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Payroll Overview

Bolto Payroll helps companies run compliant payroll for US-based employees with minimal operational overhead. This section covers how payroll works in Bolto, when to use it, and how it fits into the broader Bolto platform.

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What Payroll Means in Bolto

Payroll in Bolto is designed for companies that:
  • Employ workers directly in the United States
  • Already have (or are setting up) the required federal and state registrations
  • Want a streamlined way to manage wages, taxes, and filings without juggling multiple systems
Bolto handles payroll processing, tax calculations, and filings while giving you clear visibility into what’s required at each step.

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Payroll vs EOR vs Contractors

Bolto supports multiple worker types. Payroll is used when:
  • Payroll: You employ US-based employees directly through your own legal entity
  • Employer of Record (EOR): Bolto employs workers on your behalf in countries where you don’t have an entity
  • Contractors: You pay independent contractors without running payroll
If you’re unsure which model applies to your team, Bolto can help you determine the correct setup.

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What You’ll Need to Get Started

Running payroll typically requires:
  • Basic company information
  • A Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
  • State registrations where employees are located
  • Pay schedules and employee details
You don’t need everything on day one — Bolto allows you to progress through setup while completing required registrations in parallel.

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Next Steps

If you’re setting up payroll for the first time, start here:
  • Company Setup (US Payroll) — required company information and identifiers
  • State Registrations and IDs — when state-level registration is required and how to find it
Once setup is complete, you’ll be ready to add employees and run payroll.