When it comes to payroll for your small business, Patriot Software’s Full Service Payroll emerges as a strong contender, particularly for budget-conscious owners seeking a straightforward, compliance-focused solution. It handles everything from calculating wages and deductions to filing federal, state, and local taxes, effectively removing the administrative burden from your plate. While it might not boast the enterprise-level features of some pricier competitors, its intuitive interface, transparent pricing, and solid accuracy make it a compelling choice for businesses needing reliable payroll processing without the complexity or hidden fees. Think of it as a meticulously engineered tool that gets the job done efficiently, leaving you free to focus on what you do best: growing your business.

To give you a broader perspective, here’s a quick comparison of Patriot Software Full Service Payroll against other notable players in the market:

Feature/Provider	Patriot Software Full Service Payroll	Gusto	ADP Workforce Now	Paychex Flex	QuickBooks Payroll	OnPay	Rippling
Best For	Small to mid-sized businesses, budget-conscious, straightforward needs	Small businesses, modern HR, benefits integration	Mid to large businesses, comprehensive HR, scalability	Small to large businesses, HR, benefits, PEO options	QuickBooks users, accounting integration	Small to mid-sized businesses, excellent customer service	Tech-forward, rapidly scaling businesses, full HRIS
Pricing Model	Transparent, base fee + per employee	Transparent, base fee + per employee	Quote-based, complex tiers	Quote-based, tiered	Tiered, integrated with QuickBooks	Transparent, base fee + per employee	Quote-based, modular
Tax Filing	Full service federal, state, local	Full service federal, state, local	Full service federal, state, local	Full service federal, state, local	Full service federal, state, local	Full service federal, state, local	Full service federal, state, local
HR Features	Basic HR reporting, onboarding docs	Robust HR, benefits, PTO tracking	Extensive HR, talent, time tracking	Extensive HR, benefits, compliance	Basic HR, time tracking add-ons	Basic HR, PTO tracking	Comprehensive HRIS, IT, benefits
Ease of Use	High, intuitive interface	Very High, user-friendly	Moderate, can be complex	Moderate, can be complex	High for QuickBooks users	High, intuitive	Moderate to High, powerful
Customer Support	Phone, email, chat, knowledge base	Phone, email, chat, knowledge base	Dedicated reps, varied	Dedicated reps, varied	Phone, chat, community	Phone, email, chat	Phone, email, chat
Integration	Limited direct integrations	Many popular business apps	Extensive, but often proprietary	Extensive, but often proprietary	Seamless with QuickBooks	Good with accounting software	Extensive, vast ecosystem

Table of Contents

The Core Offering: What Patriot Full Service Payroll Delivers

Patriot Software’s Full Service Payroll is designed to lift the heavy burden of payroll administration from small business owners.

Its primary mission is to ensure your employees are paid accurately and on time, and that your payroll taxes are handled correctly and filed promptly with the appropriate authorities. This isn’t just about cutting checks.

It’s about navigating the labyrinthine world of payroll compliance, which can be a full-time job in itself.

For anyone who’s ever lost sleep over IRS penalties or state tax forms, this service offers a significant peace of mind.

Automated Payroll Processing and Tax Filing

At the heart of the Full Service offering is its automation. Once you’ve set up your company and employee information, the system takes over.

Wage Calculation: It precisely calculates gross wages, taking into account hourly rates, salaries, and any bonuses or commissions.
Deduction Management: Pre-tax and post-tax deductions, such as 401k contributions, health insurance premiums, garnishments, and more, are automatically applied. This includes everything from simple fixed amounts to complex percentage-based calculations.
Tax Withholding: Federal, state, and local income taxes, FICA Social Security and Medicare, and unemployment taxes are accurately withheld based on current tax tables and employee W-4 information.
Automated Tax Filing: This is where the “full service” truly shines. Patriot handles the e-filing of all federal forms e.g., 940, 941 and relevant state and local payroll tax forms. They also deposit the withheld tax amounts on your behalf, ensuring you meet all deadlines and avoid costly penalties.
Year-End Tax Forms: W-2s for employees and 1099s for contractors are generated and filed, simplifying your year-end tax preparations.

