Payroll Companies & Payroll Services in Jefferson City, MO

Estes & Associates LLC is a locally owned accounting and tax firm with its headquarters in Jefferson City, Missouri. It also has offices in Columbia, St. Robert, Richland and Lebanon. Payroll is one of its core offerings, along with bookkeeping, tax return preparation and financial statement work.

The firm presents itself as an alternative for small and mid-sized employers in two situations. Some find large national processors too impersonal. Others find do-it-yourself software too much of a burden. Estes & Associates offers a hometown team that clients can reach directly when a payroll question or error comes up.

Payroll services

Clients who enroll in the firm's full-service payroll program get a package that covers check production, tax compliance and recordkeeping. Pay schedules can run weekly, every two weeks or once a month. The service is tailored to each business rather than sold as a fixed template. Included features are:

• On-schedule preparation and printing of paychecks
• Direct deposit for employees
• Federal and state payroll tax reporting, with deposits made through EFTPS
• Monthly, quarterly and year-end filings such as Forms 941 and 940, W-2s, W-3s and 1099s
• Tracking reports for employee vacation, sick and personal time balances
• Preparation and submission of mandatory new hire reports
• Electronic remittance of wage garnishments and child support
• Online access to payroll history and human resources tools

The firm argues that outsourcing saves owners the hours they would otherwise spend each month on data entry and on keeping up with evolving federal, state and local rules. It also avoids the cost of hiring dedicated in-house payroll staff. When problems arise, staff commit to addressing them promptly so owners can stay focused on operations. Prospective clients typically begin with a consultation to discuss their needs.

Broader accounting and tax support

Beyond payroll, Estes & Associates handles bookkeeping, bank reconciliations, cash flow and budget analysis, and forecasting. It sets up accounting systems for new businesses, files quarterly taxes, and prepares balance sheets, income statements and cash flow statements. It prepares returns for individuals and corporations as well as estates, trusts and nonprofits.

The firm also offers QuickBooks Pro training and provides accounting for property management companies. A dedicated nonprofit practice covers revenue recognition, net asset classification, internal controls and procedural manuals. It also delivers written budget reviews with recommendations.

Tax problem resolution is a notable specialty that can matter to employers. The firm works on payroll tax problems, trust fund recovery penalties, offers in compromise, installment agreements and penalty abatement. It also handles audits and appeals, levies, liens and wage garnishments. At the state level, it works on Missouri tax resolutions and on licensing issues tied to HB600. Client testimonials on its site describe relief from substantial payroll tax liabilities.

Background and credentials

The firm cites more than thirty years of experience in IRS and tax problem work. Owner Kari Estes was honored in 2022 by the Missouri Women's Business Center with its Women Who Own It recognition.

The practice belongs to the National Society of Accountants and the Missouri Society of Accountants, as well as national organizations for tax professionals and for professional women. Its stated mission stresses honest, accurate information, open communication and confidentiality. The team makes a point of explaining results so clients understand their own finances.