Employee Benefits
HR & Compliance
Technology
Wellness
PEO Solutions
Payroll is the heartbeat of any business. Get it wrong, and you risk compliance headaches, frustrated employees, and lost trust. Get it right, and payroll becomes invisible—employees are paid accurately, compliance is seamless, and HR can focus on strategy instead of paperwork.
One of the most well-established names in the payroll and HR solutions market is Paychex. With nearly 50 years of experience and more than 730,000 clients across the U.S., Paychex offers a full range of services—from straightforward payroll processing to comprehensive PEO (Professional Employer Organization) arrangements.
At Benely, we specialize in helping mid-sized employers (20–250 employees) streamline their benefits, HR, and compliance needs. That’s why we’ve partnered with Paychex to bring our clients exclusive, deeply discounted access to their payroll and PEO offerings. Together, we deliver a complete HR solution that combines the best of payroll, HR, and benefits.
Table of Contents
- Introduction to Paychex
- Paychex Payroll Services
- Paychex PEO Services
- Paychex vs. Competitors
- How Benely Enhances Paychex Services
- Which Paychex Solution is Right for You?
- Final Thoughts
1) Introduction to Paychex
Founded in 1971, Paychex has become one of the most recognizable payroll and HR companies in the U.S. They primarily serve small and mid-sized businesses, but their solutions scale easily for firms with hundreds or even thousands of employees.
Quick Stats:
- 730,000+ clients nationwide
- Publicly traded (NASDAQ: PAYX)
- IRS-certified PEO (CPEO) status
- Multiple awards for customer service and innovation
Paychex’s core offerings fall into two categories:
- Direct Payroll Services: You maintain control, but use Paychex’s software and support to run payroll.
- PEO Services: Paychex becomes a co-employer, taking on payroll, HR, benefits, compliance, and risk management.
2) Paychex Direct Payroll Services
Features
- Online & mobile payroll processing
- Automatic tax calculation and filing
- Employee self-service portal (W-2s, paystubs, benefits access)
- Flexible pay options (direct deposit, checks, paycards)
- Integration with time and attendance systems
- Garnishment and deduction management
User Experience
The Paychex Flex platform offers intuitive dashboards and a highly rated mobile app. Employees appreciate self-service, which reduces HR inquiries.
“Paychex payroll lets you run payroll from your phone in minutes.”
Compliance and Reporting
- Payroll tax filings (federal, state, local)
- W-2 and 1099 reporting
- ACA reporting support
- State-specific compliance tools
Pricing
- Typically $39–$59/month base fee + $5–$12 per employee/month
- Add-ons (time tracking, advanced HR modules) are extra
✅ Benely Advantage: We secure discounted pricing on Paychex Payroll that’s lower than retail.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Scalable, strong compliance, excellent self-service tools
Cons: Slightly higher cost than newer startups, add-ons increase price
3) Paychex PEO Services
What is a PEO?
A Professional Employer Organization acts as a co-employer, sharing legal responsibilities and providing access to benefits, HR, payroll, and risk management.
Features
- Payroll + tax filing
- Fortune-500-level benefits (medical, dental, vision, retirement)
- HR compliance support (handbooks, employee relations, policies)
- Risk management (workers’ comp, claims, safety programs)
- Dedicated HR support team
Benefits Access
PEO clients join Paychex’s larger benefits pool, often unlocking lower premiums and richer benefits compared to standalone small business plans.
Pricing
- Generally $80–$150 per employee/month
- Pricing varies by company size, services, and benefits
✅ Benely Advantage: Our clients get exclusive discounted PEO pricing, lowering both per-employee fees and startup costs.
Pros & Cons
Pros: IRS-certified PEO, top-tier benefits access, compliance expertise
Cons: Higher cost vs payroll-only, less direct control (co-employment model)
4) Paychex vs Competitors
| Provider | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Paychex | Flexible payroll + PEO, compliance strength, long track record | Mid-tier pricing, support can vary |
| ADP | Global leader, enterprise-level features | Feels too large/impersonal for SMBs |
| Gusto | User-friendly, affordable for startups | Not ideal for 100+ employees, weak PEO |
| Insperity | Strong PEO support, personalized | Higher pricing |
| TriNet | Great for tech/startups, strong benefits | Expensive, less flexible for mid-sized firms |
5) How Benely Enhances Paychex Services
At Benely, we make Paychex even more valuable for our clients.
Exclusive Partnership Benefits
- Deep Discounts: Preferred payroll & PEO pricing not available directly
- Benefits + Payroll Integration: We manage employee benefits strategy while Paychex handles payroll and HR
- One Point of Contact: Benely coordinates with Paychex, simplifying vendor management
- Tailored Solutions: We assess whether payroll or PEO is best for your stage and budget
📦 Callout Box
When you work with Benely, you’re not just buying software—you’re getting a full HR solution designed to grow with your business.
6) Which Paychex Solution is Right for Your Business?
Choose Direct Payroll if:
- <50 employees
- Primarily need payroll + tax filing
- Already have benefits handled elsewhere (like through Benely)
- Want to keep HR internal
Choose PEO if:
- 20–250 employees
- Need full-service HR and compliance support
- Want better benefits at lower costs
- Struggle with risk management and HR complexity
7) Final Thoughts
Payroll and HR outsourcing isn’t just about software—it’s about finding the right partner to reduce risk, improve efficiency, and enhance employee experience.
Paychex is a leader in both payroll and PEO services. Whether you’re a small employer needing simple payroll or a growing mid-sized company ready for full HR outsourcing, Paychex has a solution.
With Benely as your partner, you’ll get:
- A benefits brokerage that aligns payroll with employee well-being
- Access to Paychex’s technology and HR expertise
- Exclusive discounts that cut costs without cutting service
👉 Ready to explore Paychex through Benely? Contact us today to unlock preferred pricing and a complete HR solution designed for your business.
