Thinking of switching to smart, stress-free payroll?
The Gusto Free Trial is your chance to explore a full-featured HR and payroll system without spending a rupee upfront! 💼
It talks to you directly, making you feel like this is built just for your business needs.
🔥 Get Free Gusto Trial – No Payment Needed
It nudges you to take the next step sign up, explore, and see how simple payroll 🧾 can be.
The tone is lively and encouraging, keeping you excited to try it out without feeling overwhelmed.
And here’s the best part you don’t need any experience to get started! 🚀
What is Gusto?
Gusto is an all-in-one payroll, HR, and employee benefits platform built for small and medium-sized businesses.
It helps employers run payroll, file taxes, onboard new hires, manage benefits, and stay compliant all from one easy-to-use dashboard.
Unlike traditional payroll systems that are complicated and manual, Gusto is cloud-based and beginner-friendly. It automates complex tasks like:
- Calculating salaries and tax deductions
- Filing state and federal taxes on time
- Generating payslips and reports
- Managing employee benefits and leave
Even if you’ve never used payroll software before, Gusto makes it simple with clear steps, built-in support, and a clean interface.
💡 With its 3-month free trial (via partners), Gusto lets you explore these tools risk-free before committing to a paid plan.
How to Get Gusto Free Trial?
🆓 How to Get Gusto Free Trial?
Starting your Gusto Free Trial is quick and beginner-friendly even if you’ve never used payroll software before. Here’s how you can get started in minutes:
🔹 Step-by-Step to Activate Gusto Free Trial:
STEP 1: Go to Gusto’s Official Website
Visit gusto.com and click on the “Get Started” or “Start Free Trial” button on the homepage.
STEP 2: Sign Up for an Account
Enter your business email, set a password, and fill in basic business info like company name and size.
STEP 3: Choose the Right Plan
Select the Simple, Plus, or Premium plan based on your needs. The free trial typically starts with the Simple plan or select add-ons like Time & Attendance.
STEP 4: Access the Free Trial Offers
Gusto offers:
STEP 5: Time & Attendance Plus: Free for up to 2 billing cycles
STEP 6: Free Payroll Setup: Guided onboarding and migration support
STEP 7: 3-Month Free Trial via Synder Perks (optional link partnerships)
STEP 8: Add Employee or Contractor Info
You can add team members or test with sample data during the trial.
STEP 9: Explore the Dashboard
Access tools like automated payroll, time tracking, onboarding, and tax filings all free during your trial period.
“You can also use a Gusto coupon code while signing up to save more.”
💡 No credit card is required for initial signup. You’ll get email alerts before the trial ends so you can cancel, upgrade, or switch plans easily.
📦 What’s Included in the Gusto Free Trial?
Gusto’s free trial gives you hands-on access to essential payroll and HR features without paying upfront. Here’s a breakdown of what you can actually explore during the trial period:
✅ 1. Free Payroll Setup
Gusto’s onboarding experts will help you set up your payroll system from scratch even if you’re moving from another provider. This includes tax info, direct deposits, and employee records setup.
✅ 2. Time & Attendance Plus (Free for 2 Billing Cycles)
This add-on lets you:
- Track employee hours, breaks, and overtime
- Auto-sync time data with payroll
- Generate reports for accurate time management
✅ 3. Employee Self-Service Tools
Your team can access their paystubs, tax forms, and update their own personal details using their login saving you admin time.
✅ 4. Onboarding & Hiring Features
During the trial, you can create offer letters, onboard new hires with digital forms, and set up customized checklists for new employees.
✅ 5. Tax Calculations & Filing (Demo Access)
Although actual filings only occur with full activation, you can explore how Gusto automatically calculates, prepares, and schedules tax filings on your behalf.
✅ 6. Explore Full Dashboard Experience
Even on the trial, Gusto lets you navigate the full dashboard test workflows, access reports, and understand how payroll integrates with time tools and benefits.
💡 Some premium features (like HR experts or performance tracking) may require an upgrade, but core payroll and time tools are fully accessible during the trial.
“For very small teams or solo‑owner setups, here’s a useful tutorial explaining payroll for just one employee.”
💰 Gusto Pricing (After Free Trial)
| Plan Name | Monthly Base Price | Per Person Fee | Key Features | Free Trial Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simple | $49/mo | $6/mo per person |
– Single‑state payroll – Unlimited payroll runs – Automated tax filing – Employee self‑service portal |
Free trial available for setup and testing basic payroll |
| Plus | $80/mo | $12/mo per person |
– All Simple features – Multi‑state payroll – Time tracking & PTO – Hiring tools – Health insurance admin |
Time & Attendance Plus trial available (up to 2 billing cycles) |
| Premium | $180/mo | $22/mo per person |
– All Plus features – Dedicated service advisor – Certified HR experts – Performance tools – Priority support |
No specific free trial, but can be upgraded after trial |
💡 Billing After Trial
- Charges begin automatically if you continue
- You will receive a reminder email before billing
- You can cancel add‑ons anytime inside account settings
📌 Your employee data remains available even if you downgrade or pause your plan.
