eBacon Payroll Review for Construction Businesses: Pros, Cons & Alternatives

eBacon offers construction-focused payroll software, but how does it handle the day-to-day complexities of contractor payroll? This review examines eBacon’s capabilities through a contractor’s lens.

What is eBacon?

eBacon is a cloud-based payroll and compliance software platform designed specifically for the construction industry. Named after the Davis-Bacon Act, which governs prevailing wage requirements on government projects, the company has focused on addressing the unique compliance challenges that construction contractors face.

The platform offers time tracking, certified payroll reporting, fringe benefit management and HR tools.

Unlike full-service payroll providers, eBacon operates as a do-it-yourself software solution where contractors manage their own payroll processing using the platform’s tools and features.

eBacon Payroll Features for Construction Businesses

eBacon builds its payroll system around self-service tools, giving contractors a way to process payroll, generate certified payroll reports, calculate prevailing wage rates and manage field data in one platform.

Here’s how these features work:

#1: Payroll Processing Software

eBacon offers payroll software designed for construction contractors to process their own payroll. The platform includes:

• Online payroll processing capabilities
• Payroll tax calculations and filing support
• Federal and state compliance tools
• Direct deposit and check printing functionality
• General ledger import capabilities
• State tax reciprocity calculations

The system requires contractors to input and manage their own payroll data, with the software handling calculations and generating necessary tax forms and payroll reports.

#2: Certified Payroll and Prevailing Wage Tools

eBacon provides software tools designed specifically for construction compliance requirements:

• Certified Payroll Reporting: Software transfers payroll data to certified payroll forms with electronic submission capabilities
• Prevailing Wage Calculations: Automated wage rate calculations based on wage determinations
• Fringe Benefit Management: Tools for calculating and tracking fringe benefits, including bona fide fringe trust options
• Multi-State Compliance: Software designed to handle varying state and local regulations
• Union Payroll Support: Features for managing union rates, collective bargaining agreements and monthly union reporting

The platform generates certified payroll reports and provides tools for creating loadable spreadsheets for electronic submission.

#3: Time Tracking and Field Operations

eBacon includes time and attendance software that works alongside payroll processing:

• Mobile app for field workers with geofencing capabilities
• Desktop punch options and text message-based time entry
• Job tracking and cost code assignment
• PTO request and tracking with forecasting
• Expense and mileage request management
• Supervisor approval workflows
• Schedule management and employee notifications

The time tracking system is designed to reduce timekeeping issues and ensure hours are assigned to the correct projects and cost codes.

#4: HR and Benefits Administration

Beyond payroll software, eBacon provides HR management tools:

• Electronic onboarding with digital workflows
• Background checks and E-Verify services
• PTO tracking and I-9 documentation
• Benefits administration for health, dental and vision plans
• HSA/FSA and retirement plan administration
• Workers’ compensation reporting and claim tracking
• OSHA reporting capabilities

These features are designed to work within the same software platform as payroll processing.

#5: Integrations and Reporting

eBacon offers integration capabilities with construction management tools:

• Connections with accounting platforms including QuickBooks®, Sage and others (40+ integrations advertised)
• Job costing reports and project tracking
• State-specific prevailing wage reports
• Custom reporting capabilities
• CPR Matrix Report for prime contractors to track subcontractor compliance

The platform is designed to transfer payroll data to accounting systems to reduce manual data entry.

#6: Service Structure and Support

eBacon provides implementation and support services:

• Implementation specialists for initial setup
• Phone, email and in-app support
• Training for team members
• Educational resources through the “Institute of eBaconology”
• Personalized service and custom report assistance

Pricing is customized based on the number of employees and features selected, with base pricing reported to start around $1,000 per month.

Ratings and Reviews

Here’s what users have said about their experiences with eBacon:

What eBacon Offers Construction Businesses

eBacon provides construction-focused payroll software with compliance tools designed specifically for contractor needs. The platform offers:

• Self-service payroll software with tax calculation and filing capabilities
• Certified payroll tools for generating and submitting compliance reports
• Prevailing wage automation with wage determination calculations
• Time tracking software with mobile field options and job costing
• Union payroll features for managing rates and reporting requirements
• HR management tools integrated with payroll software
• Fringe benefit management including trust fund options
• Integration capabilities with construction accounting systems

The software works for contractors who prefer to manage their own payroll processing using specialized construction tools rather than outsourcing payroll operations to a full-service provider.

