---
title: Best Certified Payroll Software for California (2026)
url: https://wellstanding.com/compare/best-certified-payroll-software-california/
description: Sunburst, LCPcertified, Miter, eMars, Points North and others, read from their own pages in October 2026: who writes DIR's XML, who files, and the prices.
updated: 2026-10-16
type: page
publisher: WellStanding Certified Payroll
---
# Best certified payroll software for California contractors (2026)

The best certified payroll software is the one that writes DIR's XML file from your payroll and fits your week, because [DIR's Upload eCPR guide](https://www.dir.ca.gov/Public-Works/Guides/Upload-eCPR.pdf) has the contractor upload that file and enter a signature. We read each product's own pages on October 16, 2026, and where a page was silent we say so.

Last reviewed October 16, 2026 against the sources it cites

The short answer

Pick the product that writes DIR's XML file from your payroll: [Sunburst at $799.00](https://www.sunburstsoftwaresolutions.com/certified-payroll-solution.htm) for QuickBooks Desktop on Windows with Intuit payroll services, or [LCPcertified at $12 per report or $145 a month for up to 5 active projects](https://lcptracker.com/solutions/lcpcertified/), which lists direct import from Paychex and upload from providers like HH2. [Miter](https://www.miter.com/human-capital-management/payroll/certified-payroll/) and [eMars](https://emarsinc.com/) show no price on the pages we read. You still review it, and [DIR's Upload eCPR guide](https://www.dir.ca.gov/Public-Works/Guides/Upload-eCPR.pdf) has a signature step.

- [DIR's Upload eCPR guide](https://www.dir.ca.gov/Public-Works/Guides/Upload-eCPR.pdf) has the contractor attach an XML file exported from its payroll system and enter a signature before submitting. DIR's contractor guides do not name vendors or third-party filers.
- [DIR's account sign up guide](https://www.dir.ca.gov/Public-Works/Guides/DIR-Account-Registration-Guide.pdf) does describe other contacts linking to a contractor's business account, either with a registration code from the primary contact or with a request the primary contact approves. It does not say whether a vendor can be such a contact, so ask any vendor which DIR account it files from. [DIR's eCPR FAQ](https://www.dir.ca.gov/Public-Works/ecprfaq.html) says submitting records to a union, the prime contractor, the awarding body or a labor compliance program does not put you in compliance unless you submit eCPRs directly to DIR. The FAQ does not mention vendor platforms.
- On most public works projects, [Labor Code section 1771.4(a)(3)](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=LAB&sectionNum=1771.4) requires each contractor and subcontractor to furnish certified payroll records directly to the Labor Commissioner, electronically, at least once every 30 days while work is performed and within 30 days after the final day of work. [DIR's certified payroll page](https://www.dir.ca.gov/Public-Works/Certified-Payroll-Reporting.html) says a few categories of public works projects are exempt.
- [Sunburst's California DIR page](https://www.sunburstsoftwaresolutions.com/2024-ca-dir.htm) says its CPS software creates the XML file and that you upload that file into the DIR website, and its [product page](https://www.sunburstsoftwaresolutions.com/certified-payroll-solution.htm) lists a $799.00 license. Its [support policy](https://www.sunburstsoftwaresolutions.com/support-policy.htm) lists $100.00 a year for maintenance after the first year.
- [LCPcertified](https://lcptracker.com/solutions/lcpcertified/) publishes $12 per report or $145 a month for up to 5 active projects. Its page lists direct payroll import from Paychex and payroll data upload from providers like HH2, and points to a Preferred Providers page to check yours. It says the XML file it produces can be uploaded to state web portals and does not name who uploads, and [LCPtracker's DIR XML Export help article](https://kb.lcptracker.com/support/solutions/articles/154000243402-lcpcertified-dir-xml-export) has you upload the saved file on DIR's website.
- [Miter](https://www.miter.com/human-capital-management/payroll/certified-payroll/) says it enables direct submission to state portals including California, and that an authorized signer at your company reviews and signs before the report is submitted.

