Patriot software

Patriot Software is used for affordable online accounting, payroll management, invoicing, and financial reporting for small businesses.

Updated February 27, 2026

Patriot software Overview

Patriot Software offers affordable online accounting and payroll solutions tailored for small businesses. Key products include accounting software for invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reports starting at $20/month, and payroll software for unlimited runs, tax filings, and direct deposits from $17/month plus per-employee fees.

Features encompass HR tools, time tracking, Stripe integration, and mobile access. With USA-based support and a free trial, it serves over 65,000 customers, emphasizing simplicity and value.

Key Features

  • Online Accounting: Manage invoices, expenses, and payments with tools for tracking income, expenses, and financial reports.
  • Payroll Processing: Run unlimited payrolls with direct deposit, tax calculations, and employee portal access for pay stubs.
  • Tax Filing Services: Automate federal, state, and local payroll tax filings with e-filing and tax deposit options.
  • Time and Attendance Tracking: Track employee hours, overtime, and breaks with mobile app support and payroll integration.
  • HR Management: Store employee records, manage documents, and generate HR reports for compliance and organization.
  • Invoicing and Payments: Create unlimited invoices, accept payments via Stripe, and track customer payments.
  • Financial Reporting: Generate reports like profit and loss, balance sheets, and 1099 reports for financial insights.
  • Employee Portal: Provide employees access to pay stubs, W-2s, and personal data through a secure online portal.
  • Mobile Access: Access accounting, payroll, and time tracking features via iOS and Android apps for on-the-go management.
  • Integration with QuickBooks: Sync accounting data with QuickBooks Online or Desktop for streamlined bookkeeping.
  • USA-Based Support: Receive free customer support via phone, email, or chat from U.S.-based teams.
  • Customizable Permissions: Set user roles and permissions to control access for team members or accountants.
  • Free Trial: Test accounting and payroll software for 30 days without a credit card requirement.

Pricing

Plan Name Base Price After Promo Per Worker Fee Key Features
Basic Payroll $8.50/mo +$2 per worker Free direct deposit & employee portal; Unlimited payroll runs; Contractor payments; 401(k) & workers’ comp integration; Payroll reports.
Full Service Payroll $18.50/mo +$2.50 per worker All Basic features, plus automatic Federal, State, Local tax filings & deposits; Year-end tax filing; Tax filing reliability guarantee.

Check pricing details: https://www.patriotsoftware.com/pricing/

Pros

Competitor Pros of Patriot Software
Gusto Patriot offers excellent value for money and strong customer support. Its lower pricing provides similar payroll functionality at less cost, which appeals to small businesses.
RUN Powered by ADP Patriot is easier to use and offers better onboarding. Many users report faster returns on investment and smoother user experience.
QuickBooks Patriot delivers higher user ratings. It matches essential payroll features while keeping things simple. You get ease of use and more affordable pricing.
Rippling Similar to RUN and Gusto, Rippling is more expensive and slower to pay back investment. Patriot is a simpler, more budget-friendly pick with strong support.
Paychex Patriot is low-cost and easy to get started, while Paychex is better suited for large payrolls and outsourcing. For straightforward payroll needs, Patriot wins on simplicity and value.

Cons

Competitor Cons of Patriot Software
Gusto Gusto offers a more polished user experience and includes HR and benefits tools included in its plans. Patriot lacks some of those extra features.
RUN Powered by ADP ADP delivers a broader ecosystem with deeper HR and compliance tools. Patriot is more basic and may miss advanced compliance features.
QuickBooks QuickBooks offers more comprehensive accounting features and a mature ecosystem, while Patriot is lighter and focused.
Rippling Rippling excels with IT integrations, benefits administration, and modern HR tools that Patriot doesn’t offer.
Paychex Paychex has stronger capabilities in HR outsourcing, large payroll scale, and tax compliance for complex organizations. Patriot is simpler and best for small businesses.

Reviews

  • Reddit r/Bookkeeping: One bookkeeper shared that they moved all payroll clients to Patriot and “loved them,” especially after “Intuit and Gusto nightmares.” Another commenter admitted the YouTube ads felt “awful” and off-putting, yet still dug deeper into Patriot Software after struggling with Sage and Intuit.
  • Trustpilot Review (Rating: 4.8/5): Many small business owners rave about responsive support that “pick up the phone or answer the chat EVERY TIME,” and praise how Patriot Software feels “very easy to use” with payroll set up and first run completed “in just a couple of days.” Several highlight affordable pricing compared to QuickBooks and Gusto, though one reviewer called switching from Gusto a “Big, Big mistake,” citing slow service and limited offerings like “paperbacks” their bank already provided.
  • bbb.org Review: A complaint alleges Patriot software failed to pay 2nd Qtr 2023 941 taxes on time, which led to a $4,623.71 bill with penalties, and the customer labeled the handling “very unprofessional.” The company responded that it contacted the bank and stated it guarantees tax filing and will cover interest and penalties, and the case later shows as resolved.