How to Build Your Own Square Payroll
Replace Square Payroll with a custom build. Make payroll a breeze
Build Difficulty: 5/5
Build a working replacement in a weekend with AI tools
Estimated Timeline
Based on 45 features at Weekend Project difficulty, expect about One weekend with AI-assisted development.
Recommended Tech Stack
Full-stack React framework with API routes and server components
PostgreSQL database, auth, and real-time subscriptions
Utility-first styling for rapid UI development
Type-safe ORM for complex relational data models
Key Features to Replicate
Top features across 8 categories. See all 45 features
Payroll Processing(8 features)
Automatically track commission rates across team from Square POS
Specialized payroll solution for contractors with automatic 1099-NEC form generation and filing
Handle employees with multiple pay rates, commissions, bonuses, and tips
Process off-cycle payments to employees
Automatically calculate overtime for employees
+3 more in this category
Tax Compliance(7 features)
Automatically file federal payroll taxes on behalf of the business
Automatically file state payroll taxes including state income taxes and SUTA where applicable
System automatically calculates federal and state payroll taxes
Provide digital delivery of W-2s and 1099s to employees
Support for payroll processing across multiple states and localities with appropriate tax calculations
+2 more in this category
Payment(5 features)
Offer two-day and four-day direct deposit processing, with next-day option available
Team members using Cash App can access pay two calendar days before original pay date
Run payroll as little as one day prior to employees' pay date using Square balance funds
Pay employees via direct deposit, paper check, or Cash App
Allow employees to split direct deposits to multiple bank accounts
Benefits(3 features)
Offer 401(k) retirement plans to employees through Guideline partnership with affordable, transparent pricing
Handle benefit deductions and company contributions
Offer medical, dental, and vision insurance plans with no-hassle enrollment through SimplyInsured partnership
Compliance(3 features)
Receive alerts about federal and state compliance requirements
Automatically report new hires according to state regulations when adding employees to payroll
Pay-as-you-go workers' compensation that syncs with payroll
Reporting(3 features)
Create custom reports with specific payroll data
Gain visibility into labor costs including all wages and tips
View and download reports showing paycheck details, employee totals, and company totals
Support(3 features)
Customer support from live payroll specialists available M-F 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. PT
Access to online support resources and documentation
Services to amend payroll records
Account Management(2 features)
Cancel anytime with no commitment or long-term contracts required
Free seasonal account inactivity option
Cost Calculator
Keep Paying Square Payroll
Build It Yourself
Total Cost Comparison
DIY hosting estimate based on Vercel + Supabase free/pro tiers (~$20/mo). Build time estimated from 45 features at very easy complexity.