Payroll Services in Harrisburg, PA

Running payroll isn’t just about cutting checks—it’s about maintaining compliance, accuracy, and trust with your employees and tax authorities alike. At James H. Hess, CPA, we offer complete payroll services in Harrisburg, PA, designed for small and mid-sized businesses that want to simplify operations without compromising precision. Our firm manages every aspect of payroll—from calculating wages and deductions to handling tax filings—so business owners can focus on what truly matters: growth and stability.

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Complete Payroll Processing for Local Businesses

We handle payroll processing with meticulous attention to accuracy and compliance. Whether you manage a small team or a growing staff, our system ensures employees are paid correctly and on time, every time.

  • Customized Payroll Scheduling and Delivery

    Our payroll services are fully adaptable to your business schedule. We process payments weekly, biweekly, or monthly based on your preference, using secure and efficient systems for direct deposits or printed checks. Each cycle includes accurate gross-to-net calculations, wage summaries, and tax withholdings tailored to your specific business structure.

  • Integration with Bookkeeping and Accounting Systems

    By integrating payroll directly into your existing accounting framework, we eliminate duplication and ensure seamless financial tracking. This integration allows us to reconcile payroll expenses accurately and produce clear, comprehensive reports for management and year-end tax purposes.

  • Two people reviewing financial documents, using a calculator and a pen, in an office setting.

Payroll Tax Compliance and Filings

Payroll tax management can be one of the most complicated aspects of running a business. Errors or delays can lead to costly penalties, which is why our firm ensures all federal, state, and local payroll taxes are calculated and filed correctly.

  • Managing Federal and State Withholdings

    We prepare and file all required payroll tax forms, including 941s, 940s, W-2s, W-3s, and 1099s, along with Pennsylvania-specific employer filings. Our team keeps track of due dates and regulation changes so your Harrisburg business always remains compliant with IRS and Department of Revenue requirements.

  • Local Tax Coordination

    Harrisburg businesses must also comply with local earned income tax and municipal withholding rules. We manage those submissions accurately, ensuring your payroll obligations align with the requirements of your local tax jurisdiction.

Employee Classification and Record Management

Proper employee classification is critical for compliance and financial accuracy. Misclassification between employees and independent contractors can create legal and tax complications. We guide Harrisburg employers through proper categorization and documentation for each worker type.

  • Employee vs. Contractor Evaluation

    We assess each role in your organization based on IRS and Pennsylvania Department of Labor criteria to ensure the correct classification and tax treatment. By doing so, we help you avoid misclassification penalties while maintaining transparency in payroll reporting.

  • Recordkeeping and Data Retention

    Our firm establishes secure and organized payroll record systems that meet both federal and state requirements for document retention. These records not only satisfy compliance mandates but also simplify future audits or financial reviews.

Year-End Reporting and Employee Forms

At year’s end, payroll transitions into reporting season. We handle every aspect of payroll-related documentation, ensuring all records are accurate, reconciled, and delivered on time.

  • Preparing and Issuing W-2 and 1099 Forms

    Each employee and contractor receives precise documentation reflecting their total annual earnings and withholdings. Our team ensures that all forms are issued to workers and filed with the appropriate agencies before deadlines.

  • Reconciling Annual Reports

    We review all payroll tax filings, summaries, and year-end reports to verify accuracy and consistency across systems. This process ensures your books close cleanly and all tax records are ready for filing and future audits.

  • People working at a table with charts, laptop, calculator, and notepad.

Ongoing Payroll Consulting and Support

Beyond day-to-day processing, James H. Hess, CPA provides continued guidance on payroll management and compliance. Our clients rely on us for insight, troubleshooting, and forward-looking advice that keeps their payroll systems efficient and risk-free.


Adapting to Law and Regulation Changes

Payroll requirements evolve regularly, from overtime rules to tax rate adjustments. We keep your system current with every update and help you anticipate changes that might affect future operations or costs.


Long-Term Partnership for Payroll Success

Our firm’s role extends beyond calculations and filings—we serve as a reliable partner for Harrisburg businesses seeking stability and confidence in their payroll operations. With professional oversight and year-round support, our clients stay compliant, organized, and free from payroll stress.

Contact Us Today!

James H. Hess, CPA offers trusted, locally focused payroll services in Harrisburg, PA, providing the accuracy, timeliness, and compliance that business owners need. Whether you’re managing a small team or a growing company, our payroll solutions deliver consistent results you can depend on.


Contact our Harrisburg office today to learn how we can streamline your payroll process and simplify your business operations.