Can QuickBooks Do Payroll in the UK? Everything You Need to Know (2025 Guide)

Did you know that approximately 26,000 UK businesses run payroll operations through payroll services? That’s the case. QuickBooks is becoming a one-stop solution for managing employees, taxes and payroll. 

But here is the twist: many small business owners still don’t know they can save hours by using QuickBooks for handling payroll. The question is: Can QuickBooks do payroll in the UK? 

In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about what QuickBooks Payroll offers and how it works in the UK. Also, how Taj Accountants can help you set it up stress-free

Let’s get right into it.

Can QuickBooks Handle Payroll?

Yes, QuickBooks can automate payroll, saving you a significant amount of time and effort. It can save you a considerable amount of money compared to hiring a payroll provider or purchasing software to do the job for you. QuickBooks Payroll UK is a first-line solution for businesses.

Whether you are running a small restaurant, an eCommerce business or a startup, QuickBooks payroll makes it easier to:

• Pay employee
• Submit to HMRC
• Handle PAYE and NIC
• Manage pensions (all in one dashboard)

Key Payroll Features in QuickBooks With Plan and Pricing (UK Version)

QuickBooks offers two payroll plans for UK businesses: Core Payroll and Advanced Payroll. Its features vary by plan and pricing. According to Wise, here is the table of features with plan and pricing:

Feature	Core Plan	Advanced Plan
Cloud-Based	Available	Available
Real-Time HMRC submissions	Available	Available
Customisable Pay Periods	Available	Available
Statutory Payments	Available	Available
Auto-Enrolment Pensions	Available	Available
Automatic Pay Runs	Not available	Available
Multiple Pension Schemes	Not available	Available
Custom Integration with QuickBooks	Not available	Available
Advanced Deduction & Reporting Options	Not available	Available
HR Features	Not available	Available (Timesheets, Leave & Expense Management and Employee Satisfaction Tools)
Base Pricing	From £14/month for QuickBooks Simple Start	From £14/month for QuickBooks Simple Start or Higher
Payroll Add-On Fee	£4/month	£8/month
Per Paid Employee	£1.30/month per employee	£1.30/month per employee

Which Plan Is Right for You?

If your small business in the UK needs a straightforward payroll process, Core Payroll would be enough.

However, Advanced Payroll can save you time and headaches if you need to manage multiple staff members, handle leave, or require HR tools to be built in.

If you are still unsure about the plan and pricing, Taj Accountants can help you. We help you:

• Choose the most cost-effective plan
• Avoid hidden costs
• Set up your payroll correctly from the start
• Stay compliant with HMRC

Schedule a call with us and let’s find the right fit for your team.

How to Set Up Payroll in QuickBooks

Setting up Payroll in QuickBooks is easy. However, setting up features is critical to avoid HMRC penalties and employee frustration.

1. Choose your payroll plan.

First, select either the Core or Advanced Payroll plan based on your business needs.

2. Add your employee details.

Enter Key employee information like:

• Full name
• National Insurance number
• Tax code
• Salary or hourly rate
• Start date and payment method

Adding employee details is crucial for generating accurate payslips and calculating tax liabilities.

3. Set pay schedules

Set up how often your payments will be made – weekly, fortnightly, or monthly. You can also choose between bank transfer, BACS or other approved methods. Ensure pay dates align with your cash flow cycle to avoid delays.

4. Connect your bank

Connect your bank accounts to QuickBooks to automate payments. It will allow seamless salary distribution and reduce the chance of manual errors.

5. Configure pensions

You can set up auto-enrolment pensions for your staff. QuickBooks lets you:

• Choose a pension provider
• Set contribution rates
• Automatically enrol eligible employees
• Submit contributions to the provider

Taj accountants can assist you with this step if you find it challenging. 

6. Start running payroll confidently

At last, double-check all settings before your first pay run. Ensure:

• Employee tax codes are correct
• Pension setup is verified
• Bank details are accurate
• HMRC settings are properly connected

After double-checking, run your first payroll. 

At Taj Accountants, we handle the setup and ensure your payroll system is fully compliant with HMRC and ready to go from day one.

QuickBooks Payroll vs Other Payroll Options

Feature	QuickBooks Payroll	Manual Payroll	External Payroll Provider
Integrated with accounts	Available	Not Available	Not Available
Real-time reporting	Available	Not Available	Available
Auto-enrolment	Available	Not Available	Available
HMRC compliant	Available	Risky	Available
Accountant support	Available with Taj	Not Available	Depends

Why Use Taj Accountants for Payroll Setup & Support

At Taj Accountants, we provide payroll services to ensure you stay stress-free. As the Elite Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor, we do:

• Set up PAYE, RTI, pensions and more
• Guide you through employee onboarding
• Manage year-end submissions and tax updates
• Serve industries like hospitals, e-commerce, and consultancy

We are small business accountants in London serving clients across the UK. Whether you’re new to payroll or switching providers, we aim to make your life easier.

Conclusion

QuickBooks is a reliable and scalable solution for small businesses in the UK. But it works best when you step up in the right way. 

Taj Accountants can manage your payroll and help you focus on growing your business. From employee onboarding to RTI filings, we’ll cover it all. 

FAQs 

1. Can QuickBooks do payroll for small businesses in the UK?

Yes, it is a standard solution for small businesses to simplify their accounting and payroll on one platform. 

2. Is QuickBooks Payroll HMRC compliant?

QuickBooks Payroll is HMRC-recognised and supports real-time RTI submissions. 

3. How much does QuickBooks payroll cost in the UK?

Pricing varies by plan and the number of employees. Taj Accountants helps you choose the best option for your business. 

4. What’s included in QuickBooks Payroll UK?

Features include payslip generation, RTI submission, auto-enrolment pensions, PAYE/NIC calculations, and leave tracking.

5. Can Taj Accountants manage my payroll using QuickBooks?

Yes. We provide complete payroll services using QuickBooks, ensuring accuracy and HMRC compliance.

Meta: Wondering “Can QuickBooks do payroll for UK businesses?” Yes, it can. With Taj Accountants, run payroll without the stress and stay compliant.