17 Best Church Payroll Services Reviewed in 2025
Best Church Payroll Services Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best services providers from the 17 we reviewed.
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Payroll doesn't need to be a headache, but for many pastors, it often is. Between clergy taxes, housing allowances, and paying both staff and contractors, things can get complicated fast. And if something goes wrong?
You're looking at frustrated staff, possible tax issues, and (in the worst cases) legal trouble. That’s why finding the right church payroll service is so important. The right provider doesn’t just cut checks—it makes sure you’re compliant, organized, and stress-free.
I’ve reviewed the top church payroll services out there. Whether you need hands-on support, automation, or denomination-specific solutions, this guide will help you find the best fit. Let’s break down the best options.
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Best Church Payroll Services Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best church payroll services providers that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a look at each provider’s key services, unique specialties, and pros & cons to help you find the best one for your needs.
Deel is a global payroll and compliance platform designed to help organizations manage and pay their teams across borders. It offers tools for hiring, onboarding, and paying employees and contractors in over 150 countries.
Why I picked Deel: I picked Deel because it makes it easier to manage pay for both local staff and missionaries working abroad. Churches often work with a mix of employees, volunteers, and contractors, and Deel helps keep everything legally compliant with built-in tools for handling employment classification, contracts, taxes, and benefits across countries. This is especially helpful for churches that support missions or hire internationally, since Deel manages all the legal details like minimum wage laws, worker classification, and tax filings for each region.
Standout Services: Deel also provides employer of record services, allowing churches to hire employees without establishing a local entity. Other services include automated payroll processing, which simplifies the task of managing employee wages and deductions, and benefits administration.
Target industries: Churches, ministries, and non-profits.
Specialties: Global payroll, compliance, contractor management, benefits administration, onboarding, and tax filing.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports multiple currencies and payment methods
- Ensures adherence to local tax laws and employment regulations
- Ability to manage payroll globally
Cons:
- Could offer more advanced reporting capabilities
- No church-specific features
ClergyTech provides services such as payroll, accounting, and tax assistance, primarily serving churches and ministries. Their focus is on start-up churches needing personalized financial management and compliance support.
Why I picked ClergyTech: ClergyTech caters to tech-savvy users by offering online client and employee portals for efficient report management. Their full-service payroll management ensures that your team can handle financial tasks effectively. With a focus on personalized support, they help you maintain compliance and manage church finances smoothly.
Standout Services: Their accounting service helps your team keep accurate financial records, which is vital for any church's operations. You’ll also benefit from their consulting services, which provide guidance on financial growth and compliance.
Target industries: Churches, ministries, and non-profit organizations
Specialties: Payroll management, accounting services, tax assistance, consulting, and financial compliance
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Experience with start-up churches
- Focus on compliance
- Online report management
- Expertise in church finances
- Personalized financial support
Cons:
- Basic customer support
- May lack advanced features
- No specified trial offers
- Limited to religious organizations
- No transparent pricing
ConnectPay offers payroll services tailored for small businesses and non-profits, focusing on payroll processing and compliance. Their main client base includes churches and small organizations looking for reliable and personalized payroll solutions.
Why I picked ConnectPay: They provide personalized customer support, ensuring that your team receives the attention needed for effective payroll management. Their user-friendly platform simplifies payroll processing, making it easy for your team to manage tasks. With a focus on compliance, they help you stay up-to-date with changing regulations.
Standout Services: Their HR support services provide guidance on employment laws and best practices, which is crucial for maintaining a compliant workplace. The tax filing service helps your team manage payroll taxes efficiently, reducing the risk of errors and penalties.
Target industries: Churches, small businesses, non-profits, and religious organizations
Specialties: Payroll processing, compliance, personalized support, HR support, and tax filing
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Efficient tax filing
- HR support available
- Compliance-focused services
- User-friendly platform
- Personalized customer support
Cons:
- Basic online resources
- No advanced HR features
- Requires contact for details
- Limited to small organizations
- Pricing not transparent
Down to Basics Payroll offers straightforward payroll services for churches, focusing on payroll processing and tax compliance. Their main client base includes small to medium-sized churches looking for simple and reliable payroll solutions.
