Buyer's Guide · India
Best Payroll Software in India (2026)
By Rajat Gupta, Founder & Lead Reviewer
Also available in:
This guide ranks the 10 best Payroll Software options available in India as of 2026, ordered by SpotScore — a composite of ratings, verified reviews, and feature coverage. All tools listed support Indian compliance requirements and are evaluated for suitability in the Indian market.
Top Payroll Software in India: Quick Comparison
Ranked by SpotScore — a composite of ratings, reviews, and feature coverage
| # | Product | SpotScore | Rating | Starting price | Pricing model | Local compliance (vendor-listed) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | factoHR | 9.3 | 4.0/5 (10) | See pricing | Free Trial, Quotation Based | — |
| 2 | greytHR | 9.1 | 4.9/5 (311) | See pricing | Free Trial, Freemium, Subscription | — |
| 3 | Paybooks | 8.5 | 5.0/5 (3) | See pricing | Free Trial, Quotation Based, Subscription | — |
| 4 | SumoPayroll | 8.5 | 3.8/5 (6) | See pricing | Freemium, Subscription, Quotation Based | GST, TDS |
| 5 | Make My Office | 8.3 | 2.0/5 (2) | See pricing | Freemium, One-time license, Subscription | — |
| 6 | Elite HRMS | 8.0 | — | See pricing | Subscription | — |
| 7 | Hive Payroll | 7.8 | 5.0/5 (1) | From $17 /month | Free Trial, Subscription | Professional Tax |
| 8 | Gen Payroll Software | 7.7 | — | From INR 17000 /year | Free Trial, Subscription | TDS, PF / ESI |
| 9 | 247HRM | 7.7 | 4.4/5 (150) | See pricing | Quotation Based, Subscription | — |
| 10 | Goodbook | 7.0 | — | See pricing | Freemium, Subscription | — |
1. factoHR
Streamline HR management and focus on growth.
- SpotScore
- 9.3/10
- User rating
- Pricing model
- Free Trial, Quotation Based
- Availability
- Available in India
FactoHR is a mobile-first, fully integrated HCM platform designed to empower businesses in building a high-performing workforce while streamlining HR operations. The solution offers a feature-rich mobile app, enabling employees to access their data and perform HR tasks anytime, anywhere, enhancing engagement and productivity. With top-notch security, including encryption at rest and SOC Type 2 certified cloud data centers, FactoHR ensures data privacy and protection. Its all-in-one platform centralizes core HR functions, time and attendance, payroll, performance management, onboarding, and expense management into a cohesive system. Scalable for startups to large enterprises, it provides a smooth user experience with an intuitive interface. FactoHR’s performance module uses an OKR-based system, while the employee self-service portal reduces HR workload by providing direct data access. The platform also supports contactless attendance, AI-powered face recognition, geo-fencing, and a mobile-driven chatbot to resolve employee queries efficiently. Comprehensive retirement benefits management is integrated for provident funds, gratuity, and pensions. FactoHR ultimately helps organizations automate HR tasks, enhance employee experience, and drive business growth.
2. greytHR
Streamline payroll management, anytime, anywhere.
- SpotScore
- 9.1/10
- User rating
- Pricing model
- Free Trial, Freemium, Subscription
- Availability
- Available in India
GreytHR is a cloud-based HR and payroll platform used primarily by small and mid-sized companies in India that need to manage statutory compliance, attendance, and salary processing without a large HR department. It handles PF, ESI, TDS, and other Indian regulatory requirements alongside leave management and employee self-service, replacing the manual spreadsheet workflows common in growing Indian businesses. Customer support response times are frequently highlighted as a strength relative to comparable platforms in the segment.
3. Paybooks
Effortlessly manage payroll with Paybooks.
- SpotScore
- 8.5/10
- User rating
- Pricing model
- Free Trial, Quotation Based, Subscription
- Availability
- Available in India
Paybooks is payroll software for HR teams in mid-sized to large companies managing payroll across multiple business units or tax jurisdictions. It handles salary calculation, statutory compliance, and supports both cloud and on-premise deployment depending on IT policy. Setup requires configuration time, but the platform scales well across multiple company profiles and geographies.
4. SumoPayroll
Simplify payroll, streamline HR.
