Payroll service provider

Payroll service provider denotes an external company that, for employers, handles ongoing Payroll accounting within the legally permissible scope.

Basics

A payroll service provider takes over organisationally outsourced payroll accounting tasks. This includes the calculation of gross and net wages, taking into account Income tax as well Social security contributions and the execution of statutory notifications.

The responsibility for the accuracy of the data provided remains with the employer.

Legal framework

The processing of payroll is governed by law. A payroll service provider may only carry out activities within the permitted scope. Tax or employment law advice is regulated separately.

Systematic classification

Organisationally, a payroll accounting service provider is part of external accounting and specialises in ongoing payroll processing.

Typical areas of responsibility

  • Monthly payroll processing
  • Calculation of tax and social security deductions
  • Carrying out statutory notifications
  • Issuing certificates
  • Archiving of documents relevant to billing

Typical procedure

  1. Submission of billing-relevant data by the employer
  2. Data acquisition and verification
  3. Payroll processing
  4. Creation of invoices and reports
  5. Provision of documents

Practical relevance

In practice, cooperation takes place on the basis of clearly defined processes and responsibilities. A documented division of tasks between the employer, service provider, and, if applicable, tax advisor is organisationally essential.

Typical sources of error

  • Incomplete or late data submission
  • Unclear division of responsibilities
  • Missing master data update

FAQ

Does the employer remain responsible?

Yes. Even when carried out externally, the responsibility for the proper and correct execution of payroll accounting remains with the employer.

Conclusion

A payroll accounting service provider handles ongoing salary calculations within the legally permissible framework. It is clearly distinct from tax advice and is organisationally part of external accounting.

Author the BAS editorial team Services pursuant to § 6 No. 3 and 4 StBerG, no tax or legal advice.

Brasser Accounting Solutions GmbH is a specialised accounting service provider and part of a corporate group with Quint GmbH (tax consultancy/auditing) and Service Place Årjäng AB (Swedish tax office). BAS exclusively performs services according to § 6 No. 3 and 4 StBerG and does not provide tax or legal advice.