Payroll Services for Small Businesses in Chicago, IL
Reliable Payroll Processing & Compliance for Chicago Small Businesses
Payroll is one of the most time-sensitive responsibilities a small business owner faces. Miss a tax deposit, misclassify a worker, or file a quarterly report late and the IRS penalties start stacking up fast. Most small businesses don’t have a dedicated HR team to catch these issues before they become problems.
At Heard & Associates LLC, we provide professional payroll services for small businesses in Chicago, handling everything from wage processing and tax withholding to quarterly filings and year-end W-2s, so you stay compliant and your employees get paid correctly, every time.
Our goal is simple: take payroll completely off your plate so you can focus on running your business.
📞 Call (312) 810-3603 or Book Your Consultation Online today.
Payroll Processing for Small Businesses
Payroll isn’t just cutting checks. It requires accurate calculations, proper documentation, and consistent execution every single pay cycle, or errors compound fast. Our payroll services give small business owners in Chicago a fully managed payroll process with nothing left to chance:
- Employee wage calculation for hourly, salaried, and mixed pay structures
- Overtime, bonus, and commission processing
- Payroll tax withholding calculated correctly for each employee
- Direct deposit setup and management
- Payroll records and reports maintained and organized throughout the year
Your employees get paid accurately and on time. You get the documentation to back it up.
Payroll Tax Compliance & Reporting
Federal and Illinois payroll tax requirements don’t wait for you to figure them out. Quarterly 941 filings, annual 940s, W-2s, 1099s, new hire reporting, every missed deadline is a penalty you didn’t need to pay.
We manage all required filings on your behalf:
- Federal payroll tax deposits via EFTPS on the IRS’s schedule
- Illinois state income tax withholding and remittance
- Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) unemployment tax filings
- Chicago and Cook County minimum wage compliance tracking
- Quarterly Form 941 and annual Form 940 (FUTA) filing
- New hire reporting with the State of Illinois
- Year-end W-2 and W-3 preparation and filing
- 1099-NEC preparation for independent contractors
Nothing gets missed. Nothing gets late.
S-Corp Owner Payroll
If you’ve elected S-Corp status, how you pay yourself is not optional, it’s an IRS requirement. S-Corp owners must pay themselves a reasonable salary through payroll before taking distributions. Skipping this or underpaying yourself is one of the most common audit triggers for small business owners.
We help S-Corp owners in Chicago:
- Set up and run owner payroll correctly under their S-Corp structure
- Determine a defensible reasonable salary based on their role and industry
- Coordinate owner compensation with overall tax strategy
- Ensure distributions are handled separately from payroll — the way the IRS expects
This works directly alongside our S-Corp Tax Preparation service so your payroll and your tax return are always aligned. If you’re not sure whether S-Corp status is right for your business, our Tax Advisory team can walk you through the numbers.
Supporting Bookkeeping & Financial Accuracy
Every payroll run creates payroll expenses, tax liabilities, and journal entries that need to flow correctly into your books. When payroll and bookkeeping are managed separately or by different providers, discrepancies are almost guaranteed.
We integrate payroll directly with your bookkeeping so your financial statements stay accurate, your records reconcile cleanly each month, and there are no surprises at tax time. We work with QuickBooks and Xero, the platforms most of our small business clients already use, so the transition is seamless.
Payroll Solutions for Growing Businesses
Adding your first employee changes everything. Adding a fifth or tenth adds even more complexity, new withholding requirements, additional filings, more room for error, and less time to manage it yourself.
Our payroll services are built to grow with you. Whether you’re running payroll for a team of two or scaling past twenty employees, the same structured process keeps things accurate and compliant at every stage. You won’t need to switch providers or rebuild your payroll system as your headcount grows.
Why Chicago Small Businesses Choose Heard & Associates LLC
Our structured onboarding process — Discovery → Proposal → Setup — ensures your payroll is configured correctly from day one, with no gaps in compliance during the transition.
