The easiest payroll & HR platform for coaches and growing teams.
Run payroll, onboard contractors or employees, and stay compliant without stress, all from one simple dashboard.
Why every coach & service provider needs a payroll system
Even if you’re a solopreneur, the second you hire a VA, contractor, or part-time team member, you’re responsible for:
- Collecting W-9s
- Filing year-end 1099s
- Paying contractors on time
- Tracking hours or salaries
- Staying compliant with state & federal payroll laws
Most people don’t realize how fast payroll mistakes snowball into IRS notices, penalties, or messed-up contractor payments.
That’s where Gusto comes in.
Yes, payroll still matters. Here’s why
When I started my business, I wondered: “Do I really need payroll if it’s just me?” Here’s what my accountant said.
- Pay yourself a reasonable salary
- Withhold Social Security, Medicare & income tax
- File quarterly and year-end payroll reports
- Pay employer-side taxes
Gusto handles all of this automatically, so you stay compliant without figuring it out yourself.
- Collects and stores W-9s
- Sends contractor payments
- Files and delivers 1099s for you
Pay your team and keep the IRS happy
When you sign up for Gusto, you can manage all of this from one dashboard:
Full-Service Payroll
Automatically calculate and file federal, state, and local payroll taxes. No spreadsheets, no worrying about deadlines.
Contractor Payments
Pay your contractors with one click. Gusto handles the 1099s automatically at tax time.
Time Tracking
Built-in tools for tracking hours, PTO, and paid time off (optional, but handy).
Hiring & Onboarding
Send digital offer letters, collect W-9s or W-4s, and handle onboarding paperwork without chasing people down.
Benefits Administration
Offer health benefits, 401(k), and more, even if you’re a tiny business.
1099 & W-2 Filing
Gusto creates and files everything automatically, then sends copies to your team for you.
I recommend it to every one of my clients
I’ve worked with hundreds of service providers scaling from “just me” to “me + a team.” Payroll and compliance are usually the first things that cause stress. Gusto changed that.
- Super simple setup
- Integrates with my Xero bookkeeping
- Automatic tax filings (huge!)
- Clean contractor onboarding
- 1099s handled for you
- Perfect for small businesses and online teams
- Friendly support and easy navigation
- No more wondering if you sent the right form or missed a deadline
Get a $100 Visa gift card when you run your first payroll
No promo code required. Sign up through my link, run your first payroll, and Gusto sends you a $100 Visa gift card, enough to offset the cost of your new VA.
Get my VA Hiring Playbook & Gusto Checklist
Sign up for Gusto through my link and I’ll send you the playbook, a calm, step-by-step guide to hiring your first VA and setting up Gusto the right way. Inside:
- What to look for in a Virtual Assistant, plus interview questions to ask
- How to onboard your VA the calm, organized way
- What to set up in Gusto before your first contractor payment
- My recommended contractor onboarding flow (the same one I use)
In case you’re wondering…
I’m not a bookkeeper or accountant, nothing here is accounting advice. Please check with your bookkeeper or accountant for guidance specific to your business.
Do I need payroll if I’m a solopreneur?
If you’re an S-Corp (or taxed like one), the IRS requires you to run payroll for yourself and withhold Social Security, Medicare, and income taxes. If you’re not an S-Corp, you may still want Gusto to pay contractors and automatically file 1099s. Quick note: I’m not an accountant. This is just what I use in my own business. Please check with your CPA for your specific situation.
Can I just pay contractors through Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle?
You can… but it creates a messy paper trail. Gusto keeps everything in one place, collects W-9s, stores tax documents, and automatically files 1099s for you, no spreadsheets, no chasing people down, and no surprises at tax time.
Is Gusto hard to set up?
Not at all. Most people can get the basics set up in under 30 minutes. And if you use my link, I’ll send you my free Quick-Start Checklist to make it even easier. Plus Gusto sends you a $100 Visa gift card when you run your first payroll, which helps offset the cost of your new VA.
Does Gusto work if my team is all contractors?
Yes! You don’t need employees to use Gusto. Their contractor plan is affordable, simple, and handles all your 1099s automatically.
Can Gusto handle multiple states or remote contractors?
Yes. Gusto supports contractors across all 50 states and handles state-specific 1099 requirements automatically.
Can I pay international contractors through Gusto?
Gusto supports international contractor payments, but only through its Gusto Global feature (powered by Remote). It’s available in many countries, though not all, and the fees are higher than paying U.S.-based contractors. If your VA is outside the U.S., check Gusto’s supported-countries list in your dashboard. If Gusto doesn’t support their country, you can still hire them. Just pay through another method (like Wise or PayPal) and record the payment in Gusto to keep your records organized.
What if I already have a bookkeeper or accountant?
They’ll love you for using Gusto. It keeps everything clean, organized, and accurate, and you can add them as a user with one click.
What happens if I ever stop using Gusto?
You’ll still have access to your past payroll and contractor records, but automated filings will stop. If you’re actively paying contractors or employees, you’ll need a new system to stay compliant.
Do I need to hire a VA before signing up for Gusto?
Nope. In fact, signing up before you hire is ideal. Everything will already be set up and ready for onboarding your first contractor.
Do you have a Gusto promo code?
Gusto doesn’t use traditional promo codes. Instead, you’ll get a $100 Visa gift card after you run your first payroll when you sign up through my link, and I’ll also send you my VA Hiring Playbook with a Gusto Quick-Start Checklist as a free bonus.
Finally feel organized with your team
Running payroll manually is risky and time-consuming. Let Gusto simplify it. Use my link to get a $100 Visa gift card when you run your first payroll.
Your future self will be thrilled you made payroll this easy.
Try Gusto & earn $100 (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)Affiliate disclaimer: This page contains affiliate links (including Gusto and Wise). If you sign up through my link I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools I personally use and trust.