## Pick by your situation

| Your situation | What fits | What to know first |
| --- | --- | --- |
| QuickBooks Desktop on Windows, and someone has time each week | [Sunburst](https://www.sunburstsoftwaresolutions.com/certified-payroll-solution.htm) | A $799.00 license that its page says works with QuickBooks Pro, Premier or Enterprise on Windows together with Intuit Basic, Enhanced or Assisted Payroll services. The page says it is not compatible with QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Mac or Right Networks hosting. [Sunburst's California DIR page](https://www.sunburstsoftwaresolutions.com/2024-ca-dir.htm) says its CPS software creates the XML file and that you upload that file into the DIR website. That page, updated November 3, 2025, also reports upload problems after DIR system updates and says to contact DIR if you have issues with DIR's website. |
| Paychex, HH2 or another payroll system on LCPtracker's compatibility list, and someone has time each week | [LCPcertified](https://lcptracker.com/solutions/lcpcertified/) | A cloud tool you load payroll data into. It writes the DIR XML file, and [LCPtracker's help article](https://kb.lcptracker.com/support/solutions/articles/154000243402-lcpcertified-dir-xml-export) has you upload that file on DIR's website. Its page lists direct payroll import from Paychex, payroll data upload compatible with providers like HH2, and a Preferred Providers page to check. Confirm your payroll system is supported before you buy. |
| Public works in several states | [Points North](https://www.points-north.com/certified-payroll-reporting), [Miter](https://www.miter.com/human-capital-management/payroll/certified-payroll/), [eMars](https://emarsinc.com/) | Miter and eMars list several states on their own pages. Points North's page names California DIR and MD E-File among the portals it works with. None shows a price. |
| You are replacing your payroll system anyway | Miter, [eBacon](https://www.ebacon.com/products/certified-payroll/), [Payroll4Construction](https://www.payroll4construction.com/certified-payroll/) | Miter's and Payroll4Construction's pages build reports from payroll or timecard data in their own products. Ask if they take an export from your current payroll. eBacon's [reporting suite page](https://ebacon.com/products/certified-payroll/reporting) says it integrates with an existing payroll system or can be your payroll solution, so you may not have to replace anything. Ask which payroll systems it works with. |
| You are a prime or agency collecting every sub's payroll | A project-wide platform | [LCPtracker's FAQ](https://lcptracker.com/solutions/lcpcertified/) calls LCPtracker Pro a solution for managing prevailing wage compliance across an entire project with multiple tiers of contractors. eMars says it lets general contractors manage subs. Per [DIR's eCPR FAQ](https://www.dir.ca.gov/Public-Works/ecprfaq.html), submitting records to a union, the prime contractor, the awarding body or a labor compliance program does not replace the DIR filing. See [GC portals and DIR](https://wellstanding.com/guides/gc-portals-and-dir/). |
| No software wanted | A filing service | Points North's Managed Service, which its page does not tie to California, or WellStanding. |

## What any product must do on most public works projects

On most public works projects, [Labor Code section 1771.4(a)(3)](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=LAB&sectionNum=1771.4) requires each contractor and subcontractor to furnish certified payroll records directly to the Labor Commissioner, electronically, on DIR's website. Records go in at least once every 30 days while work is performed, and within 30 days after the final day of work, or more often if your contract with the awarding body says so. Under subparagraph (B), the penalty is $100 for each day in violation, up to $5,000 per project. Under subparagraph (C), the Labor Commissioner cannot levy that penalty until the records are 14 days late.

Some projects are exempt. [DIR's certified payroll page](https://www.dir.ca.gov/Public-Works/Certified-Payroll-Reporting.html) says a few categories of public works projects are exempt from reporting online to DIR. Section 1771.4(a)(4) excuses an unregistered contractor on a project where registration is not required, and section 1771.4(b) lets the Labor Commissioner exempt a project in two cases: the awarding body enforces an approved labor compliance program, or it has a collective bargaining agreement that binds all contractors on the project. Check whether your project is exempt before you pay for a filing tool.