Consider the alternative: manually calculating these figures, keeping up with changing tax laws, and remembering dozens of filing deadlines throughout the year.

It’s a colossal time sink and a significant risk factor for non-compliance.

Patriot’s automation removes this complexity, making it accessible even for those with minimal payroll experience.

Employee Self-Service Portal

A modern payroll system isn’t just about paying employees. it’s about empowering them. Patriot provides a secure online portal for employees, which significantly reduces administrative queries.

Pay Stub Access: Employees can view and download their pay stubs at any time, eliminating requests for reprints. This is particularly useful for verifying hours, deductions, and net pay.
W-2 and 1099 Access: Year-end tax documents are available digitally, making tax season easier for everyone.
Personal Information Updates: Employees can update their contact information, direct deposit details, and W-4 withholding allowances if enabled by the employer. This self-service capability offloads a considerable amount of data entry from the employer or HR staff.
Time Off Requests Optional: While not a core HRIS, their time and attendance add-on integrates with payroll and allows employees to request time off through their portal.

This self-service feature is a massive win for efficiency. Lenovo Loq 15 15Iax9I Review

It frees up managers and HR personnel from routine tasks, allowing them to focus on more strategic initiatives.

Plus, it gives employees immediate access to information, which enhances transparency and satisfaction.

Usability and User Experience: Getting Down to Business

One of Patriot Software’s strongest suits is its simplicity and ease of use. This isn’t a system designed for seasoned HR professionals with advanced degrees in compliance. it’s built for the small business owner who wears multiple hats and needs a tool that works, without a steep learning curve. Think of it like a well-designed power tool – you don’t need to be an engineer to operate it effectively.

Intuitive Interface and Setup Process

From the moment you sign up, Patriot guides you through the necessary steps with clear, concise instructions.

Guided Setup: The initial setup wizard walks you through entering company information, setting up pay schedules, and adding employees. Each step is logically ordered, making it difficult to miss critical details.
Clean Dashboard: The main dashboard is uncluttered and provides a quick overview of upcoming payrolls, tax deadlines, and important notifications. Key functions are easily accessible from a navigation menu, reducing time spent searching for features.
Minimal Jargon: Unlike some enterprise-level systems that are rife with industry-specific acronyms and complex terminology, Patriot uses plain language. This makes it approachable for anyone, regardless of their payroll background.
Example: Setting up a new employee, for instance, involves a series of straightforward forms asking for basic personal details, W-4 information, and pay rate. The system then automatically calculates what’s needed for taxes, removing the guesswork.

The aim here is to minimize cognitive load.

In the small business world, time is money, and a system that requires hours of training or constant reference to a manual is a non-starter.

Patriot understands this and delivers an experience that lets you get started quickly and confidently.

Learning Curve and Support Resources

While the interface is intuitive, questions will inevitably arise.

Patriot backs its system with accessible support resources.

Knowledge Base: A comprehensive online knowledge base is available, packed with articles, FAQs, and step-by-step guides covering every aspect of the software. This is your first port of call for self-help.
Tutorials and Videos: Many common tasks are accompanied by video tutorials, offering visual guidance for those who prefer to learn by seeing.
Customer Support: If you can’t find an answer in the knowledge base, Patriot offers support via phone, email, and live chat during business hours. Their support team is generally well-regarded for being responsive and knowledgeable.
Contextual Help: Throughout the application, you’ll often find “i” icons or hover-over text that provides immediate explanations for specific fields or terms, further reducing the need to leave the page for help.

This multi-faceted approach to support ensures that users can find answers quickly, whether they prefer to self-serve or interact directly with a support agent. Dell Ultrasharp 27 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor U2724De Review

This proactive support system is crucial for maintaining a high level of user satisfaction and reducing downtime.

Pricing and Value Proposition: Breaking Down the Costs

One of the most appealing aspects of Patriot Software, particularly for small businesses, is its transparent and competitive pricing model. In a market often riddled with opaque quotes and hidden fees, Patriot stands out by offering a clear, upfront cost structure. This allows businesses to budget effectively without surprises.

Transparent Pricing Structure

Patriot offers two main payroll plans: Basic Payroll and Full Service Payroll.

