How to Build Your Own Wave Payroll
Replace Wave Payroll with a custom build. Payroll that pays off
Build Difficulty: 5/5
Build a working replacement in a weekend with AI tools
Estimated Timeline
Based on 23 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 23 features
Employee Management(4 features)
Employees can securely log in to access pay stubs, tax forms, and manage their contact and banking information
Full employee management with ROEs, top ups, benefit calculations, and more
Track leave time and accruals required to process payroll
Employees can securely access their pay stubs, W2s, and manage contact and banking information
Integration(4 features)
Payroll software is seamlessly connected with Wave accounting to reduce manual bookkeeping
Seamless integration with Wave's accounting software to keep records up-to-date
Payroll integrates with Wave's invoicing features
Payroll integrates with Wave's online payments features
Core Payroll(3 features)
Deposit payments directly into employees' bank accounts with unlimited free direct deposits
Ability to pay both employees and independent contractors through a single platform
Simplified payroll software that allows users to process payroll quickly
Tax Compliance(3 features)
Wave automatically pays and files state and federal payroll taxes, and handles CRA tax remittances on behalf of users
Automatically generate T4 and T4A slips and summaries for Canadian tax season
Automatically generate W2 and 1099 forms for US tax season without hassle
Pricing(2 features)
Try payroll software free for 30 days with no commitment
Transparent pricing with no set-up fees or hidden charges
Reporting(2 features)
See a breakdown of payroll expenses by employee, expense type, and more
Get the full picture of cash flow with detailed wage and tax payment reporting
Support(2 features)
Connect with support team via email for prompt assistance
Priority connection to customer support team via live chat Monday-Friday
Accuracy(1 features)
Guaranteed accuracy in payroll processing with automated calculations
Cost Calculator
Keep Paying Wave Payroll
Build It Yourself
Total Cost Comparison
DIY hosting estimate based on Vercel + Supabase free/pro tiers (~$20/mo). Build time estimated from 23 features at very easy complexity.