DIR's eCPR FAQ gives two ways in: the manual iForm or an XML upload. It also says submitting records to a union, the prime contractor, the awarding body or a labor compliance program does not put you in compliance unless you submit eCPRs directly to DIR. See [LCPtracker vs DIR](https://wellstanding.com/guides/lcptracker-vs-dir/).

The declaration is required by statute, and the signature step is in DIR's portal. [Labor Code section 1776(a)](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=LAB&sectionNum=1776) requires each payroll record to contain or be verified by a written declaration, made under penalty of perjury, that the information in the record is true and correct and that the employer complied with sections 1771, 1811 and 1815. Section 1776(a) does not say who signs. DIR's Upload eCPR guide has the contractor enter a signature on the manual path ("Enter your Contractor Signature") and a signature on the XML path, so plan to sign yourself. See [who signs certified payroll](https://wellstanding.com/guides/who-signs-certified-payroll-california/).

The WH-347 is the federal form, and [DOL's WH-347 page](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/forms/wh347) says using it is optional. It is not what you upload to DIR. See [WH-347 vs eCPR](https://wellstanding.com/guides/wh347-vs-ecpr/).

## Does it file into DIR, or write a file you upload?

DIR's eCPR FAQ gives two ways to submit, the manual iForm or an XML upload, and the Upload eCPR guide shows a signature step on both. The contractor guides on DIR's [Support Center](https://www.dir.ca.gov/Public-Works/SupportCenter.html) do not name vendors or third-party filers. They do describe other people acting under a contractor's DIR account. The account sign up guide says a contact can link to a business with a registration code from its primary contact, or ask to link and wait for the primary contact to approve. The Upload eCPR guide has a payroll submitter sign to acknowledge that all information is correct before submitting. The guides do not say whether a vendor can be one of those contacts. DIR's [modernization notice](https://www.dir.ca.gov/Public-Works/DIRs-Modernized-Public-Works-Website-Services.html) says contractor users create an account for their contractor and request to join projects.

Product pages use three kinds of wording. [LCPcertified's page](https://lcptracker.com/solutions/lcpcertified/) says its XML file "can be uploaded to state web portals," which is passive and names no uploader. [Sunburst's product page](https://www.sunburstsoftwaresolutions.com/certified-payroll-solution.htm) lists "California DIR Electronic Upload" and does not say who uploads. "Direct submission" is a claim to test.

Two of those vendors answer the question on a second page. [Sunburst's California DIR page](https://www.sunburstsoftwaresolutions.com/2024-ca-dir.htm) says its CPS software creates the XML file and that you upload it into the DIR website. That page also reports upload problems after DIR system updates and says to contact DIR if you have issues with DIR's website. [LCPtracker's DIR XML Export article](https://kb.lcptracker.com/support/solutions/articles/154000243402-lcpcertified-dir-xml-export) tells you to browse to the saved file on DIR's upload site and click Upload. Ask any vendor for a DIR confirmation from a customer filing, the DIR account it came from, and who entered the signature.

