Last Updated
Key Takeaways
Generated from the text of customer reviews
Patriot Software is simple-to-use cloud payroll and accounting software employed by small business payroll and HR teams. Users often highlight its ease of use and responsive support. However, some report that initial setup, especially linking bank accounts and entering state tax IDs, is not always clear. Recently, the vendor announced a SimplyInsured partnership for smoother benefits administration.
Our Verdict
The software is ideally suited for small to mid-sized businesses with steady payroll needs and lean finance teams. It works best where simplicity and consistent operations matter more than scaling complexity. Pricing is viewed as affordable for SMBs, though less suited to larger enterprises. All in all, it is best suited for cost-conscious organizations prioritizing value.
Overall Rating
Based on 26 users reviews
4.6
Rating Distribution
Positive
96%
Neutral
4%
Negative
0%
Starting Price
Custom
Patriot Payroll Specifications
- Employee Information Management
- Attendance And Time Tracking
- Employee Onboarding
- Employee Self-Service Portal
What Is Patriot Payroll Software?
Patriot Payroll software is a full-service cloud-based payroll and accounting solution for businesses across various industries. It offers various solutions to streamline payroll management and tax processing, eliminating the complexities and time-consuming tasks associated with these processes. These include online payroll reports, on-the-spot rate changes, state tax calculations, compensation management, unlimited payrolls, and more.
The solution also includes an ‘Auto Payroll’ option that runs payroll on a set schedule without repeating manual steps each cycle. It also offers a free employee portal where staff can access pay stubs, time-off history, tax documents, and PTO balances anytime without contacting HR. With its user-friendly interface and automation capabilities, the software caters to the needs of consumers by providing them with an efficient and accurate payroll solution.
What Is Patriot Payroll Software Best For?
The platform is best known for handling payroll tax forms and compliance in a fully managed way that reduces manual filing for business owners. Through its ‘Full Service Payroll,’ the system calculates, collects, deposits, and files federal, state, and local payroll taxes on behalf of employers, including Forms 941, 940, W-2, and W-3 submissions. It automatically submits completed filings directly to the appropriate agencies, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. This hands-off approach helps businesses stay compliant without dealing with complex paperwork or deadlines.
How Much Does Patriot Payroll Software Cost?
Patriot Software starts at $17/month + $4/worker for its Basic Payroll plan and also provides additional flexible pricing options across its payroll and accounting products, along with a 30-day free trial.
Its available plans also include:
- Accounting Basic: $20/month
- Accounting Premium: $30/month
- Full Service Payroll: $37/month + $5/worker
The Accounting Premium plan also offers an optional ‘Bookkeeping Service’ for an extra fee, along with a one-time onboarding charge.
For Payroll Software, add-ons include:
- Time & Attendance: $6/month base fee + $2/employee
- HR Software: $6/month base fee + $2/employee
An accountant partner program is also available with tiered pricing based on client and worker volume, such as $19.95/month for one client and one worker in the Bronze Basic Payroll tier, with discounts increasing as client usage grows.
Users often view Patriot Software’s payroll pricing as budget-friendly, especially for small businesses needing essential payroll tools without high upfront costs. Many also appreciate the flexible add-ons and discounted introductory rates, though extra service fees can increase overall costs over time.
Disclaimer: The pricing is subject to change.
Patriot Payroll Software Integrations
Patriot Payroll software seamlessly integrates with several applications. These include:
- QuickBooks Time
- QuickBooks Online
- Stripe
- Bluevine
- Stride
- SimplyInsured
How Does Patriot Payroll Software Work?
Here is a guide to how Patriot Payroll works and how users can navigate each step of the payroll process from start to finish:
- Log in to access the payroll dashboard and open the payroll section to begin a run
- Select a scheduled payroll or choose an off-cycle payroll option based on requirements
- The system loads employee records, pay periods, and existing pay settings automatically
- Review or input compensation details such as hours worked, salaries, overtime, and bonuses
- The software calculates gross pay, taxes, and deductions in real time as entries are made
- A payroll summary screen presents total payroll costs and individual employee pay breakdowns for review
- Approve the payroll after confirming all details are accurate
- The system finalizes processing and enables payment through direct deposit or printable paychecks and pay stubs
Who Is Patriot Payroll Software For?
The software is designed for businesses of all sizes across various industries, though it suits SMBs particularly. It caters to the following industries:
- Retail
- Distribution
- Healthcare
- Maintenance
- Recreational services
- Accounting
- Real estate
Is Patriot Payroll Software Right For You?
Running payroll can become difficult when tax rules change, and mistakes lead to penalties or late payments. Small businesses also struggle to keep filings organized while managing daily operations. Patriot Payroll is built to take care of payroll processing and tax filing for U.S.-based businesses, helping reduce the chances of missed deadlines and calculation mistakes.
It is often a good fit for small employers who want something straightforward without a heavy system to learn. The software also supports federal and state tax reporting and gives users access to support when payroll questions come up. With over 75,000 customers across the US, Patriot Software has been recognized in the small business space for its ease of use and affordability.
Still not sure if Patriot Payroll is right for you? Get in touch with us at (661) 384-7070 to make an informed decision.
Patriot Payroll Features
Payroll Management
Patriot Payroll simplifies payroll processing by automating calculations and generating accurate paychecks for employees. This saves time and reduces errors, ensuring employees are paid correctly and on time, while allowing businesses to focus on core operations instead of manual payroll tasks.