However, contractors should carefully evaluate whether a do-it-yourself software approach meets their needs, particularly when considering:

• Staff time requirements: Software solutions require internal staff to manage payroll processing, data entry, compliance monitoring and troubleshooting
• Learning curve: Users report that some aspects can be confusing initially and require time to master
• Customization limitations: Reviews indicate limited ability to customize the software beyond core features
• Support considerations: Some users note that post-implementation support responsiveness varies
• Mobile access: The platform has limitations for employees accessing information through mobile devices
• State coverage limitations: eBacon does not administer benefits in some states, which may impact contractors with projects in those states

Construction businesses should weigh the time investment required to operate payroll software against the benefits of full-service payroll processing that handles all tasks on your behalf.

Payroll4Construction: Full-Service Construction Payroll Alternative

Payroll4Construction handles WH-347 certified payroll reporting, prevailing wage compliance, union reporting and multi-state tax filing on behalf of contractors. Rather than software you manage yourself, Payroll4Construction handles all your payroll processing tasks from start to finish.

What Payroll4Construction Offers

With over 20 years of construction payroll experience, Payroll4Construction delivers comprehensive processing services designed specifically for the unique challenges contractors face.

Complete Payroll Processing and Tax Management

Payroll4Construction handles every aspect of payroll operations:

• Full-Service Payroll Processing: Dedicated specialists manage all payroll calculations, processing and reporting
• Tax Filing and Payments: Complete federal, state and local tax compliance with timely filing and payment
• Direct Deposit and Payment Options: Flexible payment methods including direct deposit, pay cards and check printing
• Year-End Reporting: W-2 and 1099 preparation and filing
• Multi-State Payroll: Seamless processing for construction crews working across state lines with proper tax compliance in all 50 states

Construction Industry-Specific Expertise

Payroll4Construction provides specialized services built for contractor needs:

• Union Payroll: Full management of union contracts, benefit contributions and complex reporting requirements specific to construction trades
• Prevailing Wage Compliance: Complete compliance tracking for government contract work with real-time rate updates, ensuring Davis-Bacon Act compliance
• Certified Payroll Reporting: Professional generation and submission of Form WH-347 and other certified payroll reports for Department of Labor (DOL) compliance
• Fringe Benefits Management: Expert handling of fringe benefit calculations, tracking and trust fund administration
• Multi-Project Tracking: Simultaneous monitoring of multiple construction projects with consolidated reporting and detailed labor cost analysis by project and phase

Comprehensive Construction Reporting

Payroll4Construction manages different construction reports at no additional cost:

• New Hire Reporting to state agencies
• EEO/minority compliance reporting
• Workers’ compensation reporting
• Job costing
• Labor burden
• Labor variance

Integration With Your Existing Systems

The service connects seamlessly with your construction business tools:

• Accounting: Works with popular construction accounting platforms including Sage 100 Contractor, Sage 300 CRE, FOUNDATION®, Viewpoint and QuickBooks®
  • Expansion to Complete Accounting System: When paired with accounting programs, Payroll4Construction can become part of a bigger financial management solution
• HR Systems: Integrates with human resources management platforms for seamless employee data management
• Time Tracking: Links with field time collection apps and systems including WorkMax®, ExakTime, Rhumbix and other mobile solutions

Dedicated Construction Industry Support

Payroll4Construction provides specialized expertise that goes beyond software:

• Experienced Construction Payroll Specialists: In-house team with construction industry knowledge who understand contractor-specific challenges
• Industry-Specific Implementation: Guided setup designed specifically for construction business workflows with hands-on assistance
• Ongoing Compliance Guidance: Proactive updates on changing regulations, prevailing wage rate changes and evolving union requirements
• Nationwide Coverage: Full-service support for contractors operating in all 50 states, including California, where some competitors don’t offer complete benefits administration

How Contractors Can Choose the Best Payroll Solution

The decision between payroll software and a complete payroll service significantly impacts construction business operations. Understanding your needs helps determine the right approach.

