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Run the Payroll Fee Auditor →Blog · Payroll Management · Auto Dealership
Auto Dealerships: Payroll Software vs. Managed Payroll Service (2026)
Auto dealerships evaluating payroll options typically compare managed payroll service against payroll software. Here is the honest comparison.
Managed payroll service (like BEG) means a provider processes payroll for you. You submit hours and changes; they handle the rest including tax deposits, compliance, and year-end forms.
Payroll software (Gusto, ADP Run, Paychex Flex) means you run payroll yourself using a platform. You are responsible for configuring it correctly and keeping up with compliance changes.
Side-by-Side Comparison for Auto Dealerships
| Payroll Task | Managed Payroll | DIY Software |
|---|---|---|
| Front-end and back-end commission structures setup | Configured for you | You configure |
| Tax deposits | Handled | You are responsible |
| Compliance updates | Applied automatically | Your responsibility |
| Multi-state filing | Included | Varies by plan |
| Year-end W-2s | Included | Included or add-on |
| Payroll errors | Provider corrects at cost | Your cost to fix |
| New hire onboarding | Handled | You set up |
Which Is Right for Auto Dealerships?
For most auto dealerships under 100 employees, managed payroll wins on total cost and compliance coverage. The tradeoff -- giving up direct software access -- is outweighed by removing the compliance risk that comes with self-managing front-end and back-end commission structures, flat-rate tech pay, F&I chargebacks, draw-against-commission.
Payroll software makes sense if you have dedicated in-house HR staff with genuine expertise in Auto Dealerships payroll compliance, prefer hands-on control, and have a low tolerance for vendor dependency. These are real advantages, but they come with real responsibility.
Managed Payroll, Handled.
BEG manages payroll at $25-$45 per employee per month, all-inclusive. Get an instant cost comparison for your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you handle front-end and back-end commission for salespeople?
Front-end gross profit commission and back-end finance reserve commission are both processed through payroll. We receive deal sheet data, calculate total commission, and include it with correct supplemental withholding.
How do you handle flat-rate pay for service technicians?
Flat-rate pay is calculated based on flagged hours at the technician's flag rate. We run compliance checks to ensure flat-rate pay meets minimum wage requirements for hours clocked.
What about F&I manager chargebacks?
F&I chargebacks are handled as negative adjustments in the current pay period with documentation for audit purposes.
What does BEG charge for auto dealership payroll?
Dealership payroll runs at $25-$45 per employee per month. Commission processing, flat-rate tech pay, and chargeback adjustments are all included. For a single rooftop with 20 employees, that is $500-$900 per month.
Related Resources
Anthony leads payroll solutions at Business Executive Group, a national managed payroll firm serving businesses across industries including Auto Dealerships. BEG manages payroll at $25-$45 PEPM, all-inclusive, with deep expertise in compliance, multi-state filing, and industry-specific payroll requirements. Get instant pricing at beghr.com.
Authoritative source: U.S. Department of Labor: Wage and Hour Division
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