"It is a big deal, running a business requires following the law."

Again - I would suggest that maybe you have never started a company or done payroll, or paid anyone yourself.

It is not required to have 'payroll' to pay individuals for services rendered, nor have properly managed books.

I once created a 'side company' to manage some IP. The company had no employees. All participants (there were five of us over time, but only three at any given time) - were paid as consultants. Two of us had equity.

This arrangement was far superior than having payroll for this particular situation.