Why I picked Down to Basics Payroll: They provide essential payroll functions without unnecessary complexities, making them ideal for churches needing basic payroll support. Their services include payroll tax filing and direct deposit, ensuring your team can manage payroll efficiently. With a focus on simplicity and reliability, they help you stay compliant without added stress.
Standout Services: Their online payroll system enables your team to process payroll from any location, offering flexibility and convenience. The dedicated customer support ensures you have a reliable point of contact for addressing payroll queries and issues.
Target industries: Churches, religious organizations, and small non-profits
Specialties: Payroll processing, tax compliance, direct deposit, online payroll, and customer support
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Dedicated customer support
- Direct deposit available
- Online payroll processing
- Focus on small to medium churches
- Simple and reliable services
Cons:
- Requires contact for details
- Basic online resources
- No advanced features
- Pricing not transparent
- Limited service range
ChurchBiz offers payroll and bookkeeping services tailored for churches and non-profit organizations, focusing on employee payments and tax filings. Their main client base consists of religious institutions needing specialized financial management.
Why I picked ChurchBiz: ChurchBiz differentiates itself by combining payroll with bookkeeping services, making it a one-stop solution for financial management. This integration helps your team maintain financial transparency and accountability. If you're looking for efficient management of both payroll and accounting, ChurchBiz offers a cohesive package.
Standout Services: You’ll appreciate online paystub access for its convenience in managing employee records efficiently. Their W2 and 1099 preparation service addresses essential tax filing needs, ensuring your church remains compliant.
Target industries: Churches, non-profit organizations, and religious institutions
Specialties: Payroll services, bookkeeping, tax filings, financial transparency, and accounting services
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Discounts on finance courses
- Monthly newsletter updates
- Online paystub access
- Tailored for churches
- Combines payroll with bookkeeping
Cons:
- Basic customer support
- No free trial for services
- May lack advanced features
- Limited to religious institutions
- Higher starting price
Clergy Financial Resources offers church payroll, tax preparation, and HR support services, primarily serving churches of various sizes. Their focus is on simplifying payroll processes and ensuring compliance with clergy tax law.
Why I picked Clergy Financial Resources: They emphasize tax compliance by including W-2 and 1099 filings and tax resolution services within their payroll offerings. Their fixed pricing model ensures transparency, avoiding hidden fees that can complicate budgeting. With expertise in clergy tax law, they provide a reliable and compliant payroll solution for your church.
Standout Services: Their employee handbook creation helps your team establish clear policies and expectations, vital for maintaining a structured work environment. The online HR Support Center provides real-time assistance and resources, addressing your HR needs efficiently.
Target industries: Churches, religious organizations, and ministries
Specialties: Church payroll, tax preparation, bookkeeping, HR support, and clergy tax law compliance
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Online HR support center
- Dedicated support team
- Unlimited payroll processing
- Fixed pricing with no hidden fees
- Expertise in clergy tax law
Cons:
- Basic online resources
- May lack advanced HR features
- No specified trial period
- Starting price may increase with size
About His Business offers bookkeeping and payroll services tailored for churches, focusing on financial management and compliance. Their main client base includes churches seeking assistance with budgeting and financial reporting.
Why I picked About His Business: They emphasize mission-driven financial management, providing services like bookkeeping and CFO-level consultations to help your team manage resources effectively. Their focus on stewardship ensures that your church's finances are handled responsibly. With timely financial reports, they support your church's mission by allowing staff to focus on ministry.
Standout Services: Their budgeting assistance helps your team allocate resources efficiently, which is crucial for maintaining financial stability. The CFO-level consultations provide strategic financial insights, assisting your church in making informed decisions about resource management.
