Small business owners looking for a fast, simple payroll processing solution will want to check out Roll by ADP. It promises to make running payroll from your mobile phone as simple as sending a text.

Intrigued? Learn more in our Roll by ADP review. 

How Does Roll by ADP Work?

Roll by ADP is a chat-based payroll app that leverages generative AI to make payroll runs simple. 

Like most mobile apps, you must first download it from the Apple App Store (for iPhone or iPad) or Google Play store (for Android) and create your account. From there you will need to set it up for your business and start the self-service onboarding process. You can also set up your account at Rollbyadp.com. 

The setup promises to be straightforward. You’ll be prompted at each step and ADP says onboarding can take only 15 minutes. Just remember to have the necessary employee and business documents ready to go. Once you are all set up it is simple to carry out key tasks. 

Running payroll, applying wage garnishments, giving raises, and more is done by simply ‘chatting’ in the app and following any additional instructions. Thanks to the chat-based technology and generative AI you can even get answers to basic questions such as when someone was hired, how additional employees can affect your taxes, what types of tax credits you may be eligible for, and more.

What Features Does Roll by ADP Offer for Small Business Payroll Management?

Roll by ADP is specifically targeted to small businesses.  This payroll solution is designed to offer the basics at an affordable price. So what do you get as a part of your monthly subscription? 

Important features include:

• Run payroll from your mobile device
• Unlimited payroll runs including off-cycle runs
• Payroll in all 50 states
• Ability to apply wage garnishments
• Quickbooks Online integration
• Mobile app for yourself and employees
•  Mobile notifications
• AI to help you through your payroll tasks/questions
• Additional online help 
• Ability to run payroll for W-2 and 1099 employees/contractors
• Option to give bonuses easily
• Use chat to give employee raises
• Direct deposit/next-day deposit/and same day check payments
• Transportation industry payments available (pay by mile, per diem, load, layover pay, etc.) 
• Download tax statements

Employees get their own mobile payroll app. They can use it for onboarding, signing up for benefits, setting up direct deposit, viewing their pay stubs and tax filing info, updating their banking details, and more. They can set up alerts for payday. 

Is Roll by ADP Free?

No, Roll by ADP is not free, but it does offer a free 3-month trial so you can test it out and see if it is the right fit for your business. 

After the first three months,  expect to pay $29 a month along with an additional $5 for each W-2 or 1099 employee/contractor you have on Roll per month.  

No long-term contract is required. With the three-month trial, it will give you time to try it out to decide whether it meets your business needs. 

At this price point it compares very favorably with other small business payroll services. 

What Is the Difference Between ADP Run and Roll by ADP?

ADP,  Inc. is a payroll provider founded in 1949. It offers payroll services for both small and large employers. 

Its products for small businesses (1-49 employees) include Run Powered by ADP and Roll by ADP. 

Run Powered by ADP is similar to Roll by ADP in that they both offer payroll software, but Run offers a much wider range of products. 

There are four different payroll packages offered under Run Powered by ADP: Essential, Enhanced, Complete, and HR Pro. The Essential product is for small businesses with basic payroll needs. At the highest level, you’ll get advanced human resources support. 

Pricing and features for Run Powered by ADP differ between the plans, but you must fill out a form and request a quote to get full pricing details. That makes it difficult to comparison shop without providing your contact information to ADP. 

Is Roll by ADP Legit?

Roll by ADP is a newer service from ADP, which has been doing payroll for more than seventy years. It serves small, mid-sized, and large businesses. It is publicly traded on Nasdaq (ADP). It has a Better Business Bureau rating of A+. 

ADP’s Trustpilot reviews run an average of 1.5 stars out of 5, with most complaints mentioning customer support problems. 

In the Google Play store, users rate it an average 4.3 stars out of 5 with over 1250 reviews. And in the App Store, it gets an average rating of 4.6 with more than 930 reviews. (Reviews and ratings as of the time this article was written.)

How Much Does It Cost To Run an Off Cycle Payroll in ADP?

With Roll by ADP running an off cycle payroll is free. This feature is included in your monthly fee so you don’t have to worry about additional charges. 

If you are worried about using the app because you pay out bonuses frequently, don’t. It is designed to make it easy to give out next day bonuses. It is also easy to give raises and apply wage garnishments through the app.

Can I Use Roll by ADP for Payroll if I Have Contractors and Not Employees?

Yes, Roll by ADP supports both employees and independent contractors. 

With the Roll by ADP app you have the option to set up seasonal/part-time/full-time employees with a W-2 and independent contractors with a 1099. 

When you hire a new employee or contractor all you need to do is use the chat function and type ‘Hire employee’ and it will walk you through the steps to add them. 

You will select if they will need a W-2 or 1099 and from there enter their personal information, your EIN, the relevant bank account information for payment. (Note that payroll typically must be paid from a business bank account, not a business credit card.)

How Do I Set up Payroll With Roll by ADP for My Small Business?

Setting up payroll with Roll by ADP is simple as long as you have a few things in place. 

Before setting up payroll with Roll by ADP you should make sure you have your EIN, necessary state business licenses (if applicable), a payroll/benefits policy, a business bank account(s), and relevant employee tax information. 

THis information will help you create your account. You will be guided through the setup process by the chat feature in the program. It will ask you questions related to your business structure, your tax ID numbers, your payroll schedule, who will be on payroll, the relevant information for each employee/contractor, etc.

If you need more help, it is available through live chat support. 

Roll by ADP handles payroll tax payments as well. It will calculate your payroll taxes each pay period, calculate tax withholding, file your payroll taxes, and remit those payments for you. 

Can Roll by ADP Integrate With Quickbooks?

Yes, Roll by ADP does integrate with Quickbooks Online. ADP instructs you to login into your Roll by ADP account and then use the chat feature to get instructions on the integration process. 

Quickbooks shares integration instructions for Run by ADP. Run does integrate with both Quickbooks Online and Desktop, so there are some differences there but the setup seems straightforward. For Run by ADP,  you login into the account, go to setup “General Ledger”, and then once you are there all you need to do is select login to Quickbooks and from there follow the steps they provide.

Is Roll by ADP Worth It?

Roll by ADP is a competitive option for small businesses with basic payroll needs. ADP payroll services have been around for a long time, giving the company a deep background in payroll processing. 

You’ll want to compare it with other services to find the best small business payroll service for your needs.