What Happens After the Gusto Free Trial?
When your Gusto free trial ends, here’s what you can expect as a business owner or HR manager:
📬 You’ll Receive a Reminder Email
Before your trial ends, Gusto will send you a notification so you’re not billed unexpectedly. You’ll have time to review or cancel.
💳 Paid Subscription Begins Automatically
Unless you cancel, your account will transition to the corresponding paid plan (e.g., Simple or Plus), and you’ll be billed monthly based on the number of team members and add-ons used.
⚙️ Add-ons Like Time & Attendance Get Activated
If you used the Time & Attendance Plus feature during the trial, it will begin charging $6 per person/month unless removed.
🛑 You Can Cancel Anytime
To avoid charges, go to Settings → Plans and Pricing → Add-ons Tab and click “Remove from Plan” for any feature you don’t wish to continue.
🧾 You Keep Your Account and Data
Even if you cancel, your employee and payroll data stays secure in your account. You can return later without starting from scratch.
🔁 Option to Upgrade or Downgrade
Gusto offers full flexibility. You can adjust your plan anytime based on your needs no long-term commitment required.
💡Tip: If you’re not sure what plan to choose after the trial, Gusto’s support team can help you decide.
⚙️ Key Features You Can Test During Free Trial
The Gusto Free Trial gives you access to several powerful features that help streamline payroll and HR without the need to pay upfront. Here’s what you can try during the trial period:
🔁 1. Full-Service Payroll
Run payroll for employees or contractors, see automatic calculations of taxes, and simulate direct deposits. This helps you understand how Gusto works end-to-end.
🕒 2. Time & Attendance Plus
Try this add-on free for up to 2 billing cycles. It allows employees to clock in/out and syncs hours directly with payroll perfect for saving admin time.
🧾 3. Tax Calculations & Filing (Preview Only)
Although real tax filings are only submitted once you’re a paying customer, you can preview how federal, state, and local taxes are calculated and filed automatically.
🧑💼 4. Employee Self-Service Portal
Your team can log in to view pay stubs, update personal info, and download tax forms. It’s a great way to test how seamless the employee experience is.
📝 5. Hiring & Onboarding Tools
Test digital offer letters, employee onboarding checklists, and document collection. Great for creating a professional first impression with new hires.
📊 6. Reporting & Insights
Access reports like payroll summaries, employee costs, and tax liabilities. These insights help you make informed decisions, even during the free trial.
“If you want a step‑by‑step walkthrough of running payroll with Gusto, see this guide on how to run payroll using Gusto.”
✅ Pros and ❌ Cons of Gusto
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to set up, even for beginners. | Per‑employee charges can add up once the trial ends. |
| All‑in‑one payroll, HR, and time tracking in a single system. | Supports only U.S.‑based payroll, not international teams. |
| Free trial provides real product access without needing a credit card. | Advanced HR tools are available only on higher‑tier plans. |
| Automated tax filing and compliance reduce manual work and errors. | No 24/7 live support; help options are time‑limited. |
| Clean dashboard with mobile‑friendly access for admins and employees. | Feature set is limited for very large or complex enterprise needs. |
| Onboarding support and tutorials make it easier to get started. |
📜 Terms & Conditions You Should Know
Based on Gusto’s official legal terms:
- The free trial applies to Time & Attendance Plus on the Simple plan.
- Trial lasts for up to 2 billing cycles.
- Activation depends on when you run your first payroll.
- You’ll get an email before the trial ends.
- After trial: $6 per user/month.
- Cancel anytime via your Gusto account settings.
🧾 Final Verdict: Is the Gusto Free Trial Worth It?
Absolutely. The Gusto Free Trial is a no-risk opportunity for small businesses to explore a complete payroll and HR platform before paying anything.
You get hands-on access to real features like time tracking, payroll setup, onboarding tools, and employee self-service without entering payment details upfront.
It’s perfect for testing workflows, understanding pricing, and making sure Gusto fits your needs. You also get email reminders before the trial ends, so you’re fully in control.
If you want simple setup, automation, and peace of mind with tax compliance, this free trial is your chance to experience it firsthand. 👌
“Still unsure? Read our in-depth Gusto review based on real use.”
👉 Ready to give it a try? Start your 3-month Gusto Free Trial today and simplify your business operations from day one!
❓ Gusto Free Trial – FAQs You Should Know
1. Is a credit card required to start the free trial?
No, Gusto doesn’t ask for credit card details to begin the trial.
2. Can I add contractors during the trial?
Yes, you can add and manage contractors, including 1099 payments.
3. Can I integrate Gusto with QuickBooks or Xero during trial?
Yes, you can test integrations with major accounting tools like QuickBooks, Xero, and FreshBooks.
4. Will I be charged immediately after trial ends?
Only if you continue using paid features. You’ll get an email reminder before billing begins.
5. Does Gusto support multiple company accounts?
Yes, you can manage multiple businesses under one login, ideal for agencies or consultants.