Target industries: Churches and religious organizations
Specialties: Bookkeeping, payroll management, budgeting assistance, CFO consultations, and financial compliance
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Onboarding discount available
- Timely financial reports
- CFO-level consultations
- Emphasis on stewardship
- Mission-driven financial focus
Cons:
- Basic online resources
- No online pricing details
- Requires contact for details
- Limited to churches
- Pricing not transparent
ChurchShield offers specialized payroll services for churches, focusing on ministerial compensation and compliance with specific laws. Their main client base includes churches that require accurate processing and correction of common payroll errors.
Why I picked ChurchShield: ChurchShield differentiates itself with its emphasis on comprehensive protection through a range of payroll services. Their full-service payroll options ensure that your team can manage ministerial compensation effectively. With over 100 years of combined experience, they offer the expertise necessary for addressing unique church payroll complexities.
Standout Services: Their time and attendance tracking solutions help your team efficiently manage work hours and payroll. The strong customer service ensures that you have reliable support for addressing any payroll-related issues.
Target industries: Churches and religious organizations
Specialties: Ministerial compensation, payroll compliance, error correction, time tracking, and customer service
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Focus on compliance
- Strong customer service
- Full-service options available
- Experienced team
- Specialized in church payroll
Cons:
- May lack advanced features
- Requires contact for details
- No online pricing details
- Limited to church services
- Pricing not transparent
SimplifyChurch offers payroll services tailored to churches, focusing on key functions like onboarding employees and automating payroll taxes. Their main client base consists of small churches needing specialized payroll solutions.
Why I picked SimplifyChurch: Small churches have unique payroll challenges—employee status, tax withholdings, and just keeping it all straight. SimplifyChurch gets that. They offer an affordable payroll solution built for churches like yours, with direct deposit and easy-to-use resources. No extra fluff. Just the support you actually need.
Standout Services: You’ll find online giving integration useful for managing donations and contributions efficiently. Their church bookkeeping service addresses core financial management needs, helping you keep track of your church’s finances accurately.
Target industries: Churches, religious organizations, and small ministries
Specialties: Church payroll, employee onboarding, payroll tax automation, direct deposit, and financial management
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Resources for church growth
- Online giving integration
- Direct deposit options
- Affordable pricing
- Tailored for small churches
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Basic customer support
- Not suitable for large organizations
- May lack advanced features
MinistryWorks provides payroll services tailored specifically for ministries, focusing on payroll processing, tax filing, and compliance with religious organization regulations. Their main client base includes churches and ministries looking for efficient and cost-effective payroll solutions.
Why I picked MinistryWorks: MinistryWorks is ideal for ministry-specific needs, offering services like time and attendance tracking and pay-as-you-go workers' compensation. They provide personal payroll experts to assist your team, ensuring smooth payroll processing. Their focus on saving you time and money makes them a strong choice for religious organizations.
Standout Services: Their ACA reporting helps you stay compliant with healthcare regulations, which is crucial for your ministry's operations. The human capital management service gives you tools to manage your workforce efficiently, addressing core HR needs.
Target industries: Ministries, churches, religious organizations, and non-profits
Specialties: Payroll processing, tax filing, compliance, time tracking, and human capital management
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Human capital management
- Focus on compliance
- Time and cost-efficient
- Personal payroll experts
- Tailored for ministries
Cons:
- Basic online resources
- Requires contact for pricing
- May lack advanced HR features
- Limited to religious organizations
- Pricing not transparent
Other Church Payroll Services
Here are some additional church payroll services providers that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Payroll for Pastors
For pastor payroll
- Brotherhood Mutual
For insurance integration
- PeopleWorx
For HR integration
- Checkwise Payroll
For detailed payroll reporting
- Live Your Parable
For small church communities
- Wespath
For tax compliance solutions
- Complete Payroll Solutions
For scalable payroll systems
- Crosstribe Advisory
For clergy tax services
What Are Church Payroll Services?
