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Payroll software review

TriNet

A PEO that runs payroll and taxes as co-employer and gives access to its health plans, plus HR Plus payroll without co-employment. Priced by quote.

By TriNetParent company: TriNet Group, Inc.

RTC SCORE

5.1

#16 of 22 with enough data

Not enough verified data yet

We've verified 8 of 12 key facts for this payroll provider. Until we reach 80%, this page shows what we have, with sources, and it isn't a full review.

Our verdict

TriNet fits a restaurant group that wants a PEO for health benefits and workers' comp. It does not connect to restaurant POS systems or document tip handling, so tips and the tip credit stay manual.

What we like

  • As a PEO it files payroll taxes under its own tax IDs, carries workers' comp and gives access to TriNet-sponsored health plans.
  • Live chat 24/7 for PEO customers.
  • Annual contracts that, per its 10-K, can usually be canceled with 30 days' notice.

What to watch

  • No published prices for the PEO or HR Plus.
  • No POS integration and no documented tip features.
  • In the PEO, minimum wage compliance (and so the tip credit) stays with you.

How the score breaks down

RTC Score5.1out of 10

Methodology v0.1.0

Data completeness62%

We could verify 62% of the scoring data

Strongest points
Who files payroll taxes, Live support hours a week, Initial term
Weakest point
POS integrations

Score by criterion

  • 12-month payroll cost (reference restaurant)Weight 19%No data
  • Who files payroll taxesWeight 7%Strongest10.0 out of 10
  • POS integrationsWeight 6%Weakest0.0 out of 10
  • Published pricingWeight 5%0.0 out of 10
  • Tip credit and minimum wage make-upWeight 5%No data
  • Tips imported from POS systemsWeight 5%0.0 out of 10
  • 2026 W-2 ready for No Tax on TipsWeight 5%0.0 out of 10
  • Initial termWeight 5%Strongest7.5 out of 10
  • Live support hours a weekWeight 5%Strongest10.0 out of 10
  • Payroll in all 50 statesWeight 4%10.0 out of 10
  • Time trackingWeight 4%10.0 out of 10
  • FICA tip credit (Form 8846)Weight 3%No data
  • Tip pooling and tip-outsWeight 3%No data
  • Early termination feeWeight 3%10.0 out of 10
  • Unlimited pay runsWeight 3%10.0 out of 10
  • Fastest direct deposit includedWeight 3%No data
  • Tax penalty guaranteeWeight 3%No data
  • Year-end W-2 and 1099 formsWeight 2%10.0 out of 10
  • Accounting integrationsWeight 2%10.0 out of 10
  • Notice to avoid renewalWeight 2%10.0 out of 10
  • Garnishments and new-hire reportingWeight 2%10.0 out of 10
  • Declared cash tipsWeight 2%10.0 out of 10
  • State and local minimum wages built inWeight 2%No data
  • Dedicated specialistWeight 2%10.0 out of 10
  • Paying 1099 contractorsWeight 1%5.0 out of 10
  • Early pay for employeesWeight 1%No data

All the data, with sources

Each value links to its source. "Not published" means the vendor doesn't disclose it; "Unconfirmed" means we looked and couldn't confirm it. Data points we have for fewer than four vendors are left out until we can compare them.

