I recently tested Patriot Payroll, an affordable and user-friendly payroll solution designed for small businesses in the United States. Here is my detailed review:

Patriot Payroll stands out for its simplicity and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for small businesses with limited payroll management experience. The platform offers two main plans: Basic Payroll ($17/month + $4 per employee) and Full Service Payroll ($37/month + $4 per employee). The Full Service plan, which I tested, automates payroll tax filing at the federal, state, and local levels, saving significant time and effort. The software supports unlimited payroll runs, multiple pay rates, customizable deductions, and various pay frequencies. Additionally, it can handle payments for both employees and independent contractors in the same payroll run.

The interface is intuitive and mobile-friendly, allowing seamless access from any device without requiring a dedicated app. Setting up the software was straightforward, thanks to the step-by-step setup wizard and free assistance provided by Patriot’s customer support team. I appreciated the flexibility to adjust employee pay rates during payroll runs without canceling or restarting the process. The employee portal is another highlight—it empowers employees to access their pay stubs, W-2s, and time-off balances securely.

Patriot Payroll also integrates well with its accounting software and optional add-ons like Time & Attendance ($6/month + $2 per employee) and HR management tools ($6/month + $2 per employee). These integrations streamline operations by combining payroll with other business functions.

One of the platform's key strengths is its affordability compared to competitors like Gusto or QuickBooks Payroll. Despite its lower price point, Patriot delivers reliable performance for businesses with up to 500 employees. Its customer support—available via phone, email, and chat—is highly rated for being knowledgeable and responsive.

However, there are some limitations. The platform lacks advanced features such as international payroll support or in-depth customization of reports. Additionally, some users have reported delays in direct deposit processing due to "bank days," which could be inconvenient for businesses requiring faster payouts.

In conclusion, Patriot Payroll is a cost-effective and dependable solution for small businesses looking to simplify payroll management without breaking the bank. While it may not offer all the bells and whistles of premium platforms, its ease of use, affordability, and robust support make it a strong contender in the payroll software market.