e@syFile Employer vs PaymentEvolution

e@syFile Employer is free Windows software from SARS for employers and payroll administrators managing tax affairs. It lets users complete, submit, and revise Monthly Employer Declarations (EMP201) and Employer Reconciliation Declarations (EMP501). The software includes Employer Account management, Third Party Appointment (AA88) tools, and an Income Tax Registration function for registering employees. Tax certificate imports and EMP501 data capture can be performed offline, while submission to SARS requires an internet connection. SARS describes the software as linked to eFiling, with submissions sent through that service. Minimum requirements are Windows 10 (64 bit), 8 GB RAM, and 2 GB of hard-drive space. SARS advises backing up PAYE information before installation because installation may delete current information. Old e@syFile Flex backups cannot be restored in the new e@syFile TC application.

PaymentEvolution provides Canadian businesses with online payroll, payments, and benefits management. It calculates payroll, pays employees by direct deposit, and handles payroll tax calculations and submissions. Tax calculations cover EI, CPP, QPP, and income tax; the service can generate TD1, T4, T4A, ROE, and RL-1 documents. Employees can use PayChequer to access pay information and tax documents and update their own information. TimeTracker tracks employee time and integrates with payroll. Listed accounting integrations include Kashoo, FreshBooks, Sage Business Cloud Accounting, QuickBooks Desktop and Online, Software4Nonprofits, and Xero. The cloud-based service requires no downloads. Growth is $0.00 per month, plus $4.00 per employee per pay run and a $55 one-time setup fee; it covers up to three employees. Business Basic is $30.00 per month, plus $3.00 per employee per pay run and the setup fee. Business Plus is $75.00 per month, plus $2.50 per employee per pay run and the setup fee. The payroll API supports custom calculations and integrations; prepaid API bundles start at 1,000 calculations per month for $500.