Pros
- Solo plan built for paying yourself a reasonable salary as an S corp
- Unlimited payrolls with automatic tax filings
- Contractor payments and 1099s
- No contracts, free setup
Cons
- Per-person fee adds up with larger teams
Gusto at a glance
| Price | Solo/Simple $49/mo + $6/person · Plus $80 + $12 · Premium $180 + $22 |
|---|---|
| What you get | Unlimited payrolls, automatic tax filings; Solo plan for S corp owner-employees |
Good fit if you are…
- LLCs taxed as an S corp
- Small teams that want unlimited payroll runs
Look elsewhere if you are…
- Single-member LLCs taxed as sole proprietors (no payroll needed)
How to get started with Gusto
- Decide your reasonable salary if your LLC is taxed as an S corp.
- Create an account on Gusto and add your EIN and state tax accounts.
- Add yourself and any employees or contractors.
- Run the first payroll — taxes are calculated and filed for you.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Gusto cost?
From $49/mo + $6/person. Price: Solo/Simple $49/mo + $6/person · Plus $80 + $12 · Premium $180 + $22. What you get: Unlimited payrolls, automatic tax filings; Solo plan for S corp owner-employees. Verified October 18, 2026 on Gusto’s website.
Is Gusto good for an LLC?
The simplest way we found to run owner payroll once your LLC elects S corp status: the $49 Solo plan files payroll taxes automatically and includes a reasonable-salary calculator. Good fit: llcs taxed as an s corp; small teams that want unlimited payroll runs.
What are the downsides of Gusto?
Per-person fee adds up with larger teams.
What are the alternatives to Gusto?
.
How do I sign up for Gusto?
1. Decide your reasonable salary if your LLC is taxed as an S corp. 2. Create an account on Gusto and add your EIN and state tax accounts. 3. Add yourself and any employees or contractors. 4. Run the first payroll — taxes are calculated and filed for you.
General information from IRS publications, not tax advice. Your situation may differ — confirm with a CPA or enrolled agent before you act. Verified October 18, 2026. We may earn a commission if you sign up through our links, at no cost to you. How we’re funded.
Your LLC setup checklist
- Get a free EINFrom the IRS, in minutes online.
- Open a business bank accountKeep LLC money apart from yours to protect the liability shield.
- Sign an operating agreementSettle who owns and decides what before it matters.
- Get business insuranceCover what the LLC itself doesn’t protect.
- Plan your taxesKnow your tax status and federal due dates.
- Track state deadlinesFree reminders before each filing.
Everything in one list: printable LLC compliance checklist · live deadline calendar.