Recently, we unveiled our 2025 Winter Showcase packed with insights to help you get the most out of Gusto. If you still have questions on our latest tech and tools, you’re in the right place—check out our FAQs below.
Want a deeper dive into our latest tools? Schedule a call today.
Whether you’ve already tuned in or missed it live, catch the Winter Showcase webinar on-demand here.
Quick Links
Gusto Solo | Coming Soon
Q: Who is Gusto Solo designed for?
A: Gusto Solo is built for owner-only businesses, including sole proprietors, LLCs, and S-corps. Businesses with W-2 employees need to use a different Gusto plan.
Q: What benefits does Gusto Solo offer?
A: Gusto Solo includes a reasonable salary calculator, an S-corp compliance hub, and features specific to owner-only businesses, such as managing compliant self-pay with automated payroll tax withholding and remittance.
Q: How much does Gusto Solo cost?
A: Gusto Solo is $55/month ($49 for the plan + $6 to run payroll for yourself).
Q: Can I use Gusto Solo if I’m already an S-corp?
A: Yes! Gusto Solo is beneficial for existing S-corps as it offers compliance reminders, salary benchmarking, and automated tax filing for self-pay.
Q: Can existing Gusto users switch to Gusto Solo?
A: Yes! Existing Gusto users can transition to Gusto Solo. To qualify, a business must have a single W-2 employee—the owner—while also being permitted to hire contractors. Once a business qualifies, we provide a migration path to make the transition simple and straightforward.
Q: Can Gusto Solo integrate with a solo 401(k)?
A: Yes! Gusto Solo can integrate with a solo 401(k) through an integrated partner like Guideline, Human Interest, Vestwell, or Betterment.
Q: Does Gusto Solo offer health insurance for solo business owners?
A: Yes! Gusto offers plans that meet all team size needs. Our Licensed Benefit Advisors are available to help navigate your unique situation. Learn more in the Benefits section of your Gusto account, or reach out to one of our advisors.
Q: Can businesses with employees use Gusto Solo?
A: No. Gusto Solo is specifically for owner-only businesses. Businesses with full-time employees should use Simple plan or another Gusto offering, depending on the business’s size and complexity.
Q: Does Gusto offer salary benchmarking or compliance support?
A: Yes! Gusto Solo provides a reasonable salary calculator, benchmarking and budgeting for a first hire, and compliance tools for owner-operators.
Q: What is an S-corp?
A: An S-corp is a tax classification, not a business entity type. It allows eligible businesses—typically LLCs or C-corps—to pass income, losses, and deductions directly to owners’ personal tax returns, avoiding corporate-level taxation. To qualify, a business must have no more than 100 shareholders, all of whom must be U.S. citizens or residents, and can only issue one class of stock. S-corps are popular for tax savings and liability protection.
Q: What’s the difference between an S-corp, C-corp, and LLC?
A: The key difference is that LLCs and C-corps are business entities, while an S-corp is a tax classification.
- LLC (Limited Liability Company): A flexible business entity that provides liability protection. It’s taxed as a sole proprietorship or partnership by default, but can elect S-corp or C-corp taxation.
- C-corp (C-corporation): A separate legal entity that pays corporate taxes. Profits are taxed at the corporate level and again when distributed to shareholders (double taxation). It allows unlimited shareholders and multiple stock classes, making it ideal for large businesses.
- S-corp (S-Corporation): A tax classification that LLCs or corporations can elect. It allows profits and losses to pass through to owners’ personal tax returns, avoiding corporate taxation. It has restrictions, including a 100-shareholder limit and U.S. citizen/resident ownership.
Health Insurance and Benefits
Q: Is there a list of the insurance companies available in our state?
A: Yes! Gusto offers health benefits—including medical, dental, vision, HSA, and FSA health plans—in all 50 states and D.C. The specific insurance carriers available can vary by state. To view the carriers and plans available in your state, log in to your Gusto account and click on the Benefits tab, or contact our licensed benefits advisors for personalized assistance.
Q: Are there limits with health insurance, such as number of employees?
A: While Gusto offers health benefits to businesses of all sizes, some insurance carriers may have specific eligibility requirements, such as minimum participation rates or contribution levels. Our licensed benefits advisors can help you navigate these requirements to find the best options for your company.
