If you’re a small business owner searching for a comprehensive solution to manage your accounting and payroll, Patriot Software for Accounting and Payroll might be on your radar. This cloud-based software promises to simplify complex tasks, but how do you know if it’s the right fit for your business?
In this buying guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know before making your purchase, including the features, pricing, ease of use, and what to consider before buying.
What is Patriot Software for Accounting and Payroll?
Patriot Software offers a cloud-based solution for managing accounting and payroll tasks. The platform provides tools to manage payroll, calculate payroll taxes, track employee hours, and maintain financial records.
One of its major selling points is the ease of use and cost-effectiveness, making it a perfect fit for small businesses. that need a simple payroll and accounting management system without the complexity or steep learning curve often associated with other solutions.
Whether you need payroll tax filing services or an easy way to handle employee time tracking, Patriot Software offers a streamlined solution that integrates these key functions. It’s designed to be accessible, even to users with no prior experience in accounting or payroll management.
Still on the fence about it? Check out our Patriot Software review to understand the full picture.
Key Things to Consider Before Buying
Before deciding whether Patriot Software is right for your business, consider the following factors:
1. Your Business Size and Needs
Patriot Software is best suited for small businesses with straightforward payroll and accounting needs. If you have a larger business with complex requirements, you might need a more advanced system. However, for businesses with fewer employees and simpler financial management tasks, Patriot Software offers an excellent, budget-friendly solution.
2. Feature Requirements
Think about the features that matter most for your business. If payroll management is your main priority, you’ll want to focus on payroll tax filing services and employee time tracking. If you also need accounting features like expense tracking and balance sheets, you’ll want to ensure that the version of Patriot Software you choose covers those areas.
Patriot Software offers both payroll and accounting functionalities, but it’s important to evaluate what features you truly need.
3. Budget Considerations
Patriot Software is known for being an affordable payroll software. Compare the pricing of Patriot Software to other online payroll services to determine whether it fits within your business’s budget. Since Patriot Software offers both payroll and accounting services, it can save you money compared to using separate tools for each function.
Key Features of Patriot Software to Evaluate
Patriot Software includes several essential features that can help streamline your accounting and payroll processes. Let’s dive into the key features you should evaluate before making a purchase.
1. Payroll Tax Filing Services
One of the standout features of Patriot Software is its payroll tax filing services. The software automatically calculates payroll taxes, prepares and files tax forms, and keeps your business in compliance with federal and state regulations. This functionality helps you save time and reduce the risk of errors when managing your payroll taxes.
This feature is ideal for small business owners who want to avoid the complexity of tax codes and deadlines. It guarantees that your taxes are filed correctly and on time, which can prevent costly mistakes and penalties.
2. Employee Time Tracking
Precise time tracking is crucial for effective payroll management, especially if your employees work variable hours. Patriot Software offers an easy-to-use time-tracking system that lets employees log their hours and automatically syncs with the payroll system. This removes the need for manual calculations, minimizing errors and improving efficiency.
3. Direct Deposit
Patriot Software also supports direct deposit, making it easy for you to pay employees on time without having to write checks or handle cash. Employees can choose to receive payments directly into their bank accounts, which improves convenience and ensures timely payments.
4. Accounting and Payroll Integration
One of the major advantages of Patriot Software is its accounting and payroll integration. Instead of managing payroll and accounting separately, Patriot Software syncs both functions, making it easy to track expenses and match them with your payroll records. This integration ensures accurate financial reporting and simplifies your accounting tasks.
Pricing and Plans: Is Patriot Software Worth the Investment?
Patriot Software offers clear, transparent pricing based on the size of your business and the features you need. Here’s a breakdown of the pricing structure:
Accounting Software
- Basic Plan: $20/month: Includes invoicing, expense tracking, and basic financial reporting.
- Premium Plan: $30/month: Adds account reconciliation, recurring invoices, and custom financial reports.
Payroll Software
- Basic Payroll: $17/month + $4 per employee: Calculates payroll but requires manual tax filing.
- Full-Service Payroll: $37/month + $4 per employee: Handles payroll tax filing and end-of-year tax forms.