Church payroll services are specialized services designed to handle the payroll needs of churches and religious organizations. They might offer things like:
- Payroll processing and direct deposit
- Tax filing and compliance assistance
- Employee benefits management
- Time and attendance tracking
Typically, church administrators and financial departments seek out church payroll services to ensure accurate payroll processing and compliance with tax regulations. These services help address the unique payroll challenges faced by religious organizations.
Church Payroll Services Selection Criteria
When selecting the best church payroll services providers to include in this list, I considered common business needs and pain points that these providers address. This included things like managing clergy tax compliance and ensuring accurate payroll processing. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Services (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each provider had to offer these basic services:
- Payroll processing
- Tax filing and compliance
- Direct deposit
- Employee benefits management
- Time and attendance tracking
Additional Standout Services (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique or especially valuable services, such as:
- Clergy-specific tax advice
- Customizable payroll reports
- Integration with church management software
- Multi-location payroll management
- Online employee self-service portals
Industry Experience (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the industry experience of each provider, I considered the following:
- Years in the church payroll industry
- Number of churches served
- Expertise in clergy tax regulations
- Partnerships with religious organizations
- History of serving non-profit sectors
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each provider, I considered the following:
- Ease of setup process
- Availability of training materials
- Support during initial setup
- Clarity of onboarding instructions
- Time taken to complete onboarding
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess the level of customer support each provider offers, I considered the following:
- Availability of live support
- Response time to inquiries
- Expertise of support staff
- Availability of online resources
- Customer satisfaction with support
Value for Price (10% of total score)
To evaluate the pricing and potential ROI of working with each provider, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing
- Transparency of pricing structure
- Flexibility of payment plans
- Cost versus service offerings
- Discounts for non-profits
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the overall satisfaction of existing customers, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Overall satisfaction ratings
- Feedback on service reliability
- Comments on ease of use
- Reviews on customer support
- Testimonials on service impact
How to Choose a Church Payroll Services Provider
It’s easy to get bogged down in long lists of services and complex pricing structures. To help you prioritize the things that matter most for your business, keep the following factors in mind:
| Factor | What to Consider |
| Business Objectives | Ensure the provider aligns with your church's goals, such as simplifying payroll tasks or ensuring compliance with clergy-specific tax regulations. |
| Service Scope and SLAs | Check if they offer all necessary services and have clear Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to meet your church's needs, like payroll processing and tax filing. |
| Support Availability | Look for providers offering 24/7 support or dedicated account managers to assist your team with any issues that may arise. |
| Costs and Pricing Structure | Compare pricing plans and ensure transparency. Look for flat fees or tiered structures that fit your budget without hidden costs. |
| Communication and Reporting | Assess how often they provide updates and reports on payroll activities, ensuring you remain informed and compliant. |
| Integration Capabilities | Ensure the service can integrate with your existing church management systems for a more efficient workflow. |
| Customization Options | Check if the provider allows for customization to tailor services specifically to your church’s unique requirements. |
| Reputation and Reviews | Read reviews and seek recommendations from other churches to gauge reliability and satisfaction with the service. |
Key Church Payroll Services
When selecting a church payroll services provider, keep an eye out for the following key services:
- Payroll processing: Efficiently handles payroll calculations and ensures timely payment to your staff.
- Tax filing and compliance: Manages tax filings and ensures your church complies with relevant tax regulations.
- Direct deposit: Provides electronic payment options for employees, eliminating the need for paper checks.
- Employee benefits management: Assists in administering benefits like health insurance and retirement plans.
- Time and attendance tracking: Monitors employee work hours to ensure accurate payroll calculations.
- Clergy-specific tax advice: Offers guidance on unique tax issues faced by clergy members.
- Integration with church management software: Ensures compatibility with existing systems for streamlined operations.