Q: What are all the different types of insurance that Gusto offers?
A: Gusto offers a comprehensive suite of benefits, and partners with a variety of insurance carriers to offer a wide range of benefit options—including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. While plan availability may vary based on location, our licensed benefits advisors can help you explore the best options available in your area to ensure your team has access to quality health coverage.
Q: We already have health insurance, can I still use Gusto for benefits?
A: Yes! Even if your company currently has health insurance set up, we can work with you to integrate your existing health coverage—allowing you to automate payroll deductions and tracking compliance seamlessly. If you prefer to keep your current insurance broker, they can manage your plans within Gusto for a fee of $6 per eligible employee per month. This allows you to maintain your existing broker relationship while benefiting from Gusto’s integrated payroll and benefits administration platform.
Q: Is Gusto’s health insurance a PEO model?
A: No. Gusto is not a Professional Employer Organization (PEO). Instead, we provide a comprehensive platform that integrates payroll, benefits, and HR services while allowing you to maintain full control over your employees and business operations.
Q: Can I provide coverage for 1099 contractors?
A: Yes! Gusto makes it easy for businesses with 1099 contractors to offer individual health coverage through our Benefits Store for Individuals. This allows businesses to offer affordable health plans at no extra cost or administrative burden.
Q: Can you assist with a single-member LLC, and getting them and their dependents health insurance?
A: We can! Our licensed benefit advisors are available to help navigate unique situations. Head to the Benefits section of your Gusto account to get started. Our licensed benefits advisors can guide you through the available choices to ensure you and your dependents receive great coverage.
Q: We already have health insurance with a broker. If we choose Gusto’s, will it be effective immediately?
A: When you transfer your broker of record to Gusto, we notify your insurance carriers that Gusto will be managing your company’s benefits moving forward. Your employees will not experience any changes during this time and can continue using their current benefits. Transferring your benefits to Gusto typically takes 6-8 weeks. Our licensed benefits advisors can assist you through the whole process—reach out to them in the Benefits tab of your Gusto account.
Q: Can remote companies offer insurance in multiple states?
A: Yes! Gusto specializes in supporting remote and multi-state businesses. You can offer health benefits to employees across multiple states through a single, unified platform. Our advisors will ensure your plans are compliant with state-specific regulations, making multi-state benefits management simple. You can explore available options by logging into your Gusto account and heading to the Benefits tab.
Q: Is there a dedicated broker or broker-type contact to navigate questions?
A: Yes! Our licensed benefits advisors are available to assist you with any questions regarding your benefits offerings. They can provide personalized guidance to help you choose and manage the best plans for your team.
Q: Can we only do the health insurance option during our enrollment process?
A: During the enrollment process, you have the flexibility to offer a variety of benefits to your employees, including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, as well as Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). You are welcome to discuss your benefit offerings with a member of our Benefit Advising team at any point in the year—simply reach out to them in the Benefits tab of your Gusto account.
Bill Pay
Q: Can I pay with a credit card, even if my vendor doesn’t accept it?
A: Yes! Gusto Bill Pay allows you to pay by credit card, while your vendor can choose to receive payment by ACH bank transfer or check–it’s their choice. This flexibility means you can pay with credit to extend cash flow or accrue credit card rewards, while keeping your vendors happy with their preferred payment method.
Q: Can I sync with my existing accounting software?
A: Yes! Sync with QuickBooks Online or Xero to automatically upload your bills or vendors, and keep track of everything under one roof.
Q: Can I use approval workflows?
A: Yes! It’s quick and easy to set up approval workflows in Gusto Bill Pay—so your team can create, schedule, and pay bills while you maintain complete oversight.
Q: How do I upload bills?
A: Upload bills by snapping a picture, forwarding emails to your Bill Pay email address, or syncing with your accounting software. It only takes a few clicks, and there’s no manual data entry required.
Q: Can I pay using different bank accounts that are linked to Bill Pay?
A: Yes! You can add multiple bank accounts to Gusto Bill Pay, and choose which accounts will pay for specific bills.
Q: How long is the delay from submitting payment to the vendor receiving payment?
A: Bill Pay offers a variety of payment speeds to meet your needs, including instant payments, standard ACH transfers (3 days), and checks (5-7 days). Transaction fees vary based on your selected payment speed and method.
