Bookkeeping, payroll and HR for Marion businesses
Marion has grown quickly alongside Cedar Rapids, and its small businesses reflect that: contractors and trades busy with new construction, home-based businesses, and a lot of residents who own a rental or two.
That mix means many Marion owners are doing their own books, hiring their first employee, or managing rental income for the first time. We handle bookkeeping, payroll and HR from our Cedar Rapids office next door.
What's different about running a business in Marion
The local rules and situations we see most with Marion employers.
Landlords need a city license
Marion licenses rental housing and landlords through City Hall. License payments have to be mailed or made in person — online payments ended in November 2024 — so we keep license dates and records with your rental books.
Hiring your first Iowa employee
Before the first paycheck you'll need an Iowa withholding account, an Iowa Workforce Development unemployment account, and to report each new hire to the state within 15 days. We set all of it up with payroll.
New construction employers
New Iowa construction employers start at a 5.4% unemployment rate in 2026, versus 1% for most new employers — worth knowing before you price your first jobs with crew.
Iowa basics for 2026: income tax is withheld at a flat 3.8%, the state minimum wage remains $7.25 an hour, and unemployment insurance is reported quarterly to Iowa Workforce Development.
How we help Marion businesses
Monthly Bookkeeping
Reconciled accounts and monthly statements for Marion businesses, on flat plans starting at $250 a month.
Payroll Administration
On-time payroll through Cascade Payroll or Gusto, with Iowa withholding and Iowa Workforce Development reporting handled.
Fractional HR
Offer letters, handbooks, leave policies and employee questions — HR expertise without a full-time hire.
Zoho One Consulting
Zoho CRM, Books, People and Flow set up around how your business actually runs.
Payroll services in Marion, IA
We run payroll for Marion small businesses through Cascade Payroll or Gusto: every pay run, direct deposit, federal and Iowa payroll tax filings, and W-2s and 1099s at year-end. We also handle Iowa income tax withholding and Iowa Workforce Development unemployment insurance, so nothing slips between pay periods.
Payroll is part of our HR & Payroll plan, from $250 a month for your first 2 employees. We can meet at your Marion business, at our Cedar Rapids office, or by video.
See our payroll servicesQuestions from Marion business owners
Can you keep books for my rental properties?
Can we meet in Marion?
Do I need a city license to run a business from home in Marion?
Local rules checked October 2026. Rules change — confirm with the agency before acting. We don't prepare tax returns.
Also serving Linn County
Talk to us about your Marion business
Free consultation — at your place, ours in Cedar Rapids, or by video.