Pricing
Data pointValue
Base feeQuote onlySource: TriNet (opens in a new tab)
Per employeeQuote onlySource: TriNet (opens in a new tab)
Who counts as an employeeUnconfirmedSource: TriNet (opens in a new tab)HR Plus is a flat fee per employee per month; TriNet does not define who counts.
Per contractor (1099)UnconfirmedSource: TriNet (opens in a new tab)Not documented: we searched trinet.com (payroll, PEO, support, payroll FAQ) and TriNet's 2025 Form 10-K on Oct 1, 2026 and found nothing on this. TriNet's help center needs a login.
Published pricingQuote onlySource: TriNet (opens in a new tab)TriNet publishes no prices for its PEO or for HR Plus.
Setup feeUnconfirmedSource: TriNet (opens in a new tab)Not documented: we searched trinet.com (payroll, PEO, support, payroll FAQ) and TriNet's 2025 Form 10-K on Oct 1, 2026 and found nothing on this. TriNet's help center needs a login.
Year-end forms feeUnconfirmedSource: TriNet (opens in a new tab)Not documented: we searched trinet.com (payroll, PEO, support, payroll FAQ) and TriNet's 2025 Form 10-K on Oct 1, 2026 and found nothing on this. TriNet's help center needs a login.
Each extra stateUnconfirmedSource: TriNet (opens in a new tab)Not documented: we searched trinet.com (payroll, PEO, support, payroll FAQ) and TriNet's 2025 Form 10-K on Oct 1, 2026 and found nothing on this. TriNet's help center needs a login.
Other feesUnconfirmedSource: TriNet (opens in a new tab)Not documented: we searched trinet.com (payroll, PEO, support, payroll FAQ) and TriNet's 2025 Form 10-K on Oct 1, 2026 and found nothing on this. TriNet's help center needs a login.
Taxes and forms
Data pointValue
Who files payroll taxesThe provider calculates, files and pays federal, state and local payroll taxesSource: TriNet (opens in a new tab)In the PEO, TriNet reports wages and deposits payroll taxes as the employer of record under its own tax IDs (10-K).
Payroll in all 50 statesYesSource: TriNet (opens in a new tab)
Year-end W-2 and 1099 formsW-2 and 1099 prepared and filedSource: TriNet (opens in a new tab)W-2 preparation and delivery are also listed on the payroll page.
Paying 1099 contractorsFor an extra feeSource: TriNet (opens in a new tab)Contractor payments are available with extra terms and cost.
Tax penalty guaranteeUnconfirmedSource: TriNet (opens in a new tab)Not documented: we searched trinet.com (payroll, PEO, support, payroll FAQ) and TriNet's 2025 Form 10-K on Oct 1, 2026 and found nothing on this. TriNet's help center needs a login.
Garnishments and new-hire reportingIncludedSource: TriNet Group, Inc. (SEC Form 10-K) (opens in a new tab)PEO responsibility per the 10-K. HR Platform payroll also lists new-hire state filing.
Paying your team
Data pointValue
Pay schedulesUnconfirmedSource: TriNet (opens in a new tab)Not documented: we searched trinet.com (payroll, PEO, support, payroll FAQ) and TriNet's 2025 Form 10-K on Oct 1, 2026 and found nothing on this. TriNet's help center needs a login.
Unlimited pay runsYesSource: TriNet (opens in a new tab)
Fastest direct deposit includedUnconfirmedSource: TriNet (opens in a new tab)Not documented: we searched trinet.com (payroll, PEO, support, payroll FAQ) and TriNet's 2025 Form 10-K on Oct 1, 2026 and found nothing on this. TriNet's help center needs a login.
Early pay for employees (earned wage access)UnconfirmedSource: TriNet (opens in a new tab)Not documented: we searched trinet.com (payroll, PEO, support, payroll FAQ) and TriNet's 2025 Form 10-K on Oct 1, 2026 and found nothing on this. TriNet's help center needs a login.
Tips
Data pointValue
Imports tips from these POS systemsSource: TriNet (opens in a new tab)TriNet documents no POS integration or tip import.
Tip pooling and tip-outsUnconfirmedSource: TriNet (opens in a new tab)Not documented: we searched trinet.com (payroll, PEO, support, payroll FAQ) and TriNet's 2025 Form 10-K on Oct 1, 2026 and found nothing on this. TriNet's help center needs a login.
Tip credit and minimum wage make-upUnconfirmedSource: TriNet Group, Inc. (SEC Form 10-K) (opens in a new tab)TriNet says it supports tipped pay types but does not describe the tip credit; under the PEO agreement, minimum wage compliance stays with the client.
FICA tip credit (Form 8846)UnconfirmedSource: TriNet (opens in a new tab)Not documented: we searched trinet.com (payroll, PEO, support, payroll FAQ) and TriNet's 2025 Form 10-K on Oct 1, 2026 and found nothing on this. TriNet's help center needs a login.
Declared cash tipsYesSource: TriNet (opens in a new tab)Listed among HR Platform payroll features, without detail.
2026 W-2 for No Tax on Tips (code TP and tipped occupation code)Not confirmedSource: TriNet (opens in a new tab)No mention of the 2026 W-2 code TP or tipped occupation code on trinet.com.
