Payroll Companies & Payroll Services in Evanston, IL

Overview

inFocus Payroll, LLC is a payroll service provider that concentrates on small businesses, shaping each client's payroll arrangement around how that company actually operates rather than pushing a one-size package. The firm handles the core mechanics employers need to pay staff correctly and stay compliant, including direct deposit of wages and the remittance and filing of employer payroll taxes. Its work is carried out by a team of payroll specialists who act as the client's point of contact.

The company positions itself both as a full-service processor and as a resource for employers who need specialist help covering gaps that a former provider left behind. Plans are tiered so that buyers pay only for the features they use, and a custom option is available for businesses whose requirements fall outside the standard packages.

Payroll services

Across its tiers, inFocus offers capabilities that scale from simple payroll to more administratively involved arrangements:

• Employee direct deposit and online payroll reports
• Employer tax deposits and tax filings
• Year-end W-2 and 1099 preparation
• New hire reporting
• Employee and employer self-service portals, including online paystubs and W-2s
• Remote check printing, unlimited earning and deduction types, and benefit accrual tracking
• Reporting tailored to each client's preferences
• HR support and HR consulting
• Job costing, multiple pay frequencies, check delivery, and payroll submitted by fax or phone

The entry-level tier suits clients with straightforward needs, such as businesses paying a simple salary, firms that only issue 1099s, S-corporations paying officers only, or companies that run payroll monthly. A middle tier is aimed at clients who prefer to manage more of the process themselves and adds expert guidance, while the top tier layers on extra administrative help and integrations.

Integrations

For employers that rely on other business systems, inFocus connects payroll with third-party tools such as time clocks, 401(k) plans, workers' compensation coverage, accounting software, flexible spending accounts, and applicant tracking systems. This lets payroll data flow into the rest of a client's operations instead of being re-entered by hand.

How they work with clients

The firm emphasizes responsive support, stating that help is available around the clock every day of the week, and its staff will visit a client's office in person when needed. Prospective clients can start with a free consultation carrying no obligation, intended to identify the most suitable setup. Rather than steering buyers into a bundle, inFocus builds tailored plans that leave out unneeded products.

Background and clients

inFocus Payroll operates from an office in Evanston, Illinois, and serves businesses across a range of sectors.

Case studies on its site feature Menlo Innovations, a firm that designs and develops software; 3ality Digital, a producer of live-action 3D film, concert, sports, and commercial content; GPA Management, a property management company serving rental properties and associations; Distributive Design, a creative and advertising services firm; and Adventa Corporation, a provider of technical and engineering services to large companies in the Southeast.

For buyers comparing providers, its main distinctions are modular pricing, hands-on access to experienced staff, and the option of on-site service.

Michael Hinze CPA PC is a small certified public accounting practice in Evanston, Illinois, also known as North Shore Tax and Accounting. Buyers looking at payroll providers should know that this firm handles payroll as part of a wider tax and accounting relationship. It is not a standalone payroll processor. Its clients are mostly small businesses, nonprofit organizations and individuals in Evanston and nearby North Shore communities.

Payroll and Accounting Services

The firm offers bookkeeping and payroll support to the business and nonprofit organizations that use it for tax work. These services are bundled into the business tax engagement instead of being billed as a separate line item. That suits owners who want one firm to manage their books, staff pay and tax filings.

The work covers monthly payroll along with write-up accounting done each quarter and at year-end. The firm also lists QuickBooks among its accounting and payroll services. It treats payroll and bookkeeping as the base for its tax compliance and planning work, so the numbers behind each return come from records the firm keeps itself.

• Monthly payroll processing for business and nonprofit clients
• Quarterly and annual write-up accounting
• QuickBooks-based bookkeeping support
• Business, individual, trust and estate tax compliance
• Mid-year and year-end tax planning
• Sales and use tax returns and estimated tax vouchers
• Help with IRS correspondence, including CP2000 notices

Tax Compliance and Planning

Tax work is the core of the practice. The firm prepares returns for individuals and couples filing Form 1040 and for growing small businesses, as well as for trusts and estates. It also prepares sales and use tax filings and estimated payment vouchers. When the IRS proposes changes to a return, as in a CP2000 notice, the firm helps clients respond. Planning sessions take place at mid-year and again near year-end, so clients can adjust before deadlines arrive.

How the Firm Works With Clients

Clients can call on the firm for tax advice year-round, with no limit on consultations and no extra fee for them. Mike Hinze, the firm's certified public accountant, personally handles every planning session and consultation, so clients deal directly with a licensed CPA and not a rotating staff. Office hours are weekdays, and the firm is closed on weekends.

Background

According to its public business listings, the practice is run by Mike Hinze and Diane Hinze, a husband-and-wife team. The firm was established in 2010 after roughly two decades of professional experience, and the couple report more than 30 years of combined experience in tax and accounting.

As a small business itself, the firm focuses on serving other small enterprises and local residents. It may appeal most to owners who want payroll, bookkeeping and tax planning managed in one place by the same accountant, as opposed to buying payroll software or a high-volume processing service.

ProPayHR is an Evanston, Illinois firm that combines outsourced payroll with human resources support, recruiting and training. It was established in 2012 by professionals who had worked inside the payroll department of a large organization. Over more than a decade they built systems for that employer, and some of those systems remain central to its operations.

The founders started ProPayHR to give smaller employers the same enterprise-grade know-how. Today the company works with startups, small firms, mid-size companies and larger corporations across a range of industries.

Payroll Services

The firm's core work is managed payroll. Its goal is for every employee to receive correct pay on schedule each cycle. Its payroll offering includes:

• Payroll processing with tax filing and new hire reporting
• Direct deposit of employee net pay
• Garnishment processing
• Union payroll support, including consulting on negotiations and union reporting
• Integrated payables handling for a variety of employee deductions
• Multi-state payroll, covering registration, withholding and filings in each state where staff work
• Database setup, implementation and ongoing data management
• Detailed reporting to simplify recordkeeping

Clients use an online platform to update employee records and track requests for time off. Employees can retrieve pay stubs and W-2 forms there. For companies changing providers, ProPayHR manages the transition. It gathers historical data, checks employee records and tests the first runs so the switch does not disrupt payday.

Data Integrity and Compliance

ProPayHR points out that many payroll mistakes start before processing, in timesheets, pay rate tables and employee files. It helps clients set up time tracking so hours move into payroll accurately and overtime is figured properly. It also reviews data throughout the cycle to spot discrepancies before they become paycheck, tax or compliance problems.

The team follows changes in federal, state and local rules, including Illinois requirements such as paid leave legislation, and alerts clients to risks early. Support levels can be matched to each company's needs and budget.

HR, Recruiting and Training

Beyond payroll, the company handles employee relations, benefits administration, labor law compliance and performance management. It also helps employers write clear policies on pay practices and benefits. Its recruiting service looks for candidates who match a client's culture and values. Hands-on training shows client staff how to use the payroll applications, HR tools and hiring practices the firm supports.

How They Work With Clients

ProPayHR describes itself as an extension of each client's own staff. It works at several levels of an organization, from day-to-day payroll contacts up to CFOs and controllers. The team advises on best practices and difficult situations. It also helps leadership plan larger projects and set realistic expectations for them.

Unlike a PEO, it does not enter a co-employment arrangement, so the business remains the sole employer. For buyers weighing outsourcing against an internal hire, the firm offers one team covering payroll, HR, recruiting and training. It also provides a free initial consultation.