The “Full Service” option is what we’re focused on, as it provides the comprehensive tax filing and payment services that many businesses need.

Base Monthly Fee: The Full Service Payroll plan starts with a fixed base monthly fee. As of early 2024, this base fee is typically around $30 per month. This covers the core software and functionality.
Per Employee Fee: On top of the base fee, there’s a small per-employee, per-month charge, usually around $4 to $6 per employee. This scales the cost directly with the size of your workforce.

Example Cost Calculation:
If you have 5 employees:
Base Fee: $30
Per Employee Fee: 5 employees * $4/employee = $20
Total Monthly Cost: $30 + $20 = $50

This predictability is a huge advantage.

You know exactly what you’re paying each month, making budgeting simpler.

There are no percentage-based fees on your payroll, no hidden setup costs, and no extra charges for direct deposit or tax filings.

Add-ons and Optional Services

While the core Full Service Payroll is robust, Patriot also offers optional add-ons for businesses with more specific needs. These are typically priced separately.

Time & Attendance: This add-on allows employees to clock in and out, track breaks, and manage time off. It integrates seamlessly with the payroll system, automating hours calculation. This is a common requirement for hourly employees and simplifies record-keeping.
HR Software: For businesses needing more comprehensive HR functionalities beyond basic employee information, Patriot offers an HR software add-on. This might include features like onboarding workflows, document management, and benefits tracking.
Accounting Software: Patriot also provides its own accounting software solution, which can be integrated with the payroll system for a unified financial management experience. This is ideal for businesses looking for an all-in-one suite.

The modular approach means you only pay for what you need. Samsung Galaxy A35 5G Review

If you just need payroll and tax filing, you stick with the base plan.

If you grow and require time tracking or HR features, you can add them on without switching providers.

This flexibility is a significant value driver, especially for small businesses that may start with basic needs and expand over time.

Value for Money

Considering the features offered – automated payroll, direct deposit, full tax filing federal, state, and local, W-2s, 1099s, and employee self-service – Patriot Software’s Full Service Payroll represents excellent value for money. For small businesses operating on tight budgets, it provides an enterprise-level service at a small business price point. When you factor in the time saved and the mitigation of compliance risk, the investment quickly pays for itself. It’s akin to getting a top-tier assistant dedicated solely to your payroll, but at a fraction of the cost.

Integration Capabilities: Connecting Your Business Tools

Accounting Software Integration

The most crucial integration for any payroll system is with accounting software.

This ensures that your payroll expenses are accurately recorded in your general ledger, simplifying financial reporting and year-end reconciliation.

QuickBooks Desktop: Patriot offers direct integrations with various versions of QuickBooks Desktop, allowing you to export payroll data in a format compatible with QuickBooks. This typically involves generating a general ledger GL summary report or a journal entry file that can be easily imported into QuickBooks.
QuickBooks Online: For users of QuickBooks Online, Patriot provides an integration that allows for the smooth transfer of payroll expenses. This eliminates manual data entry and reduces the potential for errors, ensuring your profit and loss statements and balance sheets accurately reflect payroll costs.
Xero: Patriot also integrates with Xero, another popular cloud-based accounting solution. Similar to QuickBooks, this allows for the seamless export of payroll data to your Xero ledger.
General Ledger Report: For businesses using other accounting software or proprietary systems, Patriot provides a customizable General Ledger report. This report can be downloaded and then manually imported or entered into virtually any accounting platform, offering flexibility even without a direct API integration.

Why this matters: Without proper accounting integration, you’d be manually transcribing payroll data into your accounting system. This is not only time-consuming but also highly susceptible to human error. A direct or easy-to-import integration ensures data accuracy and significantly streamlines your financial close process each month or quarter.

Time & Attendance and HR Integration Patriot’s Ecosystem

While Patriot’s third-party integrations are somewhat focused, it offers robust integration within its own product ecosystem.

Patriot Time & Attendance: If you opt for Patriot’s Time & Attendance add-on, it integrates seamlessly with the Full Service Payroll. Employee clock-in/out data, approved hours, and time-off requests are automatically fed into the payroll system, eliminating manual entry of hours for payroll processing. This is a significant efficiency boost for hourly employees.
Patriot HR Software: Similarly, if you utilize Patriot’s HR software, employee data entered there e.g., new hires, changes in contact information can flow directly into the payroll system, ensuring consistency and reducing duplicate data entry. This creates a more unified employee management experience.