Q: Is Bill Pay included in all plans? What are the fees?
A: Yes! Bill Pay is available in all plans, simply sign up under “Pay” > “Pay bills.” Transaction fees apply, and vary based on payment method and speed.
Q: My vendor only accepts checks, can I still use Bill Pay?
A: Yes! Vendors can still choose to receive payment by check, regardless of whether you submit payment by credit card or bank transfer.
Q: Will Bill Pay issue 1099 forms for vendors that received payments?
A: No. We may offer this at a later time.
Q: I use my bank for bill payments, why should I use Gusto Bill Pay?
A: Gusto Bill Pay gives you more control and confidence over your business’ cash flow. Many business bank accounts offer bill pay services, but Gusto Bill Pay makes it easier to consolidate expenses, automatically upload bills or vendors, and provide payment flexibility for both you and your vendors.
Mobile App | Coming Soon
Q: Is it safe and secure to run payroll from the Gusto app?
A: Yes! You can feel confident running payroll with the same privacy and security features you have on the web.
Q: Can I approve time tracking and time off requests?
A: Yes! Your employees can track their time, and you can approve their time sheets and time off requests.
Q: When will the Gusto mobile app be available for employers?
A: The Gusto mobile app will be available later in the Spring. We’ll notify you by email when it’s ready to download.
Q: Can accountants use the app?
A: Yes! Accountants will be able to use and manage multiple clients in the app.
Q: Can I approve my employees’ expenses in the app?
A: Not yet. We’re working on adding expenses—and other features!
Q: Can I use Bill Pay in the app?
A: No. Bill Pay is only available on www.gusto.com, though we’re working on bringing it to mobile this year.
Gusto Compliance | Coming Soon
Q: What is Gusto Compliance?
A: Gusto Compliance makes it easier for small businesses to navigate regulatory challenges. From crucial government filings to employee training and benefits mandates, Gusto Compliance helps business owners understand which steps they need to take to maintain compliance.
Q: When will Gusto Compliance be available in my state?
A: Gusto Compliance is launching in CA and NY by the end of March. In May, it will be available in Illinois, Oregon, and Colorado. More states will be added throughout summer 2025.
Q: Is there a fee for Gusto Compliance?
A: No. Gusto Compliance is included in the Simple, Plus, and Premium plans.
Q: Can Gusto Compliance help me track the steps I’ve taken to keep my business compliant, outside of Gusto?
A: Yes! If your business has met the requirements using solutions and services outside of Gusto, you can indicate that within Gusto Compliance.
Q: Is harassment prevention training mandatory for my business?
A: This is a requirement that varies state by state. While not all states have specific laws, many states and local governments have regulations or recommendations that encourage employers to provide harassment prevention training. Gusto Compliance provides personalized guidance to your team members’ work locations, so you can see which trainings are mandatory for certain members of your team.
Q: Will Gusto Compliance tasks show up on my home dashboard?
A: Yes! When there is action needed to become or stay compliant, we notify you on your Gusto home dashboard and by email. You can always visit the Compliance dashboard to check in on tasks that are in-progress, or waiting on others.
Q: If I need additional compliance help, does Gusto offer support?
A: Yes! Our HR resource center and certified HR experts are available to businesses with select Gusto plans, or as an add-on.
Paycheck Estimates
Q: Is Paycheck Estimate available in the Gusto app?
A: Yes! Paycheck Estimate is only available in the Gusto app at this time.
Q: How many days before payday can employees view their paystub?
A: Employees can view their paystub up to 4 days before payday.
Q: Are there plans to have paychecks arrive in bank accounts before 5pm EST?
A: Possibly. We frequently receive this feedback from other Gusto businesses and accountants, and are looking into ways to change the timing.
Q: Will the Gusto app track pay for non-employees, such as contractors??
A: No. Paycheck Estimate is in the Gusto app, which is only available for employers and employees at this time. Domestic and international contractors, as well as freelancers, are not able to access the Gusto app or Paycheck Estimate.
Q: When in the pay period can employees see their Paycheck Estimate?
A: Once payroll is submitted and processing, employees can see their Paycheck Estimate.