- SpotScore
- 8.5/10
- User rating
- Pricing model
- Freemium, Subscription, Quotation Based
- Availability
- Available in India
SumoPayroll is payroll software built for small businesses with fewer than 50 employees who need salary calculations, deductions, and pay disbursements handled without a complex HR suite. It combines payroll accounting and payment processing in a single lightweight interface, keeping setup and ongoing use manageable for HR managers without a dedicated payroll background. Teams expecting to scale past 50 employees will likely need to migrate to a platform with broader HR and compliance capabilities.
5. Make My Office
Effortlessly manage payroll and benefits.
- SpotScore
- 8.3/10
- User rating
- Pricing model
- Freemium, One-time license, Subscription
- Availability
- Available in India
Make My Office is payroll software for small businesses that need employee pay processing, tax management, and leave tracking in a self-contained system without purchasing separate add-on modules. It is designed so small HR or operations teams can handle payroll end-to-end from a single interface rather than coordinating across multiple tools. Integration documentation is limited, so businesses with existing accounting or HRIS systems should confirm compatibility before committing.
6. Elite HRMS
Effortless payroll, maximized resources, better business.
- SpotScore
- 8.0/10
- Pricing model
- Subscription
- Availability
- Available in India
Elite HRMS is revolutionizing the HR sector with its payroll automation capabilities. Providing a reliable and streamlined approach, this software helps professionals save time and effort spent on traditional manual processes, while also reducing input errors. In addition, the software facilitates optimized management of resources and help businesses to make the best use of the company’s most important asset - their people. With Elite HRMS, running payroll has never been more effortless.
7. Hive Payroll
Streamlining payroll management, one click at a time.
- SpotScore
- 7.8/10
- User rating
- Starting price
- From $17 /month (Standard plan)Vendor-listed price, Jun 2025
- Pricing model
- Free Trial, Subscription
- Availability
- Available in India
Hive Payroll is payroll software for single-site and multi-site businesses that need payslip generation, deductions management, and statutory compliance handled without separate tools for each function. It consolidates pay calculations and compliance tracking into one interface, reducing the manual coordination between finance and HR teams at payroll close. Reporting and analytics depth is limited compared to larger platforms, which may matter for businesses that need detailed workforce cost analysis beyond standard payslip data.
Hive Payroll overview · Full Hive Payroll pricing · Hive Payroll reviews
8. Gen Payroll Software
Seamless, efficient, and error-free payroll management solution.
- SpotScore
- 7.7/10
- Starting price
- From INR 17000 /year (Gen Payroll plan)Vendor-listed price, Jun 2026
- Pricing model
- Free Trial, Subscription
- Availability
- Available in India
Introducing Gen Payroll Software, the ultimate solution for managing payroll seamlessly across an unlimited number of companies and employees. This cutting-edge Cloud+Desktop payroll software stands out with its array of advanced features, making it a top choice in the industry. Tailored for modern corporate needs, Gen Payroll Software offers bespoke employee salary slips that can be instantly generated, promoting transparency and accessibility. Simplifying processes like Provident Fund and Employee State Insurance, the software enables direct filing and portal login, providing a comprehensive view of the entire payroll system for efficient record tracking. Enhanced with intelligent attendance tracking utilizing biometric technology, accurate time reporting is ensured for all employees. The software allows for custom salary setups, accommodating unique compensation structures and various payment cycles to cater to the specific needs of businesses, whether small or large. With Gen Payroll Software, HR professionals gain access to a powerful toolkit that facilitates error-free payroll management, optimizing processes from attendance tracking to final salary distribution. This robust software streamlines operations, ensuring precision, compliance, and employee satisfaction. A must-have for businesses prioritizing streamlined payroll operations and efficient employee management, Gen Payroll Software sets the standard for excellence in payroll processing while enhancing overall satisfaction and compliance.
Gen Payroll Software overview · Full Gen Payroll Software pricing
9. 247HRM
Streamline your HR processes with 247HRM.