Considerations for Other Integrations

It’s important to set expectations regarding other types of integrations.

Benefits Providers: Patriot typically does not offer direct, automated integrations with third-party benefits providers e.g., health insurance carriers, 401k administrators for automated data feeds. You might need to manually input deductions or generate reports for these providers. However, some larger payroll providers, like ADP Workforce Now or Rippling, offer more extensive benefits integration.
Point-of-Sale POS Systems: For businesses that track hours through their POS system, Patriot may require manual export and import of time data, or the use of their own time & attendance module.

For most small businesses, the primary need is robust accounting integration, and Patriot delivers effectively on that front.

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If your business requires complex, multi-system integrations for every aspect of HR and finance, you might need to look at higher-tiered, more expensive solutions.

However, for straightforward payroll and accounting, Patriot’s approach is more than sufficient.

Compliance and Security: Protecting Your Business

Tax Compliance and Accuracy

Patriot Software’s Full Service Payroll takes on the full responsibility for calculating, filing, and depositing your payroll taxes. This significantly reduces your compliance burden.

Up-to-Date Tax Tables: Patriot constantly monitors changes in federal, state, and local tax laws and updates its tax tables accordingly. This ensures that your tax withholdings and employer contributions are always accurate and compliant with the latest regulations. This is a massive relief, as tax laws are notoriously complex and frequently amended.
Guaranteed Accuracy: Patriot often backs its full-service payroll with a guarantee that if they make an error in tax filing or calculation that results in a penalty, they will cover the penalty. This provides a strong layer of protection and confidence for businesses.
Timely Filings and Deposits: They handle the precise timing of tax deposits and form filings e.g., Form 941 quarterly, Form 940 annually, state unemployment, state income tax, local taxes. Missing these deadlines can lead to penalties and interest, so automating this process is invaluable.
W-2 and 1099 Generation and Filing: At year-end, Patriot handles the generation and e-filing of W-2s for employees and 1099-NEC forms for independent contractors, ensuring you meet federal deadlines and provide employees and contractors with their necessary tax documents.

This complete assumption of tax compliance responsibility is a primary reason why many small businesses opt for a full-service payroll provider.

It removes the guesswork and the stress associated with complex tax regulations.

Data Security and Privacy

Protecting sensitive employee and company financial data is paramount.

Patriot Software implements various measures to ensure data security and privacy.

Encryption: Data transmitted between your browser and Patriot’s servers is encrypted using industry-standard protocols e.g., TLS/SSL. This helps protect information from interception.
Secure Data Centers: Patriot typically hosts its data in secure, redundant data centers with physical security measures and environmental controls to protect servers from unauthorized access and environmental damage.
Regular Backups: Data is routinely backed up to prevent loss in case of system failures or disasters.
Access Controls: Access to sensitive data within the system is restricted based on user roles and permissions. Employers control what information their employees can access via the self-service portal.
Compliance with Regulations: Patriot adheres to relevant privacy regulations and industry best practices to protect personally identifiable information PII.

While no system can guarantee 100% immunity from all threats, Patriot employs standard security practices to protect your data.

For small businesses, trusting a dedicated payroll provider with robust security infrastructure is generally a safer bet than trying to manage sensitive payroll data manually on local computers. Proscenic L60 Smart Lock Review

Customer Support and Resources: When You Need a Helping Hand

Even with the most intuitive software, questions and issues will inevitably arise. The quality of a payroll provider’s customer support can significantly impact your overall experience and the efficiency of your payroll operations. Patriot Software generally receives positive marks for its accessible and helpful support ecosystem.

Multi-Channel Support Options

Patriot offers a range of ways to get help, catering to different user preferences.

