Patriot Software
A detailed review of Patriot Software's payroll solution with pricing, comparisons to competitors, and FAQs.
Updated on April 26th, 2023
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Patriot Software is a web-based accounting and payroll solution designed specifically for small businesses with fewer than 100 employees. The platform includes several desirable features, such as W-2 and 1099 preparation, direct deposits, and lifetime accounts, among others.
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At-a-Glance:
Feature | Patriot Software |
---|---|
Price | From $17.00 /mo. +$4.00 /employee /mo. |
Unlimited payroll runs | ✓ |
Direct deposits | ✓ |
Lifetime accounts | ✓ |
Tax calculations | ✓ |
Large-scale payroll | x |
Customer support | Phone, email, and live chat. |
Review:
Patriot Software is a comprehensive payroll solution for automating payroll processes. The full-service platform has all the standard payroll features, as well as additional services like W-2 and 1099 preparation, workers' compensation, integrated pre-tax benefits, accounting, and time-tracking integrations.
There are also several less common features offered by Patriot Software, such as contractor payments, bonus payrolls, easy payroll cancellations, lifetime accounts, the ability to collaborate with team members, live chat support, and an activity dashboard.
Pros:
- Patriot Software offers a basic and full-service payroll solution.
- Software installation and all U.S.-based customer support are free.
- Employers can run unlimited pay runs and the system has built-in timesheets.
- The full-service package includes year-end payroll tax filing for free.
- Users benefit from a 30-day free trial.
- Competitors OnPay and Paychex offer similar services as Patriot Software for a higher fee.
Cons:
- The platform does not offer a native time-tracking solution, e-signatures, or compliance alerts.
- Patriot Software offers limited integration capabilities.
- The collection and filing of workers' compensation insurance are only available for employers based in Washington or Wyoming.
- Patriot Software charges extra fees for each additional state that users file in.
- The payroll software is not suited for large companies, as it only provides provision for 100 employers or less.
Reputation:
Patriot Software has a good reputation since it is a complete and dependable solution that streamlines benefits administration and payroll operations. The platform has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and all of the complaints have been resolved.
Patriot Software has an 8.8-star rating based on more than 30 reviews on TrustRadius. The majority of clients complimented the solution's efficiency and ease of administration, but others complained about its lack of integration possibilities and detailed payroll guides.
Pricing:
Plan | Monthly Pricing |
---|---|
Basic Payroll | $17.00 /mo. + $4.00 /employee /mo. |
Full Service Payroll | $37.00 /mo. + $4.00 /employee /mo. |
Add-On: Time & Attendance | From $6.00 /mo. +$2.00 /employee /mo. |
Add-On: HR Software | From $6.00 /mo. +$2.00 /employee /mo. |

Patriot Software vs. Gusto:
Gusto and Patriot Software offer similar features but differ in price. Patriot Software is more affordable than Gusto, especially the Basic Payroll plan. However, for the higher price tag, Gusto includes more robust features that are missing from Patriot Software, such as e-signatures and tip credits.
Patriot Software vs. Gusto Comparison:
Feature | Patriot Software Full Service Payroll | Gusto Simple |
---|---|---|
Price | $37.00 /mo. +$4.00 /employee /mo. | $40.00 /mo. +$6.00 /employee /mo. |
Free trial | ✓ | ✓ |
Unlimited payroll runs | ✓ | ✓ |
Direct deposits | ✓ | ✓ |
Lifetime accounts | ✓ | ✓ |
W-2 and 1099 preparation | ✓ | ✓ |
Time and attendance | ✓ | ✓ |
Customer support | Phone, email, and live chat. | Phone, email, and live chat. |

Patriot Software vs. OnPay:
OnPay is costlier than Patriot Software, but the two payroll solutions offer very similar features, including lifetime accounts, reporting, and an employee portal. However, while OnPay only offers time tracking features through integrations, Patriot Software includes time and attendance features with its most costly full-service plan.
Patriot Software vs. OnPay Comparison:
Feature | Patriot Software Full Service Payroll | OnPay |
---|---|---|
Price | From $37.00 /mo. + $4.00 /employee /mo. | From $40.00 /mo. + $6.00 /employee /mo. |
Free trial | ✓ | ✓ |
Unlimited payroll runs | ✓ | ✓ |
Direct deposits | ✓ | ✓ |
Lifetime accounts | ✓ | ✓ |
W-2 and 1099 preparation | ✓ | ✓ |
Time and attendance | ✓ | x (allows integrations) |
Customer support | Phone, email, and live chat. | Phone and online. |

Patriot Software vs. Wagepoint:
The primary differences between Patriot Software and Wagepoint are their pricing structure and feature set. Wagepoint's pricing is calculated based on the number of employees and how often you run payroll while Patriot Software offers a full-service plan for $37.00 per month plus $4.00 per employee per month.
Patriot Software vs. Wagepoint Comparison:
Feature | Patriot Software | Wagepoint |
---|---|---|
Monthly price | $37.00 /mo. + $4.00 /employee /mo. | From $20.00 /mo. +$2.00 /employee /monthly payroll run. |
Free trial | ✓ | Only the first payroll run is free. |
Unlimited payroll runs | ✓ | x |
Direct deposits | ✓ | ✓ |
Lifetime accounts | ✓ | x |
W-2 and 1099 preparation | ✓ | ✓ |
Time and attendance | ✓ | x |
Customer support | Phone, email, and live chat. | Phone, email, and live chat. |
Key Information:
Legal Name | Patriot Software, LLC |
Founder | |
Founding Date | Aug 26, 2002 |
Address | 4883 Dressler Rd. NW, Ste. 301, Canton, OH 44718 |
Number of Employees | 94 |
Number of Customers | 10000 |
Telephone | |
Website |
News & Activity:
Date | News or Activity |
---|---|
January 02, 2023 | Patriot Recognized as Top Small Business Payroll Software by Software Advice |
FAQs:
What is Patriot payroll software?
Patriot payroll software is a full-service solution that offers both standard and sought-after features, including online payslips, direct deposits, unlimited monthly payroll runs, and lifetime accounts, to name a few.
How much does Patriot Software cost?
Patriot Software's pricing starts at $17.00 per month plus $4.00 per employee per month.
Is Patriot payroll legit?
Yes, Patriot Software's payroll solution is an award-winning platform and the company has an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau website.
Does Patriot Software offer a free trial?
Yes, Patriot Software has a free 30-day trial available.
Is Patriot payroll software good for small businesses?
The Patriot Software payroll feature was designed for small businesses with 100 or fewer employees.
Can Patriot pay vendors?
Yes, you can use the Patriot 1099 software or their accounting software to pay vendors.
Are Patriot tax payments guaranteed to be on time?
Yes, if you use the Patriot Full Service payroll option, payments are guaranteed to be on time, according to the company website.
What is the difference between Patriot Software and QuickBooks Payroll?
Patriot is a bit more affordable than QuickBooks Payroll's base price of $45.00 per month plus $5.00 per employee and includes many of the same features and services.
Do I have to sign a contract with Patriot Software?
No. Patriot Software offers a month-to-month pricing system that will keep you free and clear of any contracts. You can cancel anytime, without penalty.