Q: How is the new Paycheck Estimate different from the existing feature?A: Paycheck Estimate is a new feature, however, it’s been available to select customers over the past few months. You may have been one of them! If that’s the case, there is no difference.
Payroll Approvals
Q: What are Payroll Approvals?
A: Payroll Approvals allow you to request review and approval from select team members before finalizing payroll. It’s especially useful for larger teams with multiple payroll administrators or when external collaborators—such as accountants—are involved in the process. Administrators can assign edit-only permissions to some team members, and approval and submit permissions to others. Once an administrator submits a request for review, all approvers get a notification and email to complete the request.
Q: Are Payroll Approvals available for contractors?
A: Payroll Approvals is only available for employees at the moment.
Q: Can I grant an approver access to only pay certain people?
A: No. Currently, you can only control access for submitting all or no payrolls.
Q: Can Payroll Approvals approve hours worked and time-off?A: No. Payroll Approvals is designed to simplify the workflow for how companies edit and review payroll before it’s submitted, and separate from approving hours worked and time off.
Scheduling
Q: How do I add scheduling?
A: It’s simple. Follow the instructions to set up scheduling here.
Q: Is scheduling available on all Gusto Plans?
A: Scheduling is available with Plus and Premium plans, and with the Time & Attendance Plus add-on to Simple plans. You can find the Scheduling feature under Time & Attendance in the Gusto menu.
Q: Can scheduling be set up for contractors?
A: Yes! Scheduling is available for employees and contractors.
Q: Will scheduling communicate directly with payroll?
A: No. Employees still need to track time to sync hours with payroll.
Q: Can managers see who has requested PTO within scheduling?
A: Yes! Approved time off is integrated directly into the schedule, so managers can schedule shifts around PTO.
Q: Can you assign a shift permanently, or create a templated schedule?
A: Right now, you cannot permanently assign a shift to an employee or create a template. However, you can build a schedule up to 6 months in advance, and continue to copy shifts and duplicate schedules as time progresses.
Q: Can I include a work location and specific instructions in a shift?
A: Yes! You can include detailed information like shift locations and leave notes for each shift that are visible to the assigned employee.
Q: Will adding a schedule give an estimate of payroll costs for that period?
A: No. However you will see an estimate of regular and overtime hours directly in the scheduling tool.
Q: Can I print a schedule?
A: Yes! You can print a PDF version of your schedule from the top right corner of the scheduling page.
Q: Will there be additional scheduling capabilities in the future?
A: Yes! More features will be added in the coming months—including the ability to set employee availability, schedule paid breaks, and run attendance reports. We continue to invest in our best-in-class time tracking and time off tools to help you run your business more efficiently and maintain compliance, including managing state requirements and diverse workforces.
Q: Can I schedule and track time for exempt and non-exempt employees?
A: Yes, you can track time and schedule exempt and non-exempt employees.
Q: Can employees clock in and out and track time by project?
A: Yes! Employees and contractors can clock in and out and map hours to specific projects and hours with Time Tracking.
Q: Can I set up PTO policies and allow employees to request time off?
A: Yes! Setting up time off policies for your team is simple. Follow the instructions to get started here.
Payroll Transfer Automation
Q: Do I have the ability to add employees without notifying them immediately?
A: Yes! You can unselect “Invite to Gusto” during the import process, and delay any notifications to employees until you are ready to send them.
Q: Which companies can I import from for Payroll Transfer Automation?
A: Currently, we support Quickbooks Online, Quickbooks Desktop, and ADP Run. We don’t support Paylocity yet, but will add more providers over the coming months.
Q: Can you address transitional or historical payroll?
A: Not yet. We are currently building a similar tool for importing historical payrolls and employee hours for payroll.
Q: If I import a client transfer in the middle of a quarter, does it account for taxes paid?
A: No. Today, Payroll Transfer Automation supports the import of employee information only. Previous payroll information—including taxes paid—is coming soon.
Q: How do I use the PTO feature when running payroll?
A: When you transfer from Quickbooks Online, Quickbooks Desktop, and ADP Run, the PTA employee import feature is available in your setup timeline.
Q: Will PTA help with company mergers?
A: Currently, Payroll Transfer Automation only works with companies being moved from other payroll providers for the first time.
Q: How do I upload a document?
A: Find detailed instructions on which documents are required and where you can find them here.