Phone Support: This is often the preferred method for urgent issues or complex questions. Patriot provides phone support during standard business hours. Direct access to a knowledgeable representative who can guide you through a problem step-by-step is crucial.
Email Support: For less urgent inquiries or questions that require detailed explanations or attachments, email support is available. Response times are generally reasonable.
Live Chat: Many users appreciate the convenience of live chat for quick questions or troubleshooting while actively working in the software. This can often provide immediate answers without interrupting your workflow.
Online Help Center/Knowledge Base: Before reaching out to a human, many users prefer to self-serve. Patriot’s comprehensive online knowledge base is well-organized and filled with articles, FAQs, and step-by-step guides covering a wide array of topics, from setting up payroll to handling specific deduction types. This is an invaluable first stop for solving common issues.
Video Tutorials: For visual learners, Patriot often provides video tutorials that walk users through common tasks, which can be very effective in demonstrating how to navigate the system.

Having these multiple channels ensures that users can find the support they need in a format that works best for them, minimizing frustration and downtime.

Quality and Responsiveness of Support

While access to support channels is important, the quality and responsiveness of the support team are even more critical.

Knowledgeable Staff: Reviews often indicate that Patriot’s support staff is well-trained and knowledgeable about the software and basic payroll principles. They can typically answer questions accurately and efficiently.
Problem Resolution: The goal of any support interaction is to resolve the user’s issue quickly. Patriot’s team generally aims for effective problem resolution, guiding users to the correct solution or feature.
Accessibility: Unlike some larger providers where you might face long hold times or struggle to reach a human, Patriot generally makes its support relatively accessible, especially given its focus on small businesses.

It’s worth noting that like any software provider, peak times might lead to slightly longer wait times, but overall, the consensus leans towards a positive support experience.

For small business owners who might not have a dedicated HR or payroll department, reliable and responsive customer support is a lifeline.

It ensures that you can always get help when needed, preventing costly errors or compliance issues.

Reporting Capabilities: Gaining Payroll Insights

Payroll isn’t just about paying people. it’s also about generating critical data that can inform business decisions and ensure compliance. Patriot Software provides a suite of standard reports that cater to the essential needs of small businesses, helping them track expenses, manage liabilities, and verify accuracy.

Essential Payroll Reports Available

Patriot offers a variety of reports that are crucial for managing your payroll and integrating it with your accounting system.

Payroll Register Report: This is your detailed record of each payroll run. It shows gross pay, all deductions pre-tax and post-tax, employer contributions, and net pay for each employee. It’s essential for reconciling payroll and verifying accuracy.
Payroll Summary Report: A high-level overview of your payroll costs for a specific period, typically showing total gross pay, total deductions, total employer taxes, and total net pay. Useful for budgeting and financial analysis.
Tax Liability Report: This report details the amounts owed for federal, state, and local payroll taxes both employee withholdings and employer contributions. It’s vital for tracking your tax obligations and ensuring you’re prepared for deposits.
Tax Filing Report: Provides a summary of the tax forms filed by Patriot on your behalf, giving you a record of compliance.
Deductions and Contributions Report: Breaks down all deductions taken from employee paychecks and employer contributions made e.g., 401k, health insurance, garnishments. Useful for reconciling with third-party benefit providers.
Direct Deposit Report: A list of all direct deposit transactions, including employee bank information and deposit amounts. Essential for verifying successful payments.
W-2 and 1099-NEC Reports: These reports summarize the data used to generate year-end tax forms, allowing you to review information before forms are finalized.
Employee Census Report: Provides a list of active employees with key demographic and employment information. Useful for internal record-keeping and sometimes for benefits enrollment.

These reports are typically available in various formats, such as PDF or CSV/Excel, allowing for easy viewing, printing, or further analysis. Hisense 75U9N Review

Customization and Export Options

While Patriot’s strength lies in its core functionality and ease of use, its reporting customization options are generally more basic compared to enterprise-level HRIS systems.

Standard Filters: Most reports allow you to filter by date range, employee, or pay group, which is usually sufficient for most small business reporting needs.
Export Formats: Reports can typically be exported to popular formats like PDF for easy printing or sharing, and CSV/Excel for data manipulation and integration with other spreadsheets or business intelligence tools.
General Ledger Report Customization: As mentioned in the integration section, the General Ledger report can often be customized to match the account structure of your specific accounting software, which is a significant advantage for financial reconciliation.