- Customizable payroll reports: Provides detailed reports tailored to your church’s specific financial needs.
- Online employee self-service portals: Allows employees to access pay stubs and tax documents online.
- Compliance reporting: Keeps your church updated on necessary documentation to avoid penalties.
Benefits of Church Payroll Services
Partnering with a church payroll services provider offers several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Time savings: Automates payroll processing and tax filings, freeing up time for your team to focus on ministry.
- Accurate payments: Ensures precise payroll calculations and timely payments, reducing errors and financial discrepancies.
- Tax compliance: Keeps your church compliant with tax regulations, avoiding penalties and legal issues.
- Employee satisfaction: Provides direct deposit and self-service portals, making it easy for staff to access their pay and benefits.
- Financial transparency: Offers customizable reports and compliance updates, helping you maintain clear and accurate financial records.
- Clergy support: Provides specific tax advice for clergy, addressing unique financial needs and obligations.
- Integration ease: Works with existing church management software, simplifying your administrative processes.
Costs and Pricing Structures of Church Payroll Services
Church payroll services typically come at a custom price to accommodate various business needs, sizes, and circumstances. Providers generally work within one of the following pricing structures:
- Subscription-based: Charges a recurring fee, often monthly or annually, for ongoing payroll services.
- Per employee per month: Costs are based on the number of employees, providing a scalable solution for growing churches.
- Tiered pricing: Offers different levels of service packages, each with varying features and costs.
- Flat fee: Provides a fixed cost for specific services, offering predictability in budgeting.
- Pay-as-you-go: Charges only for the services used, allowing flexibility for churches with varying needs.
Key Factors That Influence Church Payroll Services Pricing
Beyond the specific pricing model, here are some additional factors that can influence the cost of church payroll services:
- Number of employees: More employees can lead to higher costs due to increased processing and reporting needs.
- Customization needs: Tailoring services to fit your church's unique requirements can lead to additional charges.
- Compliance requirements: Adhering to specific tax regulations and industry standards might increase service costs.
- Frequency of payroll runs: More frequent payroll processing can result in higher expenses.
- Integration capabilities: Costs may rise if services need to integrate with existing church management systems.
Being aware of these factors before you start seeking out custom quotes from providers helps you get a sense of what to expect, and compare and contrast quotes more effectively.
Church Payroll Services: FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about church payroll services:
How do church payroll services handle clergy taxes?
Church payroll services understand the unique tax situations clergy face, such as housing allowances and self-employment taxes. They ensure your payroll complies with IRS regulations and helps you avoid penalties. By managing these complexities, they allow your team to focus on ministry rather than tax details.
Can church payroll services manage multiple locations?
Yes, many church payroll services can handle payroll for multiple locations. They consolidate payroll information from various sites, ensuring consistency and compliance across your entire organization. This is particularly beneficial if your church has campuses in different states with varying tax requirements.
What kind of reports can church payroll services provide?
Church payroll services typically offer detailed payroll reports, including employee earnings, tax deductions, and benefits. These reports help you track financial data and make informed decisions. They can also provide customized reports to meet specific needs, like budgeting or financial planning.
How often should we run payroll with a service provider?
The frequency of payroll runs depends on your church’s needs. Many providers offer flexible options, such as weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly payroll processing. It’s important to choose a schedule that aligns with your financial planning and ensures timely payments to your staff.
Are church payroll services secure?
Reputable church payroll services prioritize data security and use advanced measures to protect your information. They often employ encryption and secure servers to safeguard sensitive data. It’s crucial to verify a provider’s security protocols before partnering with them to ensure your peace of mind.
How can church payroll services improve our efficiency?
By outsourcing payroll tasks, you reduce the administrative burden on your team. This allows you to allocate resources more effectively and focus on your core mission. With professional payroll management, you can minimize errors and ensure compliance, leading to smoother operations overall.
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