- SpotScore
- 7.7/10
- User rating
- Pricing model
- Quotation Based, Subscription
- Availability
- Available in India
Experience the ultimate solution for managing all your HR and payroll tasks seamlessly with 247HRM. Our innovative platform offers a comprehensive suite of HR software tools to streamline your human resource management processes effortlessly. From handling payroll and taxes to conducting performance evaluations and monitoring employee attendance, 247HRM caters to all your business needs under one roof. Stay informed and in control with our user-friendly interface and interactive charts, providing a quick overview of your HR operations at a glance. Empower your employees with our Employee Self-Service Portal, giving them easy access to vital information and a convenient channel to request assistance whenever necessary. With 247HRM, say goodbye to the complexities of HR management and embrace a new level of efficiency and productivity. Our platform ensures that you can manage every aspect of the HR lifecycle with confidence and ease, allowing you to focus on driving the success of your business. Join 247HRM today and elevate your HR management experience to new heights. Benefit from the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have a trusted partner by your side, committed to delivering the highest quality solutions tailored to your unique requirements. Experience the difference with 247HRM - where excellence in HR management is guaranteed.
10. Goodbook
Effortless payroll at your fingertips.
- SpotScore
- 7.0/10
- Pricing model
- Freemium, Subscription
- Availability
- Available in India
Goodbook is the perfect software for busy professionals seeking the easiest and fastest way to generate custom payslips. Its user friendly interface allows anyone to swiftly and accurately create quality payslips with ease - no prior accounting knowledge needed! Save time and money while ensuring maximum peace of mind by relying on Goodbook to take care of payroll tasks in the most intuitive way. Get the ease and convenience of hassle-free payroll today.
How to Choose Payroll Software in India
In India, managing payroll is a complex task governed by a myriad of regulations that your business must adhere to. The primary governing bodies include the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), and the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN). Your business is required to comply with various laws such as the Payment of Wages Act, 1936, the Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, and the Income Tax Act, 1961. The core challenge you face is ensuring that your payroll software can handle these diverse compliance obligations effectively, as non-compliance can lead to significant penalties and operational disruptions. Selecting the right payroll software is essential for automating calculations, ensuring timely filings, and maintaining accurate records, which are critical for your business's financial health and legal standing.
As of 2025, the adoption of payroll software in India has reached approximately 70% among medium to large enterprises, driven by the mandatory compliance requirements of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF). Major players like Zoho Payroll and GreytHR dominate the market, offering tailored solutions to meet local compliance needs.
Key Regulations
Payment of Wages Act, 1936
This act mandates timely payment of wages to employees, ensuring that salaries are disbursed within a specific timeframe. Your payroll software must include features for calculating wages accurately, maintaining records of wage payments, and generating payslips. Failure to comply can result in penalties of up to ₹500 for each violation, along with potential legal action from employees.
Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952
This act requires employers to contribute a percentage of employees' salaries to the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF). Your payroll software must facilitate automatic calculation of EPF contributions and generate necessary filings to the EPFO. Non-compliance can lead to penalties of up to ₹10,000 and interest on delayed payments.
Income Tax Act, 1961
Under this act, your business is required to deduct tax at source (TDS) from employee salaries and remit it to the Income Tax Department. Payroll software must support TDS calculations, generate Form 16 for employees, and facilitate timely filing of TDS returns. Failure to comply can result in penalties ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹1,00,000, depending on the severity of the violation.
Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017
This act mandates that businesses must comply with GST regulations, including the filing of GST returns. Your payroll software must be capable of integrating with GSTN for auto-filing and generating GST-compliant invoices. Non-compliance can lead to penalties of 10% of the tax due, along with interest on delayed payments.
Maternity Benefit Act, 1961
This act provides maternity benefits to female employees, requiring employers to maintain accurate records of eligible employees and their benefits. Your payroll software must track maternity leave and calculate the corresponding benefits. Non-compliance can result in penalties of up to ₹50,000 and legal repercussions.
Labour Welfare Fund Act, 1952
This act mandates contributions to the Labour Welfare Fund for the welfare of workers. Your payroll software must calculate and manage these contributions based on applicable state laws. Failure to comply can lead to penalties of up to ₹1,000 and potential legal action.
What to Look For
EPF contribution auto-calculation and filing
Your payroll software must automatically calculate EPF contributions based on employee salaries and ensure timely filing with the EPFO. Verify that the vendor can generate the necessary reports and forms required for EPF compliance. This feature is critical to avoid penalties associated with late or incorrect contributions.
