Namely
The unified HR, payroll, and benefits platform built for mid-sized growth engines.
The all-in-one people platform for automated payroll, benefits, and HR compliance.
Gusto is a comprehensive HR and payroll platform designed for small to medium-sized businesses, moving into 2026 as a dominant force in the 'Embedded Finance' and 'HR-as-Code' space. Its technical architecture focuses on a robust REST API and a sophisticated tax engine that handles localized compliance across thousands of jurisdictions. Beyond simple payment processing, Gusto leverages predictive analytics to assist with R&D tax credit identification and state-to-state tax nexus registration. Its 2026 market positioning emphasizes the 'Gusto Embedded' suite, allowing other software platforms to integrate payroll features natively. The platform's scalability is bolstered by its automated filing system, which manages federal, state, and local taxes simultaneously. By integrating benefits, time tracking, and performance management into a single data schema, Gusto eliminates the reconciliation errors common in legacy systems. It remains a leader in user experience, providing employees with a 'Gusto Wallet' for financial wellness, and providing employers with a single source of truth for workforce compliance, international contractor payments, and automated onboarding workflows.
A set of API endpoints and UI components that allow developers to build payroll products directly into their own applications.
Verified feedback from the global deployment network.
Post queries, share implementation strategies, and help other users.
Programmatic detection of new tax jurisdictions when an employee moves, with automated filing of registration forms.
Algorithmic analysis of payroll data to identify qualifying wages for federal and state Research and Development credits.
Employee-centric portal (Gusto Wallet) that persists across different employers using Gusto, maintaining historical W2 and paystubs.
Automated logic gates that trigger background checks, I-9 verification, and equipment provisioning based on hire type.
Cross-border payment infrastructure allowing US companies to pay contractors in over 120 countries in local currency.
Real-time synchronization between payroll deductions and retirement providers without manual file transfers.
Managing tax filings for a company hiring across 15 different US states.
Registry Updated:2/7/2026
Claiming R&D tax credits to extend runway.
Eliminating manual data entry between payroll and QuickBooks/Xero.