions that make life easier.

Let us help point you in the right direction so you can simplify payroll, spend less time crunching numbers, and more time growing your business. After all, your energy is best spent on your customers, your team, and your vision—not on paycheck headaches.



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About J&S Accounting

At J&S Accounting, we provide expert bookkeeping services tailored to the unique needs of small businesses and nonprofits. We recognize the challenges that come with maintaining accurate financial records and how vital this is for the smooth operation and growth of your business. As a woman and minority-owned firm, we’re proud to offer our expertise to businesses in Savannah, GA, and across the nation, helping them navigate financial complexities and achieve better financial management.

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What others are saying about us

" I could not recommend this company enough!"

The team at J&S Accounting are like working with trusted friends that you have had for a long time. Janel has personally walked me through my first year with QuickBooks as a small business owner, and has made it so easy and enjoyable. She is very professional, knowledgeable, and is always so affirming of how well I am doing. She really takes her time and you can tell that she cares about her customers and wanting them to feel confident about their business finances. I could not recommend this company enough!

- Kelsey H.

"The level of professionalism and commitment to supporting small businesses like mine is unmatched."

If I could give J&S 6 stars I would because they go the extra mile every time! I am so glad I found J&S Accounting. The level of professionalism and commitment to supporting small businesses like mine is unmatched. I am so grateful for J&S. I highly recommend!

"Their customer service and individualized care have remained top tier and we gladly recommend their services."

J & S Accounting has made such a huge impact in our day to day operations at Kicklighter Resource Center. They are very hands on and truly take the time to educate us, whether in person or through trainings and tutorials. Their customer service and individualized care have remained top tier and we gladly recommend their services.

- Jay Ahnee

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Disclaimer:​This content is for information purposes only and should not be considered legal, accounting, or tax advice, or a substitute for obtaining such advice specific to your business from a professional accountant. Additional information and exceptions may apply. Applicable laws may vary by state or locality. No assurance is given that the information is comprehensive in its coverage or that it is suitable in dealing with a customer’s particular situation. J&S Accounting does not have any responsibility for updating or revising any information presented herein. Accordingly, the information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for independent research. J&S Accounting does not warrant that the material contained herein will continue to be accurate, nor that it is completely free of errors when published. Readers and viewers should verify statements before relying on them.

© 2023 J&S Accounting. All Rights Reserved.

Disclaimer

This content is for information purposes only and should not be considered legal, accounting, or tax advice, or a substitute for obtaining such advice specific to your business from a professional accountant. Additional information and exceptions may apply. Applicable laws may vary by state or locality. No assurance is given that the information is comprehensive in its coverage or that it is suitable in dealing with a customer’s particular situation. J&S Accounting does not have any responsibility for updating or revising any information presented herein. Accordingly, the information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for independent research. J&S Accounting does not warrant that the material contained herein will continue to be accurate, nor that it is completely free of errors when published. Readers and viewers should verify statements before relying on them.