Managing your store's payroll can be an arduous, time-consuming process fraught with peril. Keeping up with changes in payroll regulations and withholding tables can be a full-time job. And if you make a mistake, your employees and the Internal Revenue Service will read you the riot act. One of every three employers has been fined by the IRS for a payroll mistake.

Fortunately, there is help out there from companies that specialize in payroll outsourcing for small businesses. Historically, outsourcing payroll meant calling payroll in on a predetermined day and time. Some services offered software solutions, allowing data to be entered locally and sent via modem, but these were designed with large corporations in mind, not small businesses.

Now, the new breed of outsourced payroll services employ easy to use Web-based interfaces that are perfect for small businesses. Using your Web browser and Internet connection, you decide when and where you want to process payroll.

Once you enter your payroll data, the service automatically calculates, deducts, pays and files all federal, state and local taxes. It processes the checks and provides direct deposits into your employees' accounts. It issues W-2s at the end of the year, and also provides you with management reports that let you track and monitor your payroll.

Since you enter the data yourself and view the results in real time, you don't have to worry about a data entry clerk making errors when you give her the information on the phone. The odds of an incorrect check or direct deposit amount are substantially reduced.

Here is a summary of five of the main payroll outsourcing companies:

SurePayroll uses a Web-based plan to offer small businesses lower-cost service. A flat fee includes payroll processing, all tax filing and payment, quarterly reports, and more. 877-954-SURE, www.surepayroll.com.

ADP offers a full range of benefits, payroll and business management services. 800-CALL-ADP, www.adp.com.

Paychex is a national provider of payroll, human resource and benefits solutions to small businesses. 800-322-7292, www.paychex.com.

Ceridian recently introduced a Web-based payroll solution, PowerPay. 952-853-8100, www.ceridian.com.

Wells Fargo's OnlinePayroll service allows businesses to run payroll online. wellsfargo.com/biz.

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