Before choosing between software and service, ask yourself:

• Do you have staff time to manage payroll processing? Software requires ongoing internal resources for data entry, processing, troubleshooting and compliance monitoring.
• What’s the cost of your time? Calculate whether staff time spent on payroll is more expensive than full-service processing.
• How complex are your compliance needs? Union requirements, multi-state projects and prevailing wage can be challenging to manage without dedicated expertise.
• What level of support do you need? While eBacon offers implementation and support services, some users report varying experiences with post-implementation assistance. Full-service providers, like Payroll4Construction, offer expert guidance from construction payroll specialists who handle issues on your behalf.
• How important is accuracy and expert oversight? Payroll errors can be costly on government contracts. Full-service providers with experienced specialists provide additional protection against compliance mistakes.
• What about growth? As your business expands, will you have the capacity to scale payroll operations internally?

Both software and full-service options have their place in construction payroll management. The key is understanding which approach aligns with your business structure, available resources and long-term goals.

Compare eBacon With Payroll4Construction

Understanding the difference between payroll software and full-service payroll helps contractors make informed decisions about their workforce management needs.

eBacon offers do-it-yourself software, allowing contractors to manage their own payroll processing using construction-focused tools.

The platform offers certified payroll features, prevailing wage calculations and time tracking within software that requires internal staff to operate.

This approach works for contractors who want direct control over payroll operations and have staff available to handle processing, data entry and compliance management.

However, eBacon does not administer benefits in some states, and some users report varying support experiences after implementation.

Payroll4Construction offers comprehensive payroll processing, with experienced specialists handling all tasks from start to finish.

With over 20 years of construction industry experience, the service covers all 50 states, including complete benefits administration in California.

Contractors submit time data, and the service manages calculations, tax filings, certified payroll generation, compliance reporting and all government filings at no additional cost.

The service can also expand to provide complete accounting system support as your business grows.

This approach eliminates the need for internal payroll expertise and frees up staff time for other business priorities.

The choice depends on whether your business benefits more from software tools you manage yourself or comprehensive services that handle everything for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Pros and Cons of Using eBacon?

Pros: eBacon offers construction-specific payroll software with certified payroll tools, prevailing wage automation and time tracking features. The platform is designed specifically for contractor needs and can reduce time spent on compliance reporting compared to manual processes. Users appreciate the construction-focused approach and time savings for certified payroll tasks.

Cons: eBacon is self-service software that requires internal staff to manage payroll processing, data entry and compliance operations. Users report limited customization options, varying post-implementation support experiences and mobile access limitations for employees. The platform requires a learning curve and ongoing staff time to operate effectively. Additionally, eBacon does not administer benefits in some states, like California, which may impact contractors working in those states.

Which Is Better for Construction Payroll, eBacon or Payroll4Construction?

The better choice depends on whether you prefer managing payroll yourself with software or having experts handle it for you.

eBacon provides software tools for contractors who want to process their own payroll internally. This requires staff time to operate the platform, enter data and manage compliance reporting.

Payroll4Construction provides full-service payroll processing where dedicated construction payroll specialists handle all tasks from calculations to certified payroll submission.

With over 20 years of construction industry experience and nationwide coverage across all 50 states, the service eliminates the need for internal payroll expertise. The platform can expand to provide complete accounting system support and frees up your team to focus on construction operations.

What Should Construction Businesses Look for in a Payroll Provider?

Construction businesses should evaluate both capabilities and service delivery:

Compliance Capabilities:

• Built-in prevailing wage compliance
• Union payroll expertise
• Certified payroll reporting (Form WH-347)
• Multi-state processing
• Project-based cost tracking

Service Delivery and Support:

• Software you manage versus full-service processing
• Staff time requirements
• Access to construction industry experts
• Implementation and ongoing support quality
• Integration with existing accounting and time tracking systems
• Ability to expand into complete accounting services

Consider whether your business benefits more from software tools or comprehensive services that handle all payroll tasks.

What Makes Payroll4Construction Different From eBacon?

The fundamental difference is service delivery:

eBacon provides software that contractors use to process their own payroll. You manage data entry, calculations, compliance reporting and troubleshooting using the platform’s tools.

Payroll4Construction provides full-service payroll processing where experienced construction payroll specialists handle all tasks for you. Submit your time data and the team manages everything else — from calculations and tax filings to certified payroll generation and compliance reporting.

Both focus on construction, but eBacon emphasizes software tools for self-service, while Payroll4Construction emphasizes expert service that handles payroll operations on your behalf.