Payroll for one employee

Paying your first employee is a big moment. ADP can help make sure you get it right.

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Affordable payroll for one employee (or more)

ADP has payroll products priced for businesses of any size, even those with only one employee. Best of all, you only pay for the services you need today. And as you grow and hire additional people, you can easily add more features. We’ll set you up with a service that helps you meet both your goals and your budget from the start.

Benefits of ADP’s payroll services for one employee

The ideal time to invest in automated payroll software is when you’ve hired your first employee. Start with a solution that frees up your time now and over the long run.

Payroll that helps save time and money

If you’re like most small business owners, you’d rather be spending your time perfecting your product or service, not calculating payroll deductions and signing cheques. ADP’s payroll software automates those tasks so you can focus on what matters most – growing your business. Our small business payroll can also help you avoid penalties for filing payroll taxes late or incorrectly.

Access to compliance tools and tips

With just one employee, you might think you can manage payroll on your own, but complexities can arise from more than just the size of your workforce. Regulations, for instance, are constantly changing and noncompliance is costly. That’s why ADP’s payroll software  is designed to help you manage compliance-related items.

Trusted support when you need it

Your employee relies on you for prompt wage payments, and you can count on us to help you deliver on that promise. Our knowledgeable payroll professionals can answer your questions. And if something does go wrong, we’ll work to correct it and keep your payroll running smoothly.

Online payroll that is always accessible

ADP's online payroll system redefines convenience, offering unparalleled access anytime and anywhere through just a few clicks on your phone or tablet. This user-friendly platform allows you to effortlessly view your employee’s payroll details, ensuring efficient payroll management without the constraints of time or location.

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Quickly set up payroll for one employee

Some payroll providers take a hands-off approach to installation, leaving you only with message boards and blogs for assistance. Not ADP, though. We pride ourselves on a simple set up and have live people to help you throughout every step. So, if you have details about your employee and your business handy, you can be up and running with our payroll software quickly.

Top FAQs about payroll for one employee

What is the easiest payroll software to use?

There are dozens of payroll companies out there, all offering different levels of usability. Some are more “DIY,” while others may send a company representative to your business to train you on the product. The easiest solution for you will depend on your needs.

How do I do payroll manually?

Processing payroll manually requires painstaking data entry and recordkeeping and the ability to meet deadlines. If you choose to pay your one employee this way, you’ll need to:

  1. Agree upon a salary or hourly wage
  2. Use a time clock or other means to track hours worked
  3. Calculate gross wages
  4. Deduct any other pre-tax benefits you offer
  5. Withhold any taxes that apply
  6. Calculate employer contributions to CPP, employment insurance
  7. Deduct garnishments and post-tax benefits, if applicable
  8. Pay your employee by cheque or direct deposit

Keep in mind that even with just one employee, there’s a chance you can make a mistake when processing payroll manually, which may result in fines from government agencies.

How much does ADP charge for one employee payroll?

Cost is an important consideration for any business, but it’s also important to think about the overall value you’ll receive from a payroll service provider. ADP offers various levels of customer support, integrations, and related products, which affect price totals. We’ll work with you to determine the package that best suits your business needs.

How do I set up payroll for one employee?

To pay your one employee, whether you’re doing it yourself or working with a payroll service provider, you will need:

How to set up payroll for one employee in Canada?

Here are 5 steps outlining how you can set up payroll for one employee in Canada:

  1. Start a payroll account through the CRA. If you have a business number, simply add a payroll account to it and get a 15-character number from CRA for tax tracking. Without a business number? One will be assigned during the payroll account setup.
  2. Collect your employee's personal details which can be important for payroll processing, such as their Social Insurance Number. Then have them fill out Federal and Provincial TD1 forms, which help in determining the income tax deductions. Quebec employees need to complete an additional Source Deductions Return form.
  3. Set aside employee and employer contributions for taxes, Canada Pension Plan (CPP), and Employment Insurance as per the legal requirements. You can use the CRA’s online calculator for precise calculations of these deductions, factoring in various tax rates across provinces and territories.
  4. Timely remit the calculated deductions to the CRA. You may do this through its website, a financial institution, or online banking. Regular remittances are due monthly by the 15th and it may help to avoid delays to prevent penalties. With a consistent track record, you might qualify for quarterly instead of monthly remittances.
  5. Wrap up the tax year by issuing T4 slips to employees, listing earnings, benefits, and deducted amounts for CPP, EI, and income taxes. Also, submit a T4 summary to the CRA by the end of February. Quebec employers additionally provide Relevé 1 slips and a summary of salaries and deductions.

How much does an employer pay for employee taxes in Canada?

Employers may have the responsibility of withholding the following four types of payments:

  • Contributions to the Canada Pension Plan
  • Premiums for Employment Insurance
  • Federal income tax
  • Income tax for provinces and territories

These withholdings, along with the employer's share of the Canada Pension Plan and Employment Insurance contributions, are forwarded to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

In addition to these deductions, employers might also need to deduct other amounts for items like private pension plan contributions or union fees. These deductions arise from existing contracts and workplace agreements, and unlike the others, they are not sent to the government.

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