2026 W-2 for qualified overtime (code TT)Not confirmedSource: TriNet (opens in a new tab)No mention of the 2026 W-2 code TT on trinet.com.
Service charges paid as wagesUnconfirmedSource: TriNet (opens in a new tab)Not documented: we searched trinet.com (payroll, PEO, support, payroll FAQ) and TriNet's 2025 Form 10-K on Oct 1, 2026 and found nothing on this. TriNet's help center needs a login.
State and local minimum wages built inUnconfirmedSource: TriNet (opens in a new tab)Not documented: we searched trinet.com (payroll, PEO, support, payroll FAQ) and TriNet's 2025 Form 10-K on Oct 1, 2026 and found nothing on this. TriNet's help center needs a login.
Integrations and time tracking
Data pointValue
POS integrations (hours or sales data)Source: TriNet (opens in a new tab)No POS integration is listed; its payroll integrations are accounting (QuickBooks Online), time and benefits.
Time trackingIncludedSource: TriNet (opens in a new tab)Listed as a time tracking tool in the plan table; availability may vary by package.
SchedulingIncludedSource: TriNet (opens in a new tab)Part of TriNet's time and attendance tool.
Accounting integrationsQuickBooks OnlineSource: TriNet (opens in a new tab)
Payroll engineThe vendor itselfSource: TriNet Group, Inc. (SEC Form 10-K) (opens in a new tab)
Benefits and insurance
Data pointValue
Health benefitsOnly with the PEO planSource: TriNet Group, Inc. (SEC Form 10-K) (opens in a new tab)TriNet-sponsored health plans come with the PEO; HR Plus handles benefit deductions only.
Workers' compensationOnly with the PEO planSource: TriNet Group, Inc. (SEC Form 10-K) (opens in a new tab)
Contract and exit
Data pointValue
Initial term12 monthsSource: TriNet Group, Inc. (SEC Form 10-K) (opens in a new tab)Annual, cancellable in most cases with 30 days' notice (10-K). HR Plus has monthly or annual terms.
Automatic renewal12 monthsSource: TriNet Group, Inc. (SEC Form 10-K) (opens in a new tab)
Notice to avoid renewal30 daysSource: TriNet Group, Inc. (SEC Form 10-K) (opens in a new tab)
Early termination feeNoneSource: TriNet Group, Inc. (SEC Form 10-K) (opens in a new tab)Per TriNet's 10-K. HR Plus clients on annual contracts may owe early termination fees if they give notice inside the 30 days before the anniversary.
Early termination clauseThe 10-K describes no fee for PEO clients who give 30 days' notice. HR Plus clients on annual contracts may owe fees if notice comes inside the 30 days before the anniversary.Source: TriNet Group, Inc. (SEC Form 10-K) (opens in a new tab)
Right to raise pricesUnconfirmedSource: TriNet (opens in a new tab)Not documented: we searched trinet.com (payroll, PEO, support, payroll FAQ) and TriNet's 2025 Form 10-K on Oct 1, 2026 and found nothing on this. TriNet's help center needs a login.
Your records when you leaveUnconfirmedSource: TriNet (opens in a new tab)Not documented: we searched trinet.com (payroll, PEO, support, payroll FAQ) and TriNet's 2025 Form 10-K on Oct 1, 2026 and found nothing on this. TriNet's help center needs a login.
Support
Data pointValue
Support 24/7YesSource: TriNet (opens in a new tab)Live chat 24/7 for PEO customers; phone Monday to Friday 6 a.m. to midnight ET. TriNet closes on some US holidays.
Live support hours a week168Source: TriNet (opens in a new tab)
Dedicated specialistYesSource: TriNet (opens in a new tab)Listed for HR Plus; the PEO offers a team of HR experts.
Language
Data pointValue
Employee app in SpanishNoSource: Apple App Store (TriNet Group, Inc.) (opens in a new tab)The TriNet Mobile and TriNet HR Plus App Store listings show English only, and TriNet documents no Spanish for employees.
Owner's dashboard in SpanishUnconfirmedSource: TriNet (opens in a new tab)Not documented: we searched trinet.com (payroll, PEO, support, payroll FAQ) and TriNet's 2025 Form 10-K on Oct 1, 2026 and found nothing on this. TriNet's help center needs a login.
Pay stubs in SpanishUnconfirmedSource: TriNet (opens in a new tab)Not documented: we searched trinet.com (payroll, PEO, support, payroll FAQ) and TriNet's 2025 Form 10-K on Oct 1, 2026 and found nothing on this. TriNet's help center needs a login.
Support in SpanishUnconfirmedSource: TriNet (opens in a new tab)Not documented: we searched trinet.com (payroll, PEO, support, payroll FAQ) and TriNet's 2025 Form 10-K on Oct 1, 2026 and found nothing on this. TriNet's help center needs a login.
Contract or terms in SpanishUnconfirmedSource: TriNet (opens in a new tab)Not documented: we searched trinet.com (payroll, PEO, support, payroll FAQ) and TriNet's 2025 Form 10-K on Oct 1, 2026 and found nothing on this. TriNet's help center needs a login.
Website in Spanish for the USNoSource: TriNet (opens in a new tab)trinet.com is in English only (no Spanish version found on Oct 1, 2026).

More about TriNet

How we score