Frequently Asked Questions
Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers.
Whether you’re just getting started or already a pro, our FAQ section covers everything you need from billing to features to make your experience smoother.
How does Surf run payroll?
Surf executes payroll based on your instructions — calculating salaries, deductions, and taxes automatically while keeping everything transparent.
Can Surf handle multi-state payroll?
Yes. Surf supports payroll across multiple states with built-in compliance handling.
How does Surf protect sensitive payroll and tax information?
Surf secures all payroll and tax data with bank-grade encryption, data masking, and daily encrypted backups. Our system runs on AWS with 24/7 monitoring, regular security audits, and an active incident-response plan to keep sensitive employee and tax records safe.
What payment methods does Surf offer for paying employees?
Surf offers flexible payment options, including ACH transfers and Wire. ACH is the most common and cost-effective method for employee payments, while Wire are available for faster or same-day transfers when needed.
Can I run an off-cycle payroll, and is there a fee?
No. Surf allows you to run off-cycle payrolls without an additional fees.
Can I run an off-cycle payroll, and is there a fee?
Absolutely. Surf supports payments to independent contractors in addition to employees. All contractor payments are tracked for compliance, and 1099-NEC forms are automatically generated for tax reporting purposes.
Does the Surf offer support for multiple pay frequencies?
Yes. Surf supports multiple pay schedule options, including: Weekly Biweekly Semi-monthly Monthly You can easily configure the schedule that best fits your company’s needs.
How does Surf manage payroll compliance?
Surf tracks deadlines, prepares filings, and ensures compliance across states without requiring manual tracking.
Does Surf handle tax filings automatically?
Yes. Surf calculates and prepares filings based on payroll data and applicable regulations.
Does your payroll service handle federal, state, and local tax filing?
Yes. Surf manages all federal, state, and local payroll tax filings, including W-2 and 1099 submissions. Our system ensures your company stays compliant with all applicable tax regulations by automatically calculating, filing, and remitting payroll taxes on your behalf.
Do you handle new hire reporting and federal forms?
Yes. Surf automatically manages new hire reporting for eligible employees, ensuring compliance with state reporting timelines and generating weekly reports for employers. For federal forms, Surf handles filings such as W-2s, 1099s, and Form 941, once all required employee data and authorizations are in place.
How do you ensure compliance with changing tax laws (minimum wage, overtime, etc.)?
Surf continuously monitors and updates its system to reflect changes in federal, state, and local tax laws, ensuring that payroll tax calculations remain accurate.
Will you file W-2 and 1099 for my employees and contractors?
Yes. Surf prepares and files: W-2 forms for employees 1099-NEC forms for independent contractors These forms are filed and distributed annually, with W-2s typically available to employees by mid-January of the following year.
What happens if there is a tax notice or audit?
If a tax notice is received, Surf will assist in resolving the issue, provided the necessary data and authorizations are in place. For audits, Surf ensures accurate tax filings and provides documentation, but employers may need to work with their tax advisors for additional support.
How is pricing calculated?
Pricing is based on the number of employees and required features.
Are there any hidden fees or contract terms I should know about?
No. Surf maintains transparent pricing with no hidden fees or long-term contract obligations. You pay only for what you use.
How does the monthly per-person cost work for employees and contractors?
Surf offers no billing for the first 10 employees of each customer. Starting with the 11th employee, Surf charges $10 per employee per month for payroll services.
Do you offer free trials or demos?
Yes. Surf offers free trials and personalized demos to explore the platform’s features. Additionally, the first 100 customers receive credits worth $50,000 as part of our early-access program.
How fast is onboarding and migration?
Go live in minutes with free migration—no paperwork or calls—then run day‑to‑day tasks via the copilot.
What does the AI actually do?
The AI executes payroll tasks, manages workflows, and provides real-time guidance — not just responses.
Is AI reliable for payroll processing?
Yes. All actions are transparent and reviewable, ensuring accuracy and control.
Can I switch from my current payroll provider?
Yes. Surf supports data import and rebuilds your payroll setup so you can transition smoothly.
Do I need historical payroll data?
Not necessarily. Surf can operate with current data, but importing history improves continuity.
How does Surf run payroll?
Surf executes payroll based on your instructions — calculating salaries, deductions, and taxes automatically while keeping everything transparent.
Can Surf handle multi-state payroll?
Yes. Surf supports payroll across multiple states with built-in compliance handling.
How does Surf protect sensitive payroll and tax information?
Surf secures all payroll and tax data with bank-grade encryption, data masking, and daily encrypted backups. Our system runs on AWS with 24/7 monitoring, regular security audits, and an active incident-response plan to keep sensitive employee and tax records safe.
What payment methods does Surf offer for paying employees?