Example Use Case:

Imagine you need to know your total employer Social Security and Medicare contributions for the last quarter.

You can run a Tax Liability Report for that period, and the report will clearly show the breakdown, saving you from manual calculations or digging through multiple payroll registers.

For small businesses, the provided reports cover the vast majority of compliance and operational needs.

They offer enough detail to understand payroll costs, verify accuracy, and prepare for tax obligations.

While highly advanced analytical or custom report building tools are not its primary focus, Patriot delivers on the essential reporting functions effectively and efficiently.

Best Alternatives to Patriot Software Full Service Payroll

While Patriot Software offers excellent value and ease of use, it’s always wise to explore alternatives to ensure you’re picking the best fit for your specific business needs.

Here’s a look at some of the top contenders and why you might consider them over or alongside Patriot.

1. Gusto

Why it’s a great alternative: Gusto is often cited as Patriot’s closest competitor for small to medium-sized businesses, particularly those looking for a more robust HR integration. Gusto excels in its incredibly user-friendly interface, comprehensive benefits administration health insurance, 401k, workers’ comp, and modern HR features like onboarding tools, PTO management, and performance reviews. It integrates seamlessly with many popular business apps.
When to choose Gusto over Patriot: If your business is growing and you anticipate needing integrated HR features, benefits administration, or a wider array of app integrations in the near future, Gusto might be a better long-term solution. Its HR tools are generally more developed than Patriot’s.
Key Differentiator: Superior HR features and benefits integration.

2. OnPay

Why it’s a great alternative: OnPay is another strong contender for small to mid-sized businesses, known for its transparent pricing, excellent customer service, and comprehensive payroll features, including full tax filing. It handles a wide range of pay types and deductions, and its system is straightforward to navigate.
When to choose OnPay over Patriot: If customer support is your absolute top priority, OnPay frequently receives rave reviews for its responsiveness and helpfulness. It’s also very flexible with various pay schedules and complex payroll scenarios, making it suitable for businesses with varied employee types e.g., agricultural, non-profit.
Key Differentiator: Renowned for exceptional customer service and flexibility for diverse payroll scenarios.

3. QuickBooks Payroll

Why it’s a great alternative: If you’re already deeply embedded in the QuickBooks ecosystem for your accounting, QuickBooks Payroll offers the most seamless integration. It provides automated tax filing and payments, and direct synchronization with your QuickBooks Online or Desktop ledger.
When to choose QuickBooks Payroll over Patriot: If you’re a loyal QuickBooks user and want all your financial data under one roof, QuickBooks Payroll is the logical choice. The convenience of having payroll flow directly into your existing accounting system without extra steps can be a significant time-saver.
Key Differentiator: Native and seamless integration with QuickBooks accounting software.

4. ADP Workforce Now or Paychex Flex

Why they’re great alternatives: These are two of the largest and most established payroll providers. They offer incredibly comprehensive solutions that go far beyond basic payroll, encompassing full HR suites, benefits administration, time and attendance, talent management, and even PEO Professional Employer Organization services.
When to choose ADP/Paychex over Patriot: If your business is larger 50+ employees or rapidly scaling, and you need a truly enterprise-grade solution with extensive HR capabilities, dedicated account managers, and highly customizable reporting. They can handle complex organizational structures and compliance needs.
Key Differentiator: Scalability, comprehensive HR features, and robust support for larger, more complex organizations. Note: Pricing is typically quote-based and significantly higher than Patriot.

5. Rippling

Why it’s a great alternative: Rippling is a modern, tech-forward platform that unifies HR, IT, and payroll into a single system. It’s incredibly powerful for automating onboarding, managing devices, benefits, and ensuring compliance, especially for tech companies or those with remote workforces.
When to choose Rippling over Patriot: If your company is rapidly growing, tech-centric, and needs a highly integrated solution that automates not just payroll but also IT provisioning e.g., setting up new laptops, software access and a full spectrum of HR tasks from hire to retire.
Key Differentiator: Full HRIS, IT management, and payroll unification for modern, scaling businesses. Also tends to be on the higher end of pricing.

Choosing the “best” alternative depends on your specific priorities: budget, ease of use, integrated HR, scalability, or seamless accounting integration.