TDS deduction and Form 16 generation
The software should facilitate automatic TDS calculations based on the Income Tax Act, 1961, and generate Form 16 for employees. Confirm with vendors that their software can handle various tax slabs and exemptions applicable to your employees. This capability is essential for maintaining compliance and avoiding penalties.
GST return auto-filing via GSTN portal
Your payroll software must support integration with the GSTN portal for seamless auto-filing of GST returns. Ensure the vendor can demonstrate their software's capability to generate GST-compliant invoices and reports. This feature is vital to avoid penalties for late filing or incorrect submissions.
Maternity benefit tracking and calculations
The software should track maternity leave and calculate benefits as per the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961. Verify that the vendor's solution can manage records of eligible employees and ensure compliance with the act. This functionality is crucial to avoid legal repercussions and penalties.
Labour Welfare Fund compliance management
Your payroll software must manage contributions to the Labour Welfare Fund as mandated by state laws. Confirm that the vendor can provide state-specific compliance features and reports. This capability is essential to avoid penalties associated with non-compliance.
Real-time payroll processing
The software should enable real-time payroll processing to accommodate changes in employee status, salary adjustments, and compliance updates. Verify that the vendor's solution can handle mid-cycle changes efficiently. This feature is critical for maintaining accurate payroll and compliance.
Common mistake: A common mistake businesses in India make when purchasing payroll software is overlooking the necessity for TDS compliance features. Many vendors claim to support TDS but lack the capability to generate Form 16, leading to significant penalties for non-compliance. Verify that the software can produce Form 16 before finalizing your purchase to avoid costly repercussions during tax season.
Compliance Checklist
Does the software automatically calculate EPF contributions?
This question is crucial because accurate EPF calculations are mandated by the Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952. If the vendor says no, you risk non-compliance and potential penalties.
Can this software generate Form 16 for TDS compliance?
Generating Form 16 is a requirement under the Income Tax Act, 1961, for TDS compliance. If the vendor cannot confirm this, you may face penalties for failing to provide necessary tax documentation to employees.
Does the software support GST return auto-filing?
This feature is essential for compliance with the Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017. If the vendor cannot confirm this capability, your business may incur penalties for late or incorrect GST filings.
Is the software capable of tracking maternity benefits as per the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961?
Tracking maternity benefits is a legal requirement for compliance with the Maternity Benefit Act. If the vendor says no, your business may face legal repercussions and penalties.
Does the software manage Labour Welfare Fund contributions?
Compliance with the Labour Welfare Fund Act is mandatory for businesses operating in India. If the vendor cannot confirm this, you risk incurring penalties for non-compliance.
Can the software handle real-time payroll adjustments?
Real-time payroll processing is essential for maintaining accurate records and compliance. If the vendor cannot confirm this feature, your payroll may be inaccurate, leading to compliance issues.
Questions to Ask Vendors
- How does your software handle changes in EPF contribution rates?
- Can your software integrate with the GSTN for auto-filing GST returns?
- What is your process for ensuring compliance with the Maternity Benefit Act?
- How do you manage updates to TDS rates in your software?
- Is your software capable of generating state-specific Labour Welfare Fund reports?
Frequently Asked Questions
To ensure compliance with the Income Tax Act, 1961, your payroll software must support TDS calculations and generate Form 16 for employees. Look for vendors that provide features for automatic TDS deduction based on applicable tax slabs and exemptions. Additionally, ensure the software can file TDS returns on time to avoid penalties ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹1,00,000.
Yes, payroll software must manage EPF contributions as mandated by the Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952. The software should automatically calculate contributions based on employee salaries and facilitate timely filings with the EPFO. Non-compliance can lead to penalties of up to ₹10,000 and interest on delayed payments.
Yes, GST compliance is crucial for payroll software in India, especially for businesses required to file GST returns. Your software should integrate with the GSTN for auto-filing and generate GST-compliant invoices. Failure to comply can result in penalties of 10% of the tax due, along with interest on delayed payments.
Penalties for non-compliance with the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, can reach up to ₹50,000, along with potential legal repercussions. Your payroll software must track maternity leave and calculate benefits accurately to ensure compliance. Verify that the vendor's solution includes features for managing maternity benefits.