## Vendor by vendor, read October 16, 2026

| Product | WH-347 | California DIR file | How it reaches DIR, per its page | Price on its page |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Sunburst](https://www.sunburstsoftwaresolutions.com/certified-payroll-solution.htm), QuickBooks add-on | Yes | Lists DIR electronic upload. Its [California DIR page](https://www.sunburstsoftwaresolutions.com/2024-ca-dir.htm) says CPS creates the XML file. | Product page does not say who uploads. Its California DIR page says you upload the XML file into the DIR website, and reports upload problems after DIR system updates. | $799.00 per its [product page](https://www.sunburstsoftwaresolutions.com/certified-payroll-solution.htm), then $100.00 a year after year one per its [support policy](https://www.sunburstsoftwaresolutions.com/support-policy.htm) |
| [LCPcertified](https://lcptracker.com/solutions/lcpcertified/), cloud software | Yes | Yes, "CA DIR XML Export" | Product page says the file can be uploaded to state web portals and names no uploader. Its [help article](https://kb.lcptracker.com/support/solutions/articles/154000243402-lcpcertified-dir-xml-export) has you upload it on DIR's website. | $12 per report, $145 a month up to 5 active projects, or $1,300 a year up to 10 active projects |
| [Miter](https://www.miter.com/human-capital-management/payroll/certified-payroll/), payroll platform | Yes | Yes, says exports comply with DIR XML | Says it enables direct submission to California's portal. An authorized signer at your company signs first. | None shown |
| [eMars](https://emarsinc.com/prevailing-wages/california), compliance platform | Yes | Yes, "XML Auto-Filled" | Says the files can be submitted directly to DIR. Does not say who uploads. | None shown |
| [Points North](https://www.points-north.com/certified-payroll-reporting) | Not stated on the pages read | Lists compatibility with California DIR | Managed Service: lists direct submission to government agencies and does not name California. Software tier: does not say. | None shown |
| [eBacon](https://www.ebacon.com/products/certified-payroll/), payroll platform | Yes | Its [reports page](https://ebacon.com/reports) lists a CA DIR export | Its [reporting suite page](https://ebacon.com/products/certified-payroll/reporting) says "Effortlessly submit certified payroll reports to various reporting agencies" and that you can export data in formats compatible with multiple federal and state agencies. It also says it auto-generates the California apprenticeship forms DAS140 and DAS142 "to the DIR and apprenticeship agencies." It does not name who uploads to DIR. | None shown |
| [Payroll4Construction](https://www.payroll4construction.com/certified-payroll/) | Lists a U.S. Department of Labor format | Lists California Department of Industrial Relations as an electronic format | Does not say | None shown, quote form |
| QuickBooks [Online Payroll](https://quickbooks.intuit.com/learn-support/en-us/help-article/payroll-reports/create-review-certified-payroll-report-quickbooks/L5mWL9ujT_US_en_US) (Elite, Premium) and [Desktop Payroll](https://quickbooks.intuit.com/learn-support/en-us/help-article/payroll-forms/certified-payroll/L4VkVIuBY_US_en_US) | Online article: a WH-347 report where you enter some information manually, then review and sign. Desktop article: a report that can also be used to fill out the optional WH-347. | Not mentioned | Not applicable | Not in the articles |
| [Workyard](https://www.workyard.com/compare/certified-payroll-software), field time tracking | No, per its page | No | Says it does not submit to agency portals | Starter $6 per user per month, billed annually |
| WellStanding, a service | Yes, prepared for you | Yes, prepared from your payroll export, and a person reviews every filing | You review the finished filing and sign the certification in one step, and nothing is filed until you have signed. We never sign for you. Ask us the five questions below, too. | $995 one time setup, $249 per month for crews up to 25 workers, $449 for 26 to 50 workers. First filing free. |

Every row was read from the linked page on October 16, 2026. "None shown" means the pages we read gave no price. Sunburst's product page was updated November 3, 2025. Its support policy dates from 2013 and says maintenance prices can change.

## What the table does not show

- **Workyard's ranking list.** [Workyard's page](https://www.workyard.com/compare/certified-payroll-software), updated October 2, 2026, discloses that Workyard publishes the list and is on it, and it ranks Workyard first. It says Workyard handles field time, not the WH-347 or portal submission.
- **FOUNDATION.** Its [payroll page](https://www.foundationsoft.com/software/payroll/) names neither California DIR nor the WH-347, so it is not in the table.
- **Which XML guidelines.** [DIR's certified payroll page](https://www.dir.ca.gov/Public-Works/Certified-Payroll-Reporting.html) names CPR XML schema V1.3 and links [guidelines dated January 2016, version 1.10](https://www.dir.ca.gov/Public-Works/CPR/eCPRXMLGuideline.pdf). DIR's [Support Center](https://www.dir.ca.gov/Public-Works/SupportCenter.html) links [guidelines dated March 2026, version 2.0](https://www.dir.ca.gov/Public-Works/Guides/eCPR-XML-guidelines.pdf). DIR does not say how the two documents relate, and no vendor page we read says which it follows. If an upload fails, see [eCPR XML upload errors](https://wellstanding.com/guides/ecpr-xml-upload-errors/).

