Payroll Mate
A detailed review of Payroll Mate's payroll software and compare it to Payroll Mate to Gusto, TriNet Zenefits, and QuickBooks Payroll. Includes FAQs.
Updated on February 9th, 2023
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Payroll Mate is an all-inclusive desktop-based payroll software created for accountants and small to medium-sized businesses. With Payroll Mate, users can automatically calculate Medicare tax, social security taxes, net pay, federal tax withholding, and local and state taxes.
Pricing:
Plan* | Annual Pricing |
---|---|
Payroll Mate 2023 | $169.00 |
1095 Software: Paper Filing | $265.00 |
1095 Software: Paper + Electronic | $450.00 |
1099 Electronic Filing: Publication Support | Contact for quote. |
*See pricing for software versions for the previous years and additional products, such as compatible checks, on the Payroll Mate website.
Review:
Payroll Mate includes all the standard features of a capable payroll product, such as automated taxes, compliance management, and payroll reports. While the basic software is reasonably priced, several add-on features, such as the ability to generate NACHA-formatted direct deposit files and import timesheet data, can inflate the cost.
However, the software lacks an employee database and employee self-service portal, paperless employee onboarding, and built-in timesheets. Overall, Payroll Mate is an affordable and solid payroll software option with great functionality.
Pros:
- Payroll Mate is affordable and available as a PC download or on a disc.
- There is a built-in payroll and paycheck calculator for federal and state withholding tax for all 50 states.
- The software supports wage garnishments and multiple pay types and frequencies.
- Users can create comprehensive payroll reports.
- Data can be exported to QuickBooks and Sage.
- Customer support is U.S.-based and available via chat, phone, and email.
- The software automatically calculates social security, Medicare payroll, and federal and state unemployment taxes.
Cons:
- Payroll Mate does not feature an employee self-service portal.
- The ability to import timesheet data and generate NACHA-formatted direct deposit files is only available as a paid add-on.
Reputation:
Real Business Solutions Inc., the makers of Payroll Mate, are not accredited by the Better Business Bureau. On G2, Payroll Mate has a handful customer reviews and an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. All four of them thought the software was easy to use, and two of them said they'd welcome versions for more operating systems.
At-a-Glance:
Feature | Payroll Mate |
---|---|
Multi-company management | Supports up to 10 companies with up to 75 employees each. |
Contractor payments | ✓ |
Automated tax calculations | ✓ |
Manage garnishments | ✓ |
Multiple pay frequencies | ✓ |
Time tracking | Vacation and sick leave only. |
Direct deposits | ✓ |
Expense management | x |
Payroll reports | ✓ |
Employee self-service | x |
Mobile access | x |

Payroll Mate vs. Gusto:
Gusto offers more features than Payroll Mate, including mobile access, employee self-service, and lifetime accounts. While Gusto has a subscription-based pricing model that comprises a monthly base price plus pricing per employee, Payroll Mate charges per software download to run payroll for one year and is ultimately the more affordable solution.
Payroll Mate vs. Gusto Comparison:
Feature | Payroll Mate | Gusto |
---|---|---|
Automated tax calculations | ✓ | ✓ |
Contractor payments | ✓ | ✓ |
Direct deposits | ✓ | ✓ |
Employee self-service | x | ✓ |
Mobile access | x | ✓ |

Payroll Mate vs. TriNet Zenefits:
Unlike Payroll Mate, TriNet Zenefits does not offer a standalone payroll solution, only making it available as an add-on product. The two also differ in their pricing models, with TriNet Zenefits only featuring monthly subscription plans, while Payroll Mate charges per annual software purchase. TriNet Zenefits offers more features, but Payroll Mate is more affordable.
Payroll Mate vs. TriNet Zenefits Comparison:
Feature | Payroll Mate | TriNet Zenefits |
---|---|---|
Automated tax calculations | ✓ | ✓ |
Contractor payments | ✓ | ✓ |
Direct deposits | ✓ | ✓ |
Employee self-service | x | ✓ |
Mobile access | x | ✓ |

Payroll Mate vs. QuickBooks Payroll:
While QuickBooks Payroll offers a few more convenient features, such as an employee portal and mobile access, Payroll Mate's affordability coupled with a fairly rich feature profile makes it a strong contender. Unlike Payroll Mate, which only offers a desktop-based version of its software, QuickBooks Payroll also has a cloud-based version.
Payroll Mate vs. QuickBooks Payroll Comparison:
Feature | Payroll Mate | QuickBooks Payroll |
---|---|---|
Automated tax calculations | ✓ | ✓ |
Contractor payments | ✓ | ✓ |
Direct deposits | ✓ | ✓ |
Employee self-service | x | ✓ |
Mobile access | x | ✓ |
Key Information:
Legal Name | Real Business Solutions Inc. |
Founder | Adam Dweik |
Founding Date | Jul 15, 2003 |
Address | 18313 Distinctive Dr., Orland Park, IL 60467 |
Number of Employees | 15 |
Number of Customers | 2000 |
Telephone | |
Website | https://www.realtaxtools.com/payrollsoftware/payroll_software.html |
FAQs:
What is Payroll Mate?
Payroll Mate is a desktop-based payroll solution by Real Business Solutions Inc.
What does Payroll Mate cost?
Payroll Mate's pricing for its 2023 software starts at $169.00.
Is there a Payroll Mate free trial?
Yes, Payroll Mate offers a 30-day free trial on the website.