5.0
Based on 95 reviews
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Valerie Bryant
16:30 20 Apr 26
Darrel was extremely helpful with my taxes. He made sure everything was handled correctly and worked to ensure i paid little to none to IRS. He was professional, knowledgeable, and easy to work with throughout the entire process. I highly recommend his services
Laura Corno
01:02 16 Apr 26
Roosevelt Lesley
21:02 15 Apr 26
Very legit and respectful
Toni Howard
18:31 15 Apr 26
Heard & Associates is extremely proficient.
dawana smelly
14:10 14 Apr 26
I would really like to thank Heard Associates for a wonderful job on my taxes. I’ve been filing with them for 2 years and there’s never a disappointment. Thanks again.
Javana White
22:30 27 Mar 26
Heard & Associates is a business that exemplifies stellar professionalism and integrity. I have been entrusting Mr. Heard with my taxes for 4 consecutive years and counting. My results are always consistent, and I have recommended many close family and friends to Heard & Associates, where friendly and efficient service is at the forefront.
Kiarra Lee
18:57 27 Mar 26
I always have a great experience working with Darryl. He’s professional, responsive, and knowledgeable. He gets things done accurately and on time. Even when I have a tight deadline, he was able to deliver quickly. I appreciate his reliability and I would recommend Heard & Associates services to anyone looking for a trustworthy and efficient accountant.
Donald Olson
20:05 26 Mar 26
I was searching for firm in the area to handle the taxes for an elderly friend (93) in memory care. (I am her power of attorney) I looked online for places with great reviews and ran across Heard and Associates. Every interaction I had with Darryl was efficient, friendly and painless. Communication was excellent and the process of loading the tax documents to the portal and signing the return was very straightforward. Darryl was kind enough to give us an extra discount for the elderly based on my friend’s age and ended up doing the return for free! Five stars for Heard and Associates!! Would recommend Darryl to anyone.
Stephanie McBay
00:01 26 Mar 26
I found Darrell Heard of Heard & Associates by doing a search of the top 10 tax filing companies in the southwest suburbs and he had a 4.5 star review. Mr. Heard is attentive, fast and thorough. I forgot my property tax documents and he was patient while I yelled at my phone because I forgot my password. If you're looking for a true professional, Mr. Heard is the person you should call.
nikhil sampat
13:59 25 Mar 26
Darryl is amazing! Extremely knowledgeable and on top of his game! He takes the the time to explain everything properly and then executes! Highly recommended!
Tasha A.
00:43 13 Mar 26
I have been getting my taxes a little over three years. Darrel has been amazing and I wouldn’t get my taxes done by anyone else.
I always seem to have so many questions and Darrel always seems to have the answers.
If you are looking for a company and person that will be honest and get your taxes completed in a timely manner… he is it.
I always seem to have so many questions and Darrel always seems to have the answers.
If you are looking for a company and person that will be honest and get your taxes completed in a timely manner… he is it.
Muriel Mapp
22:04 11 Mar 26
Daryl is amazing! Finding a new accountant online can be a scary process, but I was blown away by his professionalism, tax knowledge, quick response time and attention to detail. I will be using him for years to come for tax preparation!
J. Murphy
20:14 11 Mar 26
My go to specialist for all my tax and accounting needs! Highly recommend Heard and associates!
Nitwa Ronah
11:53 10 Mar 26
I had an excellent experience with Heard Associates this year for my taxes 2025. They were extremely knowledgeable, patient, and professional throughout the entire process. Every question I had was answered clearly, and they made sure I understood my options to maximize my return. The process was smooth, organized, and stress-free. I truly appreciate their attention to detail and dedication to helping their clients. I highly recommend their services to anyone looking for a trustworthy and reliable tax professional.
Elilian Cooper
22:05 06 Mar 26
This is my 5 year and he never disappoints me 🥰 great service
Angelo Jr. Simonelli
13:49 03 Mar 26
This was out first time filing taxes with anyone other than turbo tax and it went great. Darryl was extremely helpful and quick when it came to filing. He was also quick to respond to any questions. If you are looking for someone to file your taxes Id highly recommend!
Key Brown
22:41 27 Feb 26
Going on my third consistent year with Darryl Heard and his services. He is very professional and precise with all of your documents. He is very informative and knowledgeable about what steps you should take. He provides education in every step of the process. Thank you for being an outstanding accountant, tax associate, and professional at all times.