## Five questions to ask before you buy

1. Does it write the DIR XML file from my payroll, and to which DIR guidelines?
2. Who uploads it, from whose DIR account, and can I see the confirmation?
3. Does it work from my current payroll, or do I move payroll?
4. Does it handle a week with no work? DIR's XML guidelines include a flag for it.
5. What does it cost in writing, with renewals and maintenance?

## Software or a service

At the published prices above, Sunburst and LCPcertified cost less in dollars than a monthly service for a sub with a handful of projects. You pay with time and check the file yourself. A service costs more and takes the weekly work. See [software vs a service](https://wellstanding.com/guides/certified-payroll-software-vs-service-california/) and [how much certified payroll costs](https://wellstanding.com/guides/how-much-does-certified-payroll-cost/).

**Disclosure.** WellStanding sells a filing service, so we compete with some products here. From your own payroll export we prepare the WH-347, file the California DIR eCPR, and prepare [DAS 140](https://www.dir.ca.gov/t8/230.html) and [DAS 142](https://www.dir.ca.gov/t8/230_1.html). A person reviews every filing. You review the finished filing and sign the certification in one step, and nothing is filed until you have signed. The certification is always yours; we never sign for you. First filing free. We answer Monday to Friday 7:00 to 5:00 Pacific. If a row is out of date, tell us through the form below.

## Questions

Is there a DIR approved list of certified payroll software?**

We found none. DIR's certified payroll page names no vendors and tells you to create your own XML template. Our [sourced list of systems that export the file](https://wellstanding.com/guides/payroll-systems-that-export-dir-ecpr-xml/) covers more vendors.

Does QuickBooks file California certified payroll?**

We found nothing from Intuit that says it does. Its Online Payroll article describes the federal WH-347 report and does not mention California or XML. Its Desktop Payroll article describes a certified payroll report that can also be used to fill out the optional WH-347 and does not mention DIR or XML. See [certified payroll from QuickBooks](https://wellstanding.com/guides/quickbooks-certified-payroll/).

Which software files into DIR for me?**

Miter says it enables direct submission to California's portal. Points North says its Managed Service includes direct submission to the appropriate government agencies, and separately lists the California Department of Industrial Relations among compatible portals. It does not say its team submits to DIR. LCPcertified's page says its XML file can be uploaded to state web portals and names no uploader, and LCPtracker's help article has you upload it yourself. DIR's guides describe a contractor's own account, so ask for a DIR confirmation before you rely on the claim.

If I upload to LCPtracker or eMars, have I filed with DIR?**

Not on that basis alone. DIR's eCPR FAQ says that submitting certified payroll records to a union, the prime contractor, the awarding body or a labor compliance program does not put you in compliance with the state unless you submit eCPRs directly to DIR. The FAQ names no vendors and does not address vendor platforms, so it does not settle whether a vendor's submission counts. Ask the vendor for a DIR confirmation from a customer filing, and check that one exists, before you rely on it.

Do I still sign if software or a service files for me?**

Yes, plan to. Labor Code section 1776(a) requires the declaration under penalty of perjury but does not say who signs. DIR's Upload eCPR guide shows a signature step on both paths and asks for the contractor signature on the manual path. Software or a service can prepare the filing, but read the payroll first.

What does certified payroll software cost?**

Sunburst lists $799.00 plus $100.00 a year after year one, and LCPcertified lists $12 per report or $145 a month for up to 5 active projects, plus annual plans. Miter, eMars, Points North, eBacon and Payroll4Construction show none.