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Why Small Businesses Should Consider Patriot Software

For the vast majority of small businesses, particularly those operating on a lean budget and without a dedicated HR department, Patriot Software’s Full Service Payroll offers a compelling package.

It addresses core needs without overcomplicating the process or burdening you with unnecessary features and costs.

Think of it as a well-calibrated tool that does precisely what you need, nothing more, nothing less.

Focus on Core Payroll and Tax Compliance

The primary reason to choose Patriot is its unwavering focus on getting payroll and tax compliance right, every single time.

Elimination of Payroll Headaches: Patriot takes over the tedious tasks of calculating wages, withholding taxes, managing deductions, and ensuring timely payments. This frees up countless hours that business owners or office managers would otherwise spend on administrative duties.
Risk Mitigation: The guarantee of accurate tax filings and deposits significantly reduces your risk of incurring penalties from the IRS or state tax authorities. For small businesses, an unexpected tax penalty can be a major blow. Patriot acts as your compliance guardian.
Simplicity Over Complexity: Unlike some enterprise-level solutions that come with a bewildering array of features and complex setups, Patriot keeps things refreshingly simple. Its interface is intuitive, and the setup process is guided, making it accessible even for those with no prior payroll experience. This ease of use translates directly into time saved and reduced frustration.

Cost-Effectiveness and Transparency

Patriot’s pricing model is a significant draw for budget-conscious businesses.

Predictable Expenses: The transparent base fee plus per-employee pricing model means you know exactly what you’ll pay each month. There are no hidden fees, no percentage-based charges on your total payroll, and no surprises. This predictability is invaluable for financial planning.
Value for Money: When you weigh the cost against the comprehensive services provided – automated payroll, direct deposit, full federal, state, and local tax filing, W-2s, 1099s, and employee self-service – Patriot offers exceptional value. It delivers a high level of service at a price point that is highly competitive in the small business market. For many, it’s the perfect balance of robust features and affordability.

Designed for the Small Business Owner

Patriot understands the unique challenges faced by small businesses.

Time-Saving: Every hour saved on payroll is an hour that can be reinvested into core business activities, customer service, or strategic growth. Patriot is engineered to be efficient.
Empowering Employees: The employee self-service portal reduces administrative requests, allowing employees to access their pay stubs and tax forms independently. This not only saves you time but also empowers your workforce.
Scalability for Growth: While it starts simple, Patriot allows you to add features like Time & Attendance or HR software as your business grows, meaning you don’t necessarily have to switch providers just because your needs evolve slightly.

In essence, Patriot Software Full Service Payroll is built for efficiency, compliance, and affordability.

It’s a reliable, no-nonsense solution that allows small business owners to focus on what truly matters: running and growing their business, rather than getting bogged down in the intricacies of payroll.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Patriot Software Full Service Payroll?

Patriot Software Full Service Payroll is a cloud-based payroll solution designed for small to mid-sized businesses that handles all aspects of payroll processing, including calculating wages, deductions, direct deposits, and comprehensive federal, state, and local payroll tax filing and payments. D Link Aquila Pro Ai Ax6000 Dual Band Wi Fi 6 Router M60 Review

Is Patriot Software Full Service Payroll easy to use?

Yes, Patriot Software is widely praised for its intuitive interface and user-friendly design, making it one of the easiest payroll solutions to set up and navigate, even for users with no prior payroll experience.

Does Patriot Software handle all payroll taxes?

Yes, the Full Service Payroll plan handles all federal, state, and most local payroll tax filings and deposits on your behalf, ensuring compliance and accuracy.

What is the difference between Patriot Basic Payroll and Full Service Payroll?

Patriot Basic Payroll calculates wages and provides reports, but you are responsible for filing and paying your own payroll taxes.

Full Service Payroll calculates wages, handles direct deposits, and completely manages all tax filings and payments for you.

How much does Patriot Software Full Service Payroll cost?

Patriot Software Full Service Payroll typically has a transparent pricing structure with a base monthly fee around $30 plus a per-employee, per-month fee around $4-6.

Does Patriot Software offer direct deposit?

