Payroll software · New Zealand · Head-to-head
Smartly vs Thankyou Payroll
Two New Zealand payroll software options, compared side by side for New Zealand trades.
Which should you choose?
Smartly and Thankyou Payroll are closely matched (both Tier A) for New Zealand payroll software. The right choice comes down to fit: weigh the pros, cons, pricing, and New Zealand-specific notes for each against your trade and region.
Smartly
Tier A · WorkableNZ payroll specialist — SMB focus, IRD-compliant
Smartly is NZ payroll specialist with SMB focus. Full IRD compliance, KiwiSaver, leave management. Competes with iPayroll in the NZ SMB payroll segment.
Pros
- + NZ-focused with full IRD compliance
- + SMB pricing accessible
- + Cloud-native modern UI
Cons
- − NZ-only
- − Smaller scale than iPayroll or Xero NZ
- − Less brand recognition
New Zealand note
NZ SMB focus with full compliance. Comparable to iPayroll in core feature set.
Thankyou Payroll
Tier A · WorkableNZ cloud payroll + IRD PAYE intermediary — files PAYE/KiwiSaver for you
NZ-only cloud payroll for small businesses, charities and NFPs. It acts as an IRD-accredited PAYE Intermediary — filing and paying PAYE/KiwiSaver to IRD on the employer’s behalf, more hands-off than DIY tools. It competes with iPayroll/Smartly/PayHero on price and simplicity, with a social-enterprise/carbon-positive identity.
Pros
- + Full PAYE-intermediary service — automated payday filing + IRD payments
- + Transparent capped NZD pricing (charged only for pays you run)
- + Free until first pay run; 100% free for registered charities
- + Native Xero; employee app + payslips
Cons
- − Per-pay base fee can add up for weekly cycles
- − Smaller brand than iPayroll/Smartly
- − Lighter feature depth (small-team geared)
- − Transitioning to charity ownership (minor structural note)
New Zealand note
IRD payday filing explicitly automated; acts as an IRD PAYE Intermediary; handles KiwiSaver, PAYE and Holidays Act leave/holiday-pay calculations.
More New Zealand options
See all New Zealand payroll software vendors and the rest of the New Zealand directory.