Kyra Lane
22:04 25 Feb 26
I was recommended this tax person from my good friend Dena. I have used his services for the last two years so far. I haven’t had any issues. He was very professional and answered my questions in a timely manner. I will be continuing to use his services.
Jason Wiley
18:18 20 Feb 26
Very precise, business oriented, kind, and handled every aspect of business in a timely fashion, and communication was over the top.
johnesha Phillips
14:42 20 Feb 26
I have experienced exceptional customer service for the third consecutive year with Darrel handling my taxes. Darrel ensured I was updated throughout the entire process. My inquiries about taxes were met with prompt and professional responses. Overall, my experience with Heard's was outstanding, and I highly recommend his services.
Omari Howard
13:53 20 Feb 26
Good business as usual
Omari Howard
13:53 20 Feb 26
Great customer service as usual
Mary Chandler
21:55 19 Feb 26
Very professional. Great customer service. Always answers all my tax questions throughout the entire year. Fees are reasonable.
Chelsea Denise
03:30 30 Jan 26
Very professional, efficient, and knowledgeable. Made tax season simple and stress-free. Highly recommend!
McKayla Shepherd
01:41 30 Jan 26
I will probably never file my taxes with anyone else but this company! They make everything so easy and convenient and the process takes no time! Thanks so much Daryl!
Antwon Williams
22:57 28 Jan 26
I’ve had an excellent experience working with Heard & Associates . He’s extremely knowledgeable, professional, and takes the time to explain everything clearly, which makes the entire process stress-free. He’s thorough, detail-oriented, and always make sure I’m getting the best possible outcome. Communication is quick and reliable, and I never feel rushed or confused. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a trustworthy and efficient tax professional.
Carmecia Mcknight
14:50 28 Jan 26
Darryl is very professional and prompt.
He was thorough and extremely knowledgeable. All questions were answered clearly, deadlines were met, and the entire process was seamless. I felt confident knowing my finances were handled with accuracy and care. I highly recommend his services.
He was thorough and extremely knowledgeable. All questions were answered clearly, deadlines were met, and the entire process was seamless. I felt confident knowing my finances were handled with accuracy and care. I highly recommend his services.
Leann Solorio
15:02 26 Jan 26
Just did my taxes with Mr. Heard and he was kind and educational as well. Very nice office as well. Highly recommend going to him.
Martin vOJTEK
01:27 23 Jan 26
Darryl is amazing. He got me the best return I’ve ever had. He’s also so patient and kind and he will go out of his way to help with any issues that arise. I tell everyone I know to go to Darryl and sing his praises.
Gabrielle Benson
01:54 22 Jan 26
I found Darryl via online research with no referrals and I'm so glad I went with him! I needed to find someone who could handle my yearly tax preparation, but was also interested in future tax planning as I continue to grow financially. His team was super responsive, I got a response the same day and we scheduled a meeting for the next week. He was able to give me a price estimate and expected turnaround and my taxes were completed that day. He was knowledgable about any additional questions I had and communication was quick and thorough. I look forward to continue working with him!
Qinah S.
00:54 21 Jan 26
My people, my people! After being guided by Yah to "do something different this year", He led me to Heard & Associates. Darryl is accurate, efficient, responsive and pleasant, just to name a few of the key words when describing my experience with filing with this firm. Look no further! I encourage anyone who seeks a tax professional to connect with H&A asap. He was great!
nikhil sampat
14:21 16 Jan 26
Great experience! Very knowledgeable and helped out a lot! highly recommend
Soulful Mama
00:52 14 Jan 26
Heard & Associates is a great tax and accounting company. Professional and personalized. Stellar service!
Najala Watson
02:58 08 Jan 26
Excellent service from start to finish. Darrel truly cares about his clients and goes above and beyond to make sure everything is done right. The process was stress-free, organized, and very thorough. It’s clear he’s passionate about helping individuals and small businesses succeed. I would definitely recommend him to anyone needing tax or accounting guidance.