Add-Ons
- Time and Attendance: $6/month + $2 per employee.
- HR Software: $6/month + $2 per employee.
Note: Patriot Software also offers a free trial, which enables businesses to explore its features before making a commitment.
Affordable Pricing
Patriot Software’s pricing is competitive, especially when compared to other online payroll services. They offer several plans based on the features you need. Their basic plan covers core payroll services, while more advanced plans include additional features such as tax filing and time tracking.
When compared to other payroll solutions, Patriot Software is a cost-effective payroll software option for small businesses. The transparent pricing structure means you won’t be surprised by hidden fees, and you can select the plan that best fits your needs.
Is Patriot Software Worth the Investment?
For small businesses, Patriot Software offers great value. Not only is it an affordable solution for small business accounting, but it also combines payroll and accounting tools in one platform. This integration minimizes reliance on multiple software subscriptions and simplifies your workflow.
User Experience and Ease of Use
One of the most appealing features of Patriot Software for accounting and payroll is its simplicity. The platform is designed to be intuitive, so you don’t need to be an accounting expert to use it effectively. You can quickly set up your payroll system, add employees, and start running payroll with minimal training.
Since Patriot Software is cloud-based accounting software, You can use it from any location with an internet connection. This is particularly useful for business owners who need to manage payroll and accounting while on the go. However, if you want to go through a full tutorial on how to use Patriot Software for accounting and payroll, check out our guide.
Support and Customer Service
Patriot Software provides excellent customer support. They offer phone, email, and live chat support, so you can get assistance whenever you need it. The support team is well-regarded for being helpful and responsive, and many users report having positive experiences with the company’s customer service team.
Additionally, Patriot Software provides plenty of resources, including tutorials, FAQs, and a help center, which can be helpful if you prefer self-service support.
Security and Compliance: Protecting Your Business
Patriot Software takes security seriously. The software is built with robust encryption protocols to protect your business and employee data. You don’t have to worry about unauthorized access to sensitive financial information.
In addition to security, Patriot Software ensures your business stays compliant with all federal and state payroll tax regulations. The platform updates automatically to reflect changes in tax laws, so you can rest assured that your tax filings are always accurate and up-to-date.
Pros and Cons of Patriot Software
Here’s a quick summary of the key pros and cons of Patriot Software for accounting and payroll:
Pros:
- Affordable payroll software for small businesses.
- Simple and intuitive interface, easy to use for non-experts.
- Integrates payroll tax filing services and accounting functions.
- Supports direct deposit for employee payments.
- Excellent customer support and helpful resources.
Cons:
- Limited advanced features for larger businesses or complex needs.
- Lacks some customization options compared to other software platforms.
Final Thoughts on Patriot Software
Patriot Software for Accounting and Payroll is an excellent solution for small businesses seeking an easy-to-use, affordable tool to manage their payroll and accounting. With its straightforward pricing and helpful features like payroll tax filing services, employee time tracking, and direct deposit, it offers great value for small business owners.
If you’re looking to streamline your payroll and accounting processes, Patriot Software is worth considering. It’s a cost-effective, user-friendly solution that can help your business stay organized and compliant with minimal effort.
FAQ
1. Does Patriot Software offer a free trial?
Yes, Patriot Software offers a 30-day free trial for new users, allowing you to explore its features without any commitment. You can test the payroll and accounting features before deciding whether to subscribe to a paid plan.
2. How often can I run payroll with Patriot Software?
Patriot Software offers flexible payroll options, allowing you to run payroll on a weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly basis. You can schedule payroll runs according to your business’s pay structure.
3. What happens if I need help during tax season?
Patriot Software provides customer support throughout the year, including during tax season. They offer guidance for tax filing, and if you’re subscribed to their higher-tier plans, they will automatically file your payroll taxes for you.
4. Can I add or remove employees on Patriot Software?
Yes, adding or removing employees is simple with Patriot Software. You can quickly update your employee roster, and changes will be reflected immediately in your payroll and accounting records.
5. Is there an extra charge for direct deposit?
No, direct deposit is included in all Patriot Software plans. There are no additional charges for setting up direct deposit for your employees, making it a cost-effective feature for small businesses.