Yes, direct deposit is included with Patriot Software Full Service Payroll, allowing you to pay your employees electronically.

Can I print paper checks with Patriot Software?

Yes, in addition to direct deposit, Patriot Software allows you to print paychecks for your employees directly from the system.

Does Patriot Software generate W-2s and 1099s?

Yes, Patriot Software generates and files W-2 forms for employees and 1099-NEC forms for independent contractors at year-end as part of its Full Service Payroll offering.

Does Patriot Software integrate with accounting software?

Yes, Patriot Software offers direct integrations with popular accounting software like QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Desktop, and Xero, allowing for easy export of payroll data.

Can employees access their pay stubs online?

Yes, Patriot Software provides an employee self-service portal where employees can securely view and download their pay stubs, W-2s, and other payroll information. Movavi Video Editor Plus Review

Is Patriot Software secure?

Yes, Patriot Software employs standard security measures such as data encryption SSL/TLS and secure data centers to protect sensitive payroll and employee information.

What kind of customer support does Patriot Software offer?

Patriot Software offers customer support via phone, email, and live chat, along with a comprehensive online knowledge base and video tutorials.

Can Patriot Software handle different pay schedules?

Yes, Patriot Software is flexible and can handle various pay schedules, including weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, and monthly.

Does Patriot Software track time and attendance?

Patriot Software offers an optional Time & Attendance add-on that integrates with its payroll system to track employee hours, breaks, and time off.

Does Patriot Software offer HR features?

Patriot Software provides basic HR reporting and offers an optional HR software add-on for more comprehensive HR functionalities like onboarding and document management.

Can I run payroll from my mobile device with Patriot Software?

While Patriot Software is cloud-based and accessible from any device with an internet connection, it does not currently offer a dedicated mobile app for payroll processing. However, the web interface is mobile-friendly.

How long does it take to set up Patriot Software Payroll?

Setup time can vary depending on the complexity of your business and number of employees, but generally, Patriot’s guided setup makes the process relatively quick and straightforward, often completable within an hour or two for small businesses.

Does Patriot Software offer a free trial?

Patriot Software often offers a free trial period, allowing you to test out the features before committing to a subscription.

What states does Patriot Software support?

Patriot Software supports payroll and tax filing in all 50 U.S. states.

Can Patriot Software handle contractor payments?

Yes, Patriot Software can manage payments to independent contractors and generate 1099-NEC forms for them at year-end. Asus Rt Be96U Review

Does Patriot Software allow for multiple pay rates?

Yes, Patriot Software can accommodate employees with multiple pay rates or different departments.

Can I run off-cycle payrolls with Patriot Software?

Yes, you can run off-cycle payrolls for bonuses, commissions, or special payments as needed.

Does Patriot Software help with new hire reporting?

Yes, Patriot Software assists with new hire reporting to the relevant state agencies, helping you stay compliant.

What if I make an error in payroll with Patriot Software?

Patriot Software’s support team can help you correct errors.

For Full Service Payroll, if Patriot makes an error in tax filing that results in a penalty, they typically cover it.

Is Patriot Software suitable for businesses with only one employee?

Yes, Patriot Software is suitable for businesses of all sizes, including those with only one employee or just the owner.

Can I manage PTO Paid Time Off with Patriot Software?

Yes, if you use the optional Time & Attendance add-on, you can track and manage employee PTO accruals and requests.

Does Patriot Software handle garnishments?

Yes, Patriot Software can manage various types of garnishments and deductions from employee paychecks.

How does Patriot Software handle year-end procedures?

Patriot Software automates year-end procedures, including generating, filing, and distributing W-2s and 1099-NECs, simplifying your tax season.

What are the main benefits of using Patriot Software Full Service Payroll?

The main benefits include significant time savings, guaranteed tax compliance, ease of use, transparent and affordable pricing, and reduced risk of penalties. Philips 4000 Series Smart Lock Review

What are some limitations of Patriot Software Full Service Payroll?

While excellent for core payroll, its limitations include less extensive HR features compared to full HRIS platforms, fewer direct third-party integrations beyond accounting, and potentially less robust reporting customization for advanced analytics.

Patriot Software Full Service Payroll Review