search icon

Easily manage small business payroll with market-leading software

Sage takes the headache out of getting your payroll right. Stay focused on what matters with easy-to-install, easy-to-use payroll software for small businesses. 

Payroll solutions for small business

Your business is taking off, and it’s time to increase headcount. While it’s a huge milestone, we get that it can be daunting too. Paying your team on time, managing their shifts, performance, and leave while also getting taxes, pensions, and your HMRC submissions running smoothly doesn’t have to be hard. 

If you're looking at how to set up payroll for small business, you might like to know that Sage payroll software is the UK's number one payroll provider. Whether or not you’ve run payroll before, we’re here to make it straightforward. 

 

Make self-employed payroll services a breeze 

Our software makes managing small company payroll services quick and compliant. Core HR capabilities included with Sage Payroll ensure that you can match records, manage your people, and pay them all from one place. Sick leave, bonuses, expenses, holiday pay, maternity leave, student loans, National Insurance – it’s all calculated automatically and managed from within the same database. And you can relax as we always update our apps with the latest compliance rules. 

Automate payments and deductions

Tax, statutory pay, pensions, and National Insurance are all calculated with a few clicks.

Real-time information (RTI)

Submit your tax and NI data directly with HMRC recognised software.

Workplace pensions

Automatically assess who’s entitled and send data to your workplace pension provider.

Payslips, P60s, and reporting

Organise and send documents electronically, and get up-to-date reporting. 

Simple and intuitive to use

You don’t need special training or dedicated staff to run payroll with confidence.

24/7 support

You’re never alone with our award-winning UK team of experts available online and by phone.

Benefits of payroll software for small business

Sage Payroll software is reliable, accurate, and secure. Cut the time you spend on payroll and HR admin with the ideal solution for your business today.    

Compliance built in

There’s no need for specialist tax advice, tracking changes in rules and legislation, or manual interventions. We use the latest regulations as standard. 

Flexible access

Our cloud-based software means you can manage payroll from anywhere at anytime using a Mac, PC, mobile or iPad. Plus, your employees can see their payslips and submit timesheets online too.

User-friendly

Quick to set up and intuitive to use, you can run your payroll with confidence. Our payroll systems for small business let you stay focused on building your future.  

 

Sage offers affordable payroll services for small business

The cost of payroll services for small business is surprisingly affordable. With HR features included, you'll save both time and money. Sage offers monthly subscriptions based on how many employees you have, with the ability to add or reduce other apps, as and when you need.  

Scaling-up your payroll is quick as you can add more employees and enjoy the same safe, reliable, and convenient features.

Payroll software designed specifically for small businesses

Get 3 months free

Sage Payroll

Easy payroll software for small businesses.
  • Stay compliant with HMRC-recognised software
  • Manage Payroll for scaling businesses up to 150 employees
  • Complete your pay runs in 4 simple steps
  • One source of data, everyone sees the same information
  • Get help any time with 24/7 Support
  • Automatically assess and enrol your employees into workplace pensions
  • Employees can securely view their payslips and P60s online, anywhere, anytime
  • Collaborate in real time with your accountant
  • Easily switch from your current solution with our import tool

Sage 50 Payroll

Smart payroll for businesses with more advanced needs.

HMRC-recognised software, ideal for payroll professionals and business owners who have advanced payroll needs.

  • Smart, powerful payroll, up-to-date with the latest HMRC legislation
  • Comprehensive reporting for better data visibility and control 
  • Integrates seamlessly with Sage 50 Accounts to reduce duplication
  • Automate batch processes to help reduce errors and save time
  • Set up Departments and Cost Centre's to help analysis & manage costs
  • Includes HR Advice Online, giving you best practice on HR & Employment Law. 
  • With 1-2-1 expert onboarding help for new customers.

Get practical advice on managing payroll

6 things you need to know about Making Tax Digital for Income Tax

6 things you need to know about Making Tax Digital for Income Tax

Need help understanding what Making Tax Digital for Income Tax will mean for your business? These insights will get you up to speed.

Read more
Read more
MTD mythbuster: 8 myths about Making Tax Digital dispelled

MTD mythbuster: 8 myths about Making Tax Digital dispelled

Myths have arisen about Making Tax Digital. In this article, we dispel some mistaken beliefs around MTD for VAT and MTD for Income Tax.

Read more
Read more
3 big payroll changes for HR teams and employers in 2025

3 big payroll changes for HR teams and employers in 2025

Learn about payroll changes that will be coming into force for businesses and how HR and payroll teams, and employers, can prepare.

Read more
Read more
Self Assessment and Making Tax Digital: What MTD for Income Tax means for sole traders

Self Assessment and Making Tax Digital: What MTD for Income Tax means for sole traders

Get the lowdown on how Making Tax Digital will change the way sole traders submit tax returns, and what that means for Self Assessment.

Read more
Read more
How to successfully move your business to a four-day work week

How to successfully move your business to a four-day work week

Learn how to implement a four-day work week, enhance employee wellbeing, and adapt your business to modern workplace trends.

Read more
Read more
Self Assessment and Making Tax Digital: What MTD for Income Tax means for landlords

Self Assessment and Making Tax Digital: What MTD for Income Tax means for landlords

Is it really the end of Self Assessment for landlords? Discover how property income will be affected by Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.

Read more
Read more
Employee onboarding: How to set your new hires up for success

Employee onboarding: How to set your new hires up for success

Discover how a strong employee onboarding process can hugely impact staff retention, engagement and productivity for your business.

Read more
Read more
Payroll compliance: 10 tips to get it right every time

Payroll compliance: 10 tips to get it right every time

Understanding payroll compliance is an important part of running payroll successfully. Here are 10 tips to help you stay on top of things.

Read more
Read more