Switching from Rippling to Gusto
Gusto needs every payroll you ran this calendar year before it can file your taxes. Its automated history import does not support Rippling, so plan to enter prior payrolls during setup.
Quick verdict: Gusto requires your payroll history from the start of the calendar year to calculate year-to-date amounts and prepare year-end forms. Its payroll transfer automation supports QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Desktop, ADP Run and Paychex — not Rippling — so export Rippling’s payroll reports and enter past payrolls during account setup. Gusto files from the quarter of your first Gusto check date onward; your previous provider files completed quarters.
Switching Cost & Friction Estimator
Most buyers only budget for the new subscription. This estimates the hidden labor, data-cleanup, and retraining cost of actually making the switch.
Estimate assumes: 1 hour of data-mapping/cleaning labor per 2,000 records, a blended $75/hr ops rate, tiered migration & cleaning tooling fees, and 4 hours of retraining per seat at a $45/hr fully-loaded rate.
Why teams move from Rippling to Gusto
Published, predictable pricing
Gusto lists every plan — from $49/mo plus $6 per person — with no contracts.
Simpler scope
Small, US-focused teams often need payroll, benefits and HR rather than a full HR-IT-finance platform.
Setup help on Premium
Gusto Premium includes payroll migration and account setup.
How the migration actually works
The order matters: history first, then your first Gusto payroll.
| Step | What you do |
|---|---|
| 1. Export payroll history from Rippling | Download payroll registers, tax filings and payment records for every payroll this calendar year. |
| 2. Create your Gusto account | Gusto account setup is free; choose Simple, Plus or Premium. |
| 3. Enter past payrolls during setup | Gusto’s automated upload supports only QuickBooks, ADP Run and Paychex, so enter each Rippling payroll from this year during account setup. |
| 4. Set up deductions and contributions | History import does not create deductions, contributions or pay items — add them separately. |
| 5. Agree the tax-filing handover | Gusto files for the quarter of your first Gusto check date onward; your previous provider files completed quarters. Only Gusto should file the year-end forms. |
| 6. Run your first Gusto payroll | Check year-to-date totals against Rippling before submitting. |
What this path doesn’t do for you:
Rippling history cannot use Gusto’s automated transfer, so budget time to enter past payrolls by hand — ideally during account setup; afterwards they are entered as non-Gusto payrolls. Deductions and contributions do not come over with history. Make sure Rippling does not file W-2s or other year-end forms after you switch.
Pricing side by side
| Plan | Rippling | Gusto |
|---|---|---|
| Free | No | No — free account setup |
| Entry paid | Core platform + products, by quote | Simple — $49/mo + $6/person |
| Mid | By quote | Plus — $80/mo + $12/person |
| Top | By quote | Premium — $180/mo + $22/person |
Gusto prices from gusto.com/product/pricing; Rippling does not publish prices. Checked September 17, 2026.
Feature parity check
| Capability | Rippling | Gusto |
|---|---|---|
| Published pricing | No — quote only | Yes |
| Contracts | Not published | None |
| Automated history import from the other | Year-to-date import by Rippling’s team | No — Rippling not supported |
| Payroll migration help | Included in switching support | Included on Premium |
| IT and device management | Yes | No |
Going the other direction, or want the full comparison first?
Read the Gusto vs Rippling comparison Switching from Gusto to Rippling instead?Frequently Asked Questions
Can Gusto import my Rippling payroll history automatically?
No. Gusto’s payroll transfer automation supports QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Desktop, ADP Run and Paychex. Enter Rippling payrolls during setup.
Why does Gusto need my past payrolls?
To calculate year-to-date amounts, file quarterly taxes and prepare year-end forms accurately.
Who files taxes for the quarter I switch?
Gusto files for the quarter of your first Gusto check date onward; your previous provider files completed quarters. Only Gusto should file year-end forms.
Can I add past payrolls after setup?
Yes, but Gusto’s automated upload is only available during onboarding; after setup, past payrolls are entered as non-Gusto payrolls. Entering history during setup is simplest.
Canonical data for the tools on this page
Every pricing fact, rating, AI billing model and switching guide we hold on each tool, on one page — with the date each figure was last verified.