To ensure compliance with the Labour Welfare Fund Act, 1952, your payroll software must manage contributions based on applicable state laws. Confirm that the vendor can provide state-specific compliance features and reports. Non-compliance can lead to penalties of up to ₹1,000 and potential legal action.
When selecting payroll software for Indian businesses, look for features like automated tax calculations, support for multiple payment methods, compliance with local labor laws, and integration with accounting software. Additionally, ensure it offers employee self-service portals and mobile access for convenience.
Payroll software simplifies compliance with Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) by automating the calculation of TDS deductions based on employee salary and applicable tax slabs. It also generates necessary TDS return forms and reports, making it easier for businesses to file accurate returns on time.
The average cost of payroll software for small businesses in India typically ranges from INR 1,500 to INR 10,000 per month, depending on the features and number of employees. Some providers also offer tiered pricing based on the number of users or payroll runs.
Yes, many payroll software solutions in India offer integration capabilities with HR management systems. This integration helps streamline employee data management, reduces manual entry errors, and ensures that payroll calculations are based on the most current employee information.
The typical implementation timeline for payroll software in India can range from a few weeks to a couple of months. This duration depends on the complexity of the software, the size of the organization, and the amount of data that needs to be migrated from existing systems.
Payroll software can improve the ROI of HR operations in India by reducing administrative costs, minimizing compliance risks, and saving time on payroll processing. By automating payroll tasks, HR teams can focus on strategic initiatives that enhance employee engagement and productivity.
Businesses of all sizes can benefit from payroll software in India, but small to medium-sized enterprises often see the most significant impact. These businesses typically lack extensive HR resources, and payroll software provides them with necessary compliance support and efficiency improvements.
Payroll software plays a crucial role in managing employee benefits in India by automating the calculation and disbursement of benefits such as leave encashment, bonuses, and allowances. It ensures that these benefits are accurately reflected in the payroll process and comply with relevant regulations.
Payroll software supports compliance with the Payment of Gratuity Act by automatically calculating gratuity amounts based on the employee's tenure and final salary. It also helps generate reports and maintain necessary records to ensure timely payment when an employee becomes eligible.
The key differences between cloud-based and on-premise payroll software in India include accessibility, maintenance, and cost. Cloud-based solutions offer remote access and automatic updates, while on-premise solutions require local installation and maintenance but may provide greater control over data security.
Is Zoho Payroll Free?
Zoho People is not part of this ranking, which is scoped to payroll software in India and led by Rippling. Comparing Zoho People against a specific rival is a narrower job than ranking payroll software, and it lives on Zoho People's own pages where the numbers sit next to each other. What Zoho People charges, and what it does not, is on its pricing page alongside the tier limits that decide whether a free plan is workable.
Starting on Payroll Software in India at No Cost
3 of the 10 payroll software ranked here run a free tier you can stay on: greytHR, SumoPayroll and Make My Office. Another 3 open with a free trial, factoHR, Justworks and Paybooks among them. greytHR scores highest of those at 9.1 on 460 verified reviews, which makes it the least expensive way to see the category properly.
- greytHR — free tier · SpotScore 9.1 · 460 verified reviews
- SumoPayroll — free tier · SpotScore 8.5 · 2 verified reviews
- Make My Office — free tier · SpotScore 8.3 · 2,513 verified reviews
- factoHR — free trial · SpotScore 9.3 · 33 verified reviews
- Justworks — free trial · SpotScore 9.2 · 238 verified reviews
- Paybooks — free trial · SpotScore 8.5 · 47 verified reviews
What Is the Best Software for Payroll?
Rippling and Remote.com sit level at the top on a SpotScore of 9.4. Make My Office is reviewed roughly 18 times as heavily as the median tool in this set — 2,513 against 143. 3 of the 10 open with a free trial.
| # | Product | SpotScore | Rating | Verified reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rippling | 9.4 | 4.9 / 5 | 1,022 |
| 2 | Remote.com | 9.4 | 4.4 / 5 | 2 |
| 3 | factoHR | 9.3 | 4.5 / 5 | 33 |
| 4 | Justworks | 9.2 | 4.5 / 5 | 238 |
| 5 | greytHR | 9.1 | 4.1 / 5 | 460 |
View Payroll Software by Country
Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].