• SUPPORT: 24/7 automated telephone support
  • ACCREDITATION: ESAC, NAPEO, BBB, IRS-certified
  • SERVICES: Payroll & Tax, HR Services, Risk & Compliance, Benefits Administration
  • INTEGRATIONS: Sage, SAP, QuickBooks, Oracle, Xero, TSheets, MakeShift, TempWorks and more

ADP TotalSource: Reviews, Complaints & Ratings

Fact-checked
  • SUPPORT: 24/7 automated telephone support
  • ACCREDITATION: ESAC, NAPEO, BBB, IRS-certified
  • SERVICES: Payroll & Tax, HR Services, Risk & Compliance, Benefits Administration
  • INTEGRATIONS: Sage, SAP, QuickBooks, Oracle, Xero, TSheets, MakeShift, TempWorks and more

Best For

Risk Management and Legal Compliance

STRENGTHS

  • Easy to use mobile app
  • Extensive selection of features
  • 24/7 automated telephone support
  • Training and development program for workers

WEAKNESSES

  • Long and complex setup process
  • Higher than average price

ADP TotalSource is a co-employment model PEO service from ADP that provides business administration services to small, medium, and large companies. ADP is one of the most well-known names in the payroll and HR software sector and has provided its services to businesses for over 70 years.

ADP TotalSource reviews on Capterra, G2, Software Advice, and PCMag give the software an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

The ADP TotalSource software includes a bundled service package of human resources, payroll, compliance, training, risk, and benefits administration. Other add-on services are also available at extra costs, such as workforce and performance management, 401(k), and worker’s compensation. ADP TotalSource is IRS-certified and accredited by the Employer Services Assurance Corporation (ESAC) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) with an A+ rating.

Plans & Pricing

Let’s review what ADP TotalSource full-service PEO consists of.

The full-service standard ADP TotalSource plan includes the following:

  • Payroll processing
  • HR and onboarding
  • Benefits management
  • Risk and regulatory compliance
  • Training and development
  • 24/7 customer support online with access via mobile or desktop

The ADP Talent Suite add-on services include:

  • Data explorers
  • Performance management
  • Worker’s compensations
  • Applicant tracking
  • Additional ADP apps

Fees and Cancellation

ADP TotalSource doesn’t list its prices on the website and offers them only on a quote-by-quote basis for each individual company. However, a verified ADP PEO review 2022 suggests that similar services charge from $125 to $155 per month / per employee. There are no long-term contracts or cancellation fees.

In most cases, PEO services charge additional setup fees and hidden fees for things like 1099 and W-2 preparation, although no information about these is provided. According to ADP TotalSource plans reviews, additional services that cost extra include the ADP Talent Suite, 401(k) plans, and various other insurance options.

ADP TotalSource Details

ADP TotalSource is a cloud-based payroll software that is accessible 24/7 via a browser from any computer, tablet, or smartphone. However, some ADP TotalSource reviews consider the interface to be a bit outdated and in need of an upgrade.

Main Services

  • Payroll and Tax

ADP TotalSource’s payroll processing software makes sure that your staff is paid, with all the necessary deductions and wage garnishments calculated. The payroll service ensures that all local employment tax laws are adhered to so that your business avoids federal agency penalties.

For taxes and cash flow monitoring, take a look at these free of charge accounting software pieces.

  • HR Services

Human resource management features provide onboarding, offboarding, ACA documents, recruiting, and HR-compliance training. ADP provides additional HR consulting to help with best practices guidance, employee termination management, and corporate wellness.

  • Risk and Compliance

ADP TotalSource PEO services include risk and compliance services to keep your business up to date with OSHA reporting, insurance, and health and safety training. The ADP SmartCompliance suite of solutions integrates with third-party apps to help you manage a variety of services.

  • Benefits Administration

ADP TotalSource has a wide range of excellent benefits, from healthcare to retirement plans, 401(k) plans, and insurance. Its ability to offer comprehensive cost-effective benefits makes it one of the most highly-rated PEO companies.

Additional Services

Extra ADP TotalSource solutions include:

  • Integration With 3rd-Party Accounting

ADP TotalSource integrates with HCM, accounting, and ERP third-party service providers like Sage, SAP, QuickBooks, Oracle, Infor, Workday, Xero, and FinancialForce. Time management and recruiting integrations include Jobvite, TSheets, MakeShift, and TempWorks.

  • Training

ADP TotalSource offers employee learning programs with its ADP Learning Management service. It also provides a comprehensive employee handbook and a training and development program for workers.

  • Reports and Analytics

ADP offers some basic predefined and custom reporting features, including elements of payroll data, staff attendance, and benefits.

  • Workforce Management

ADP’s long history in the HR and recruitment sector makes it an invaluable resource for dealing with advanced HR issues like unemployment management and immigration needs.

