Gusto vs Square Payroll: prices and state program coverage

Filing payroll taxes

Gusto

Gusto’s pricing page lists tax filings and payments on all three plans. Their page, Nov 9, 2026

Square Payroll

Square’s pricing page says full-service payroll calculates, withholds and files federal payroll taxes, and pays and files the taxes in each state or tax jurisdiction where you run payroll. Their page, Nov 9, 2026

More than one state

Gusto

Gusto’s pricing page describes the Simple plan as payroll in one state and lists multi-state payroll on the Plus plan. Registering for payroll taxes in a new state is an add-on priced by state. Their page, Nov 9, 2026

Square Payroll

Square’s pricing page lists multistate payroll as included in full-service payroll and not in contractor-only payroll. Their page, Nov 9, 2026

Filing new hire reports

Gusto

Gusto’s help center says Gusto files the new hire report with the state where the employee works when you choose Yes for "File new hire report", and sends it within a few days. Their page, Nov 10, 2026

Square Payroll

Square’s pricing page lists new-hire reporting as included in full-service payroll and not in contractor-only payroll. Their page, Nov 10, 2026

What do Gusto and Square Payroll cost for 10 employees?

At list price, Gusto’s Simple plan is $119 a month for 10 people ($49 a month plus $7 per person) and Square Payroll’s Full-service payroll plan is $95 ($35 a month plus $6 per person paid), according to each company’s pricing page as read November 9, 2026. Add-ons, higher plans and discounts change the total.

Which state paid leave programs do Gusto and Square Payroll handle?

For Gusto we’ve read help documentation covering state paid leave programs in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Washington. For Square Payroll we’ve read help documentation covering state paid leave programs in Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Oregon and Washington.

Do Gusto and Square Payroll work with state retirement programs?

For Gusto we’ve read help documentation covering state retirement programs in Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Virginia. For Square Payroll we’ve read help documentation covering state retirement programs in Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Vermont and Virginia.

Do Gusto and Square Payroll file payroll taxes for you?

Gusto’s pricing page lists tax filings and payments on all three plans. Square’s pricing page says full-service payroll calculates, withholds and files federal payroll taxes, and pays and files the taxes in each state or tax jurisdiction where you run payroll.

Can Gusto and Square Payroll run payroll in more than one state?

Gusto’s pricing page describes the Simple plan as payroll in one state and lists multi-state payroll on the Plus plan. Registering for payroll taxes in a new state is an add-on priced by state. Square’s pricing page lists multistate payroll as included in full-service payroll and not in contractor-only payroll.

Do Gusto and Square Payroll file new hire reports with the state?

Gusto’s help center says Gusto files the new hire report with the state where the employee works when you choose Yes for "File new hire report", and sends it within a few days. Square’s pricing page lists new-hire reporting as included in full-service payroll and not in contractor-only payroll.