Knowledge base
Research for PEO buyers
Guides, checklists, cost data and a glossary of 51 terms. The same material our advisors use with clients.
Start here
- Guide 01The PEO buyer's guideWhat to decide before you talk to a single PEO, and how to compare proposals on total cost.
- Guide 0221 questions to ask a PEO before you signThe questions that separate a good fit from a costly one.
- Guide 03PEO renewal checklistWhat to check when your PEO renewal arrives, and when to start.
- Guide 04PEO, ASO or HR software: a decision frameworkA practical way to choose the right HR model for your size and risk.
Glossary
All 51 terms- PEO basics8
How co-employment works and who does what.
PEO · Co-employment · Worksite employee · Client service agreement
- Pricing and fees8
How PEOs charge, and what drives total cost.
PEPM · Percentage of payroll pricing · Admin fee · Bundled pricing
- Payroll and tax5
Federal and state employment taxes under a PEO.
- Benefits9
Health plans, retirement and the rules around them.
Master health plan · Open enrollment · Section 125 plan · FSA
- Workers' comp and risk7
Insurance, claims and liability.
Workers' compensation · Class code · Experience mod · Pay-as-you-go workers' comp
- HR and compliance4
Employment rules a PEO helps you manage.
Employment law compliance · Employee handbook · Form I-9 · Employee onboarding
- Alternatives and models4
ASO, EOR, HR software and how they compare.
ASO · EOR service · HRIS · Staffing agency
- Contracts and transitions6
Signing, renewing, switching and leaving.
Data and tools
- PEO cost dataAdmin fees and pricing models across PEOs.
- PEO directoryAll 27 PEOs with certification and pricing.
- PEO fit assessmentA few questions on whether a PEO, ASO or HR software fits.