Help & Support

ADP TotalSource customer reviews consistently complain that customer support is slow at responding to issues and despite promising a dedicated support agent, you seldom get one. Other users complain of difficulties in getting incorrect charges reversed. However, the majority of ADP Total Source complaints online are addressed promptly, with agents offering to rectify any problems.

Customers can contact support via:

  • 24/7 automated telephone support
  • Searchable knowledge base
  • Online virtual support
  • Articles and insights
Pros Cons
24/7 automated telephone support Higher than the average price
Training and development program for workers Long and complex setup process
Extensive selection of features
Easy to use mobile app

ADP TotalSource User Reviews & Testimonials

There is a wealth of ADP TotalSource online reviews due to how widely used the service is and how long it has been running. Generally, most reviews are positive and highlight how easy to use the ADP online app is.

ADP client reviews on Capterra, G2, and similar independent review sites give an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars and many note how ADP has been an improvement over their previous PEO software. Smaller companies usually give the lowest ratings as they find the system too complex.

The most common complaints found in ADP TotalSource negative reviews relate to slow response time from customer support and items being incorrectly charged. In many cases, clients find they have incorrectly filed forms due to the complexity of the ADP TotalSource system. This indicates the software is better suited to larger companies with staff dedicated to dealing with the PEO.

ADP PEO solution ratings:

  • Capterra: 4.3/5
  • TrustRadius: 2/5
  • ConsumerAffairs: 3.5/5
  • Software Advice: 4.3/5
  • G2: 4.1/5

Accreditations

It’s important to check a PEO’s accreditation before entering into a partnership with them. If you come across employee-related legal issues and your PEO is not accredited you may be liable for any related fines or charges. ADP TotalSource is accredited by the Employer Services Assurance Corporation (ESAC) and is a member of the National Association of Professional Employer Organizations (NAPEO).

ADP TotalSource is also IRS-certified and accredited with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) with an A+ rating. However, ADP TotalSource BBB reviews give the company a low rating due to problems such as customers being overcharged, services not being canceled, and general tax billing issues. Many customers find it difficult to get issues resolved and complain about being passed around to several different departments before finding adequate help.

Alternatives

There are several ADP TotalSource alternatives, from low-cost small business PEOs to similarly-priced corporate providers. When comparing ADP TotalSource to other PEO providers, it’s important to note that ADP is one of the world’s largest PEO providers which can be both beneficial and detrimental.

PEO companies that offer an alternative to ADP TotalSource include Justworks and TriNet. Below is a brief review of how these companies compare to ADP TotalSource.

  • ADP TotalSource vs Justworks

Justworks’ services are aimed at smaller businesses than ADP, with its target group consisting of businesses with 1 to 499 employees. It receives a similar level of ratings from most independent reviewers, although customers do note a more personal level of service from Justworks. However, ADP TotalSource offers a wider range of services, including benefits outsourcing and HIPAA compliance.

  • ADP TotalSource vs TriNet

TriNet is another one of the many HR services and benefits administration providers aimed at smaller businesses with simple requirements. It has similar ratings to ADP and scores well in payroll and HR management but lacks some of the more advanced features that ADP TotalSource provides. TriNet customers are particularly impressed with the high level of customer service and their broad range of medical insurance plans.

Summary

ADP TotalSource is a highly flexible PEO solution provider that suits a wide range of businesses with varied staff numbers. ADP TotalSource reviews show that its extensive selection of features makes it attractive to companies with unique requirements but for small businesses, it may be less affordable than some alternatives.

One area where ADP provides particular advantages over most other PEOs is with HR concerns. ADP has decades of experience providing HR services and can help your company develop a winning HR strategy. However, ADP Total Source PEO reviews indicate that the setup process is long and complex, and errors are difficult to resolve afterward, so take this into account when choosing it as a PEO.

FAQ

What steps are required in migrating to ADP TotalSource?

Once you have signed up, ADP will arrange for an organizational development consultation which is aimed at evaluating your business needs and implementing a migration strategy. Once a plan is in place, ADP can start integrating staff and completing the necessary employee processes. The entire migration can take anywhere from 2-6 months depending on your business size.

What are the specific employee benefits offered by ADP?

Some of the most common employee benefits include: Retirement and 401(k) plans, life insurance, benefit pension plans, health, dental, and vision insurance options, and temporary and long-term disability insurance.

Can ADP TotalSource help save my company money?

ADP TotalSource is noted by legit ADP PEO reviews to be more expensive than many other PEO service providers. More specifically, larger companies tend to find it offers better savings than small businesses. A quick browse of independent ADP TotalSource reviews suggest that most customers find ADP to be cost-effective and to provide decent value for money. The highly affordable employee benefits are a key feature that helps many companies to save lots of money in the long run.

ABOUT AUTHOR

I am a curiosity-driven creature searching for answers — and questions — in the digital realm. From marketing through online business creation to software tools — I am fascinated by everything that can make life easier. When not looking for meaning, yoga and good food keep me grounded.