Lever1

IRS CPEO CertifiedRegional PEO
Overland Park, KS·Founded 2012·5-300 employees
No reviews yet·
6
States Served
6
Services
5
Industries
5-300
Employees

About Lever1

Lever1 is a Kansas City-based IRS CPEO certified Professional Employer Organization led by CEO Erica Brune. The company provides integrated HR outsourcing services to small and mid-sized businesses across the country, including payroll processing, employee benefits, workers' compensation, HR administration, compliance, and recruiting. Lever1 has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the United States and a Top 10 Small Business by the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. The company is known for a personalized, relationship-driven service model and has built a strong reputation in the Kansas City metro and surrounding Midwest markets. Lever1 holds IRS CPEO certification and offers large-group health, dental, and vision plans alongside 401(k), life insurance, and supplemental benefits that would otherwise be inaccessible to small businesses.

IRS Certification

IRS Certified PEO (CPEO)
Certification active · Verified by PEO Authority
Certified ✓

The IRS Certified PEO (CPEO) designation is awarded by the Internal Revenue Service to PEO companies that meet rigorous standards for financial health, tax compliance, and operational integrity. Lever1 holds CPEO status — a distinction held by fewer than 15% of PEOs in the United States.

Federal Tax Liability
As a CPEO, Lever1 assumes sole liability for federal employment taxes on wages paid — protecting your business from tax exposure.
Annual Financial Audits
CPEOs undergo independent CPA audits annually and must maintain a surety bond, ensuring fiscal accountability and solvency.
IRS Reporting
Lever1 files employment taxes under their own EIN as CPEO, simplifying your year-end tax obligations and eliminating duplicate filings.

Why businesses choose Lever1

IRS CPEO certified — maximum federal tax protections for co-employment clients
Led by CEO Erica Brune — recognized business leader in the Kansas City market
Recognized as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the United States
Top 10 Small Business — Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
Large-group health, dental, vision, and 401(k) access for small business clients
Cannabis industry HR expertise — one of few PEOs with dedicated cannabis sector experience
Personalized service model — no call centers, dedicated representatives for each client

Company Details

Headquarters
Overland Park, KS
Founded
2012
Employees Served
5-300
CPEO Certified
Yes - IRS Verified
Coverage
6 states
Company Type
Regional PEO

Lever1 in Your State

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Pros & Cons

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Pros
IRS CPEO certified
Maximum federal tax liability protections for client businesses.
Fast growth recognition
Recognized as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. — strong business momentum.
Cannabis expertise
One of few PEOs with dedicated HR solutions for cannabis industry businesses.
Personalized service
Dedicated representatives and no call center routing — real relationship-based support.
Benefits access
Large-group health plans, 401(k), and supplemental benefits unavailable to most small businesses independently.
Cons
Regional focus
Strongest in Kansas City and the Midwest — less established in other markets.
Smaller scale
Less benefits buying power than the largest national PEOs.
No transparent pricing
Custom quotes required — no published rates online.
PEO Authority Editorial Note

Lever1 punches above its weight for a regional PEO — the fastest-growing recognition and Kansas City Chamber award signal genuine momentum. The cannabis industry expertise is a rare niche differentiator. Best for: small and mid-sized businesses in Kansas City and the Midwest that want a relationship-driven, IRS-certified PEO with strong community ties and specialized industry expertise.

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