## Sources

Every figure on this page links to its source where it first appears. The full list, in order:

1. [DIR's Upload eCPR guide](https://www.dir.ca.gov/Public-Works/Guides/Upload-eCPR.pdf) dir.ca.gov
2. [Sunburst at $799.00](https://www.sunburstsoftwaresolutions.com/certified-payroll-solution.htm) sunburstsoftwaresolutions.com
3. [LCPcertified at $12 per report or $145 a month for up to 5 active projects](https://lcptracker.com/solutions/lcpcertified/) lcptracker.com
4. [Miter](https://www.miter.com/human-capital-management/payroll/certified-payroll/) miter.com
5. [eMars](https://emarsinc.com/) emarsinc.com
6. [DIR's account sign up guide](https://www.dir.ca.gov/Public-Works/Guides/DIR-Account-Registration-Guide.pdf) dir.ca.gov
7. [DIR's eCPR FAQ](https://www.dir.ca.gov/Public-Works/ecprfaq.html) dir.ca.gov
8. [Labor Code section 1771.4(a)(3)](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=LAB&sectionNum=1771.4) leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
9. [DIR's certified payroll page](https://www.dir.ca.gov/Public-Works/Certified-Payroll-Reporting.html) dir.ca.gov
10. [Sunburst's California DIR page](https://www.sunburstsoftwaresolutions.com/2024-ca-dir.htm) sunburstsoftwaresolutions.com
11. [support policy](https://www.sunburstsoftwaresolutions.com/support-policy.htm) sunburstsoftwaresolutions.com
12. [LCPtracker's DIR XML Export help article](https://kb.lcptracker.com/support/solutions/articles/154000243402-lcpcertified-dir-xml-export) kb.lcptracker.com
13. [Points North](https://www.points-north.com/certified-payroll-reporting) points-north.com
14. [eBacon](https://www.ebacon.com/products/certified-payroll/) ebacon.com
15. [Payroll4Construction](https://www.payroll4construction.com/certified-payroll/) payroll4construction.com
16. [reporting suite page](https://ebacon.com/products/certified-payroll/reporting) ebacon.com
17. [Labor Code section 1776(a)](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=LAB&sectionNum=1776) leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
18. [DOL's WH-347 page](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/forms/wh347) dol.gov
19. [Support Center](https://www.dir.ca.gov/Public-Works/SupportCenter.html) dir.ca.gov
20. [modernization notice](https://www.dir.ca.gov/Public-Works/DIRs-Modernized-Public-Works-Website-Services.html) dir.ca.gov
21. [eMars](https://emarsinc.com/prevailing-wages/california) emarsinc.com
22. [reports page](https://ebacon.com/reports) ebacon.com
23. [Online Payroll](https://quickbooks.intuit.com/learn-support/en-us/help-article/payroll-reports/create-review-certified-payroll-report-quickbooks/L5mWL9ujT_US_en_US) quickbooks.intuit.com
24. [Desktop Payroll](https://quickbooks.intuit.com/learn-support/en-us/help-article/payroll-forms/certified-payroll/L4VkVIuBY_US_en_US) quickbooks.intuit.com
25. [Workyard](https://www.workyard.com/compare/certified-payroll-software) workyard.com
26. [payroll page](https://www.foundationsoft.com/software/payroll/) foundationsoft.com
27. [guidelines dated January 2016, version 1.10](https://www.dir.ca.gov/Public-Works/CPR/eCPRXMLGuideline.pdf) dir.ca.gov
28. [guidelines dated March 2026, version 2.0](https://www.dir.ca.gov/Public-Works/Guides/eCPR-XML-guidelines.pdf) dir.ca.gov
29. [DAS 140](https://www.dir.ca.gov/t8/230.html) dir.ca.gov
30. [DAS 142](https://www.dir.ca.gov/t8/230_1.html) dir.ca.gov

## Related

- [Payroll systems that export DIR eCPR XML](https://wellstanding.com/guides/payroll-systems-that-export-dir-ecpr-xml/)
- [Certified payroll software vs a service](https://wellstanding.com/guides/certified-payroll-software-vs-service-california/)
- [Who signs certified payroll in California](https://wellstanding.com/guides/who-signs-certified-payroll-california/)
- [Certified payroll from QuickBooks](https://wellstanding.com/guides/quickbooks-certified-payroll/)
- [The DIR eCPR system explained](https://wellstanding.com/guides/dir-ecpr-system/)
- [How much does certified payroll cost](https://wellstanding.com/guides/how-much-does-certified-payroll-cost/)