Najala Watson
02:57 08 Jan 26
I’ve had a great experience working with Darrel and his team. They are professional, knowledgeable, and always take the time to explain things clearly. I felt confident knowing my taxes were handled accurately and efficiently. Communication was smooth, and any questions I had were answered promptly. I highly recommend this business to anyone looking for reliable tax and accounting services.
Q
20:38 28 Dec 25
Effective, trustworthy and consistent organization. I've been using this firm for my tax preparation needs for the past couple of years and it has provided me with a peace of mind during the busy tax season. I would/have recommend tax services to anyone in my network!
Jason Wiley
20:33 27 Dec 25
Very professional, helped with all of concerns and needs, I felt very comfortable, learned new information, had a very positive impacting experience! Thank you so much!!!!
Laquitta Williams
14:41 25 Dec 25
I had an excellent experience with Darrel Heard & Associates. From the moment I connected with them, I felt comfortable and confident that I was in good hands. They were patient, professional, and took the time to truly explain everything to me in a way that made sense. I never felt rushed or overlooked.
They were extremely thorough and detail-oriented, making sure everything was accurate and done in my best interest. What I appreciated most was how stress-free they made the entire process — that alone is priceless. I walked away feeling relieved, informed, and confident about my finances.
I highly recommend Darrel Heard & Associates to anyone looking for an accountant they can truly trust.
They were extremely thorough and detail-oriented, making sure everything was accurate and done in my best interest. What I appreciated most was how stress-free they made the entire process — that alone is priceless. I walked away feeling relieved, informed, and confident about my finances.
I highly recommend Darrel Heard & Associates to anyone looking for an accountant they can truly trust.
Brandon Atkins
15:21 22 Dec 25
I’ve had an excellent experience working with Heard and Associates for both my personal and business taxes. They are knowledgeable, professional, and extremely thorough. They take the time to explain everything clearly and make sure nothing is overlooked. Tax season is stress-free knowing I’m in good hands. I highly recommend Heard and Associates to anyone looking for a reliable and honest accounting firm.
Marilyn Lee
13:42 22 Dec 25
Mr. Heard was very professional and knowledgeable about his services he provided. The location was very easy to find as well. He gives great detail with various options to help suit your needs. I would definitely be recommending him to my colleagues, family, and friends. Thanks Again.
Dantoinne Williams Jr.
00:07 22 Dec 25
I was in a panic because the person who originally did my taxes wasn't available. I reached out to Heard & Associates and all of my stress went away. We sat down discussed my situation for my business and my taxes were taken care of in that moment! I'm forever grateful and extremely pleased with the customer service.
James Watson
00:02 22 Dec 25
Heard & Associates has been excellent to work with for my small business taxes. Mr. Heard knowledgeable, professional, and extremely detail-oriented, which gives me real peace of mind. He took the time to explain everything clearly, stayed on top of deadlines, and made what’s usually a stressful process feel easy. Communication was smooth and timely throughout, and I always felt confident that my business was in good hands. I highly recommend Heard & Associates to any small business owner looking for a dependable and trustworthy accounting firm.
James Watson
22:12 21 Dec 25
I’ve had a great experience working with Mr. Heard. He’s knowledgeable, thorough, and made the entire process stress-free from start to finish. Everything was explained clearly, all deadlines were handled on time, and I felt confident knowing my return was done accurately. Communication was easy and professional, and he was always quick to answer any questions I had. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a reliable and trustworthy accountant.
JUANJOSE CINTRON
15:12 11 Dec 25
Excellent professional, quick to reply and very helpful and thorough advice.
A 143
23:11 05 Dec 25
Professional!
Issa Salat
20:05 01 Dec 25
Very professional.
Yore Omerey
22:14 15 Nov 25
I was really stressed as a small business owner in this financial climate especially with the intense work I do. Mr. Heard respected me as a small business owner and created a business model to get me back on track.
He brilliantly solved long and short term issues with immense professionalism. I felt heard, I felt protected, and educated in the process. He was generous with his time and genuinely cared about the success of my company. The service was thorough and cost effective, he has my gratitude. I highly recommend them!
