Patriot Software Review: Pros, Cons, Ratings
We like Patriot Software’s affordability, payroll integration, and unlimited accounting users. Unlike more expensive options, Patriot allows your full accounting team to access the platform without additional fees. We also like how seamless and easy it is to integrate your accounting solution with their payroll module.
However, though the platform is cloud-based, it does not offer a mobile app. We also found it’s HR module lacking, not including functionality like health benefits administration.
- Create & print unlimited 1099 and 1096s
- Does not require use of their accounting package
- Low starting price
- Unlimited 1099 and 1096s
- Customizable invoices
- Difficult to upload 3rd party time sheets
- No mobile app
- Limited inventory management
- Limited report customization
- Client OS Windows
- Deployment Cloud Hosted
What Is Patriot Software?
Patriot Software is cloud-hosted 1099 and accounting software that allows for basic payroll handling. It also gives the option for payroll services that cover all aspects of filing and depositing taxes. In addition, the accounting package lets you quickly pay vendors, handle invoicing, record payments, and track cash bank deposits and withdrawals.
| Pros | Cons |
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Our Ratings
| Usability - 8 | Navigable and user-friendly interface; presents accounting processes in straightforward language for better accessibility; does not allow you to edit employee info during payroll process; data entry can be challenging on phone or tablet. |
| Support - 10 | Offers email, phone, and live chat support from 9 am - 7 pm EST Mon-Fri; includes help icons within the software to provide contextual guidance; training articles and videos within the platform explain common accounting tasks. |
| Scalability - 6.9 | Does not have a mobile app; provides fewer integrations compared to solutions like QuickBooks; offers integrations for time tracking and human resources functionalities; not a great option for larger businesses with complex payroll facets. |
| Security - 10 | Supports multi-factor authentication; can download financial reports in CSV format. |
| Value - 8.4 | Affordable price point compared to similar accounting software; can incur higher monthly costs when implementing add-ons in time tracking and HR; recurring invoices available for $30/month, comparable to QuickBooks. |
| Performance - 8 | System instantly auto-calculates hourly and salary employee payments, product totals, etc; experienced delays when approving payroll and navigating to Invoices page. |
| Key Features - 8.1 | Takes less than 3 minutes to run payroll; can drill down into individual transactions from financial reports, but customization is restricted; limited inventory management does not allow tracking item quantities. |
Who Uses Patriot Software?
We recommend Patriot Software for nonprofits and small businesses in the service industry. This financial solution is for business owners who do not have an accounting background but want to streamline their payroll processes and payments to contractors and vendors.
What Features Are Missing?
- Mobile app: Patriot Software does not have a dedicated mobile app, though their site is mobile-friendly. A mobile app could simplify accounting processes and data entry on a phone or tablet. We found financial reports like the general ledger challenging to read on a smartphone.
- Inventory management: Though you can add products and services to Patriot Software, you cannot specify the quantity on hand or track item locations. It also does not allow you to set sales prices or costs, but you can create service and product records for invoice use.
Pricing Plans
| Plan | Pricing | Features |
| Accounting Basic | $20/month/unlimited users |
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| Accounting Premium | $30/month/unlimited users | Includes Accounting Basic features, plus:
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| Basic Payroll | $17/month (+$4 per employee/contractor) |
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| Full Service Payroll | $37/month (+4 per employee/contractor) | Includes Basic Payroll features, plus Patriot helps file the following:
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Who Owns Patriot Software?
Mike Kappel is the founder and CEO of Patriot Software and its subsidiaries. Patriot Software launched in 2002 and has provided payroll services for over 20 years.
Does Patriot Software Have Time Tracking?
Patriot Software does not have a built-in time tracking module. Still, users can integrate this functionality into the software as an add-on. Features include custom overtime rules, time summary reporting, manual hour entry or time punch, and an employee portal. Pricing starts at $6/month at $2 per employee.
Does Patriot Payroll Pay Taxes?
Patriot Software will file and deposit your federal, state, and local payroll taxes if you have the Full Service Payroll package. Each additional state filing is $12 per month per state. The Full Service Payroll version of Patriot will also submit your 940, 941, W-2, and W-3 data to the relevant tax agencies each quarter or at the year’s end for no additional fee.
Alternatives
Summary
We recommend Patriot Software for nonprofits and smaller organizations in the service industry. With straightforward explanations of everyday financial practices and a user-friendly design, it’s the perfect solution for the small business owner without an accounting background.
However, inventory-based businesses should look for another option. While Patriot Software does allow users to add products and services to the platform, you cannot track stock levels or item locations. Furthermore, mid-level and enterprise companies will likely need software with more robust functionalities in human resources.
All and all, Patriot Software is still a great pick for its inexpensive accounting functionality, quick and easy payroll, and unlimited user access.
User Reviews of Patriot Software
Patriot is an easy to use program that costs only $10/month and starts at $2/employee but decreases as you add more. They provide an automated report you can use for payroll taxes, or you can get the full service payroll which does this for you which costs $25/month.
Both options provide an employee portal where people can update their information and view payroll history. For $5/month more you can get a time and attendance system to track employee hours.