Payroll Reporting
With robust reporting capabilities, the software enables businesses to generate comprehensive reports on payroll expenses, tax liabilities, and employee earnings. It provides valuable insights for budgeting, financial analysis, and decision-making, helping businesses track expenses and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Tax Compliance
Patriot Payroll software handles complex tax calculations, deductions, and filings to ensure businesses remain compliant with federal, state, and local tax regulations. This way, the software reduces the risk of errors and penalties, simplifying tax management and alleviating the burden of tax-related tasks.
W-2 Preparation
The software assists businesses in preparing and distributing accurate W-2 forms to employees. This eliminates the need for manual preparation, reducing the likelihood of errors and ensuring timely compliance with IRS regulations.
Compensation Management
This helps businesses manage various forms of compensation, including hourly wages, salaries, and commissions. It facilitates accurate employee earnings, bonuses, and benefits tracking, ensuring transparency and efficiency in compensation management. This feature simplifies the task of administering different pay structures and helps businesses maintain fairness and consistency in their compensation practices.
Patriot Payroll Software Use Cases
Based on our analysis of user feedback and Patriot Software’s current payroll capabilities, we have identified key scenarios where this software is a good fit for small and mid-sized businesses managing payroll in-house.
First-Time Employers Running Payroll Internally
This setup is often used by small business owners hiring employees for the first time and handling payroll themselves instead of outsourcing it. Patriot Payroll fits this scenario where users need a straightforward way to manage pay cycles without building a dedicated payroll department. It is commonly chosen by teams transitioning from manual calculations or spreadsheets to a structured system. Many users note that it helps them feel more confident managing payroll responsibilities without external support.
Businesses With Hourly Or Shift-Based Staff
Companies in industries like retail, hospitality, or services often deal with employees whose hours change from week to week. In these environments, payroll needs to adapt frequently to varied schedules and overtime situations. Patriot Payroll is often used in this context where pay is driven by changing work hours rather than fixed salaries. Business owners value having a consistent way to process fluctuating payroll runs without reworking calculations each cycle.
Owners Managing Payroll Alongside Accounting Tasks
Some small business owners prefer handling both payroll and basic accounting functions within the same operational workflow. This scenario fits businesses where the owner or a small office team oversees finances without a dedicated finance department. Patriot Payroll is often selected in these cases because it allows payroll to be managed alongside broader bookkeeping responsibilities in a single environment.
Businesses That Seek Fully Managed Tax Filing
Small organizations with minimal in-house finance or HR capacity often find payroll tax compliance difficult, especially when managing federal, state, and local filings. In these cases, owners or managers usually need a system that not only processes payroll but also handles tax calculations and filings. Patriot Payroll is commonly used here because its full-service option manages payroll taxes and filings across jurisdictions. User feedback appreciates the reduced administrative effort and ongoing compliance support.
Pros And Cons of Patriot Payroll
Pros
Customer support is helpful and supportive
Offers a wide range of tools to handle payroll
Help with federal, state, and local tax filing efficiently
Cons
There could be more integrations
Performance can be occasionally slow under load
Patriot Payroll Reviews
Total 26 reviews
4.6
All reviews are from verified customers
Rating Distribution
5
Stars65%
4
Stars31%
3
Stars4%
2
Stars0%
1
Stars0%
Share your experience
RAFI A.
Construction, 11-50 employees
More than a year
“Responsive team!
Pros
customer service team really knows their stuff. they are always ready to help, you barely wait on hold and they actually call you back if they can't fix your issue right away.
Cons
sometimes searching for specific reports like old payroll checks takes a little digging. But honestly with a bit of searching you can usually find them.
Rating Distribution
Ease of use
9
Value for money
9
Customer Support
10
Functionality
9
John V.
Real Estate, 1-10 employees
More than a year
“Flawless payroll solution
Pros
It's so easy to use and a fantastic value. We run payroll every week and have never, ever had a problem.
Cons
I really wish it was easier to pull up year-to-date payroll info for each employee. As far as I can tell there's not actually a year-to-date page which is a bummer.
Rating Distribution
Ease of use
9
Value for money
10
Customer Support
9
Functionality
8
Terri S.
Non-Profit Organization Management, 1-10 employees
More than a year
“Friendly service with 1099 feature
Pros
The website is really user-friendly and their customer support has saved me from a few messes over the years.
Cons
Nobody told me I could run 1099s through it too which would have saved me from doing them by hand. I know now at least!
Rating Distribution
Ease of use
9
Value for money
8
Customer Support
8
Functionality
8
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Patriot Payroll offer an API?
The availability of an API is not confirmed.
Does Patriot Payroll have a mobile app?
Yes, Patriot Payroll offers a mobile app for iOS and Andriod both.
What language does Patriot Payroll support?
Patriot Payroll supports English only.
What other apps does Patriot Payroll integrate with?
Patriot Payroll software seamlessly integrates with several popular applications, including QuickBooks Time, QuickBooks Online, Stripe, Bluevine, Stride, and SimplyInsured.
Who are the typical users of Patriot Payroll?
The software is designed for businesses of all sizes across various industries, though it is particularly well-suited for SMBs. It caters to retail, distribution, healthcare, maintenance, recreational services, accounting, and real estate.
What level of support does Patriot Payroll offer?
Patriot Payroll offers support through phone, email, FAQs, and chat.