He brilliantly solved long and short term issues with immense professionalism. I felt heard, I felt protected, and educated in the process. He was generous with his time and genuinely cared about the success of my company. The service was thorough and cost effective, he has my gratitude. I highly recommend them!
Julian Howard
17:23 11 Nov 25
Extremely knowledgeable and professional — they made the entire tax process smooth and stress-free.
Always available to answer questions and explain everything clearly.
I highly recommend them for anyone looking for accurate, efficient, and trustworthy tax services.
Always available to answer questions and explain everything clearly.
I highly recommend them for anyone looking for accurate, efficient, and trustworthy tax services.
Demetria Dotson
18:32 13 Oct 25
Heard & Associates have always been top tier!
I had such a great experience with Heard & Associates! Mr. Heard was professional, patient, and really took the time to explain everything in a way I could understand. The company made filing my taxes so easy and even helped me get my finances more organized for the future. You can tell they truly care about their clients. I’ll definitely be coming back every year and recommending them to my friends and family!
I had such a great experience with Heard & Associates! Mr. Heard was professional, patient, and really took the time to explain everything in a way I could understand. The company made filing my taxes so easy and even helped me get my finances more organized for the future. You can tell they truly care about their clients. I’ll definitely be coming back every year and recommending them to my friends and family!
Brandon Atkins
04:53 13 Oct 25
I’ve been working with Heard and Associates for both my personal and business tax preparation and consulting, and I couldn’t be more satisfied. They’re professional, knowledgeable, and always take the time to explain everything clearly.
They helped me organize my business finances, maximize deductions, and develop a tax strategy that truly fits my goals. I really appreciate their attention to detail, quick communication, and how they make what could be a stressful process feel easy and efficient.
They helped me organize my business finances, maximize deductions, and develop a tax strategy that truly fits my goals. I really appreciate their attention to detail, quick communication, and how they make what could be a stressful process feel easy and efficient.
Whats The Word Media Inc.
02:12 13 Oct 25
Working with Heard & Associates has been one of the best business decisions I’ve made. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to accuracy truly stand out. From day one, their team made it easy to get organized and stay on top of everything — especially when it comes to bookkeeping.
They’ve completely transformed how my business handles its financial records. Every transaction is tracked, categorized, and explained clearly, so I always know where my money is going and what my cash flow looks like. Their bookkeeping services are not only thorough but also easy to understand — they take the time to explain reports and help identify opportunities to save or scale.
What I appreciate most is their consistency and communication. They respond quickly, provide monthly updates without being asked, and make sure all my accounts are clean and compliant come tax time. It’s rare to find a team that combines deep expertise with such genuine care for their clients’ success.
If you’re looking for an accounting firm that truly treats your business like their own — especially when it comes to keeping your books in order — I highly recommend Heard & Associates. They’re reliable, transparent, and simply excellent at what they do.
They’ve completely transformed how my business handles its financial records. Every transaction is tracked, categorized, and explained clearly, so I always know where my money is going and what my cash flow looks like. Their bookkeeping services are not only thorough but also easy to understand — they take the time to explain reports and help identify opportunities to save or scale.
What I appreciate most is their consistency and communication. They respond quickly, provide monthly updates without being asked, and make sure all my accounts are clean and compliant come tax time. It’s rare to find a team that combines deep expertise with such genuine care for their clients’ success.
If you’re looking for an accounting firm that truly treats your business like their own — especially when it comes to keeping your books in order — I highly recommend Heard & Associates. They’re reliable, transparent, and simply excellent at what they do.
david mason
14:20 02 Oct 25
I can’t say enough great things about Heard & Associates! They handle all of my business bookkeeping and S-Corp taxes for my heating and cooling company, and the experience has been outstanding. Their team is professional, reliable, and truly cares about helping my business succeed. I’m beyond grateful to have found such a knowledgeable CPA firm, and I look forward to continuing to grow my business with their support. Highly recommend them to any business owner looking for trusted financial guidance!
Schedule Payroll Services in Chicago
If payroll is taking time you don’t have or you’re not fully confident your filings are correct, our team is ready to help. We work with small businesses across Chicago and Cook County to make payroll accurate, fully managed, and one less thing on your list.