Surf offers flexible payment options, including ACH transfers and Wire. ACH is the most common and cost-effective method for employee payments, while Wire are available for faster or same-day transfers when needed.
Can I run an off-cycle payroll, and is there a fee?
No. Surf allows you to run off-cycle payrolls without an additional fees.
Can I run an off-cycle payroll, and is there a fee?
Absolutely. Surf supports payments to independent contractors in addition to employees. All contractor payments are tracked for compliance, and 1099-NEC forms are automatically generated for tax reporting purposes.
Does the Surf offer support for multiple pay frequencies?
Yes. Surf supports multiple pay schedule options, including: Weekly Biweekly Semi-monthly Monthly You can easily configure the schedule that best fits your company’s needs.
How does Surf manage payroll compliance?
Surf tracks deadlines, prepares filings, and ensures compliance across states without requiring manual tracking.
Does Surf handle tax filings automatically?
Yes. Surf calculates and prepares filings based on payroll data and applicable regulations.
Does your payroll service handle federal, state, and local tax filing?
Yes. Surf manages all federal, state, and local payroll tax filings, including W-2 and 1099 submissions. Our system ensures your company stays compliant with all applicable tax regulations by automatically calculating, filing, and remitting payroll taxes on your behalf.
Do you handle new hire reporting and federal forms?
Yes. Surf automatically manages new hire reporting for eligible employees, ensuring compliance with state reporting timelines and generating weekly reports for employers. For federal forms, Surf handles filings such as W-2s, 1099s, and Form 941, once all required employee data and authorizations are in place.
How do you ensure compliance with changing tax laws (minimum wage, overtime, etc.)?
Surf continuously monitors and updates its system to reflect changes in federal, state, and local tax laws, ensuring that payroll tax calculations remain accurate.
Will you file W-2 and 1099 for my employees and contractors?
Yes. Surf prepares and files: W-2 forms for employees 1099-NEC forms for independent contractors These forms are filed and distributed annually, with W-2s typically available to employees by mid-January of the following year.
What happens if there is a tax notice or audit?
If a tax notice is received, Surf will assist in resolving the issue, provided the necessary data and authorizations are in place. For audits, Surf ensures accurate tax filings and provides documentation, but employers may need to work with their tax advisors for additional support.
How is pricing calculated?
Pricing is based on the number of employees and required features.
Are there any hidden fees or contract terms I should know about?
No. Surf maintains transparent pricing with no hidden fees or long-term contract obligations. You pay only for what you use.
How does the monthly per-person cost work for employees and contractors?
Surf offers no billing for the first 10 employees of each customer. Starting with the 11th employee, Surf charges $10 per employee per month for payroll services.
Do you offer free trials or demos?
Yes. Surf offers free trials and personalized demos to explore the platform’s features. Additionally, t
How fast is onboarding and migration?
Go live in minutes with free migration—no paperwork or calls—then run day‑to‑day tasks via the copilot.
What does the AI actually do?
The AI executes payroll tasks, manages workflows, and provides real-time guidance — not just responses.
Is AI reliable for payroll processing?
Yes. All actions are transparent and reviewable, ensuring accuracy and control.
Can I switch from my current payroll provider?
Yes. Surf supports data import and rebuilds your payroll setup so you can transition smoothly.
Do I need historical payroll data?
Not necessarily. Surf can operate with current data, but importing history improves continuity.
Payroll
Compliance
Pricing
AI
Migration
How does Surf run payroll?
Surf executes payroll based on your instructions — calculating salaries, deductions, and taxes automatically while keeping everything transparent.
Can Surf handle multi-state payroll?
Yes. Surf supports payroll across multiple states with built-in compliance handling.
How does Surf protect sensitive payroll and tax information?
Surf secures all payroll and tax data with bank-grade encryption, data masking, and daily encrypted backups. Our system runs on AWS with 24/7 monitoring, regular security audits, and an active incident-response plan to keep sensitive employee and tax records safe.
What payment methods does Surf offer for paying employees?
Surf offers flexible payment options, including ACH transfers and Wire. ACH is the most common and cost-effective method for employee payments, while Wire are available for faster or same-day transfers when needed.
Can I run an off-cycle payroll, and is there a fee?
No. Surf allows you to run off-cycle payrolls without an additional fees.
Can I run an off-cycle payroll, and is there a fee?
Absolutely. Surf supports payments to independent contractors in addition to employees. All contractor payments are tracked for compliance, and 1099-NEC forms are automatically generated for tax reporting purposes.
Does the Surf offer support for multiple pay frequencies?
Yes. Surf supports multiple pay schedule options, including: Weekly Biweekly Semi-monthly Monthly You can easily configure the schedule that best fits your company’s needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got Questions?We’ve Got Answers.
Whether you’re just getting started or already a pro, our FAQ section covers everything you need from billing to features to make your experience smoother.