Patriot Payroll review (2026): features, pros and cons, and what to check before you buy
Low-cost small business payroll from Patriot Software, in Basic and Full Service tiers.
Our take for buyers
Patriot Payroll is small business payroll from Patriot Software, founded in 2002 and based in Canton, Ohio. It comes in Basic, where the employer files taxes, and Full Service, where Patriot files and pays federal, state and local taxes. G2 shows a 4.8 rating from 603 reviews, with praise for simple setup, easy use and strong support. It is aimed at very small businesses.
It fits very small businesses and teams that want Full Service tax filing at a low cost. It is a weaker fit for teams wanting seamless QuickBooks sync, since reviewers report manual entry, and for larger or complex multi-state employers. Patriot's press kit says it serves up to 500 employees, but its sweet spot looks like the small end.
Pros
- Easy use and strong support.
- Simple setup.
Cons
- Manual data entry and limited QuickBooks options.
- Direct deposit delays.
- Best for
- Very small businesses watching cost.
- Starting price
- $17/month + $4 per worker (Basic)
- G2 rating
- 4.8 (603 reviews)
What is Patriot Payroll?
Low-cost small business payroll from Patriot Software, in Basic and Full Service tiers. Patriot Payroll is low-cost payroll for small businesses, with Basic from $17 per month plus $4 per worker and a Full Service tier. Reviewers like its support, but QuickBooks sync is reported as manual and direct deposit can be delayed. Patriot Payroll was founded in 2002 and is based in Canton, Ohio, US.
Category: Payroll Software
Patriot Payroll key features
| Criterion | What we found |
|---|---|
| Pricing model | Base plus per worker, contractors count. |
| Target company size | Up to 500 employees (press kit) |
| Tax filing and compliance | Full Service handles federal, state and local deposits and filings. |
| Accounting integrations | Patriot Accounting; QuickBooks integration reported as manual. |
| Time tracking and PTO | Time & Attendance add-on. |
| Benefits administration | Free 401(k) and workers' comp integrations (Wise review) |
| Contractor and 1099 payments | 1099 contractors paid by direct deposit or check; $4 per contractor paid. |
Patriot Payroll plans and pricing
| Plan | Price | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Payroll | $17 | per month + $4 per worker paid | Employer files taxes |
| Full Service Payroll | $37 | per month + $5 per worker paid | Patriot files and pays federal, state, local taxes |
Promotional rates of 50% off have been shown. Per-worker fee charged once per month. Time & Attendance add-on from $6 + $2 per employee (TechRepublic).
Who should shortlist Patriot Payroll
A strong fit for
- Very small businesses watching cost.
- Employers who want Full Service tax filing at a low base fee.
A weak fit for
- Teams wanting seamless QuickBooks sync (reviewers report manual entry)
- Larger or complex multi-state employers.
Patriot Payroll alternatives
OnPaySmall businesses and accounting-firm partners.
GustoSmall US businesses of 1 to a few dozen people wanting simple setup.
QuickBooks PayrollBusinesses already on QuickBooks Online.
ADP RunSmall businesses wanting a large provider with tax filing and add-on HR/benefits.
Paychex FlexMid-size employers wanting a full-service provider with HR and benefits options.
JustworksSmall US companies that want a PEO with benefits and compliance handled for them.
Contract and buying terms
- Contract
- Free trial; contract terms not confirmed by the vendor.
- Support
- Strong support scores on G2 (9.7)
- Starting price
- $17/month + $4 per worker (Basic)
- Pricing model
- Base fee plus per worker.
- Free plan or trial
- Free trial.
What to test in a Patriot Payroll demo or trial
Run a trial payroll cycle on real employees and at least one contractor. Check how direct deposit timing works, since reviewers report delays, and compare the first paycheck date against your needs. If you use QuickBooks, test the integration end to end, because reviewers report manual data entry and limited options. Confirm whether Full Service is needed by checking which federal, state and local filings you currently handle. Try the Time & Attendance add-on and free 401(k) and workers' comp integrations if you plan to use them, and ask whether multi-state payroll is supported.
Questions to ask Patriot Payroll before you sign
These are the points Patriot Payroll's public pages leave open. Get the answers in writing before procurement signs off.
- Which plan includes SAML SSO, and what does it cost for our seat count?
- Is SCIM provisioning included, or a paid add-on?
- Which plan includes audit logs, and how long are they kept?
- Where is our data stored, and can we choose the region?
- Can we sign your standard DPA without changes?
- What will the price be at renewal, and is the increase capped?
Things to know before a demo
- Per-worker fee billed once per month regardless of pay runs.
- Contractors are billed like employees ($4 each)
- Full Service $37 + $5 per worker; 10 employees about $87/month per Patriot.
Patriot Payroll FAQ
What is Patriot Payroll used for?
Patriot Payroll is low-cost payroll for small businesses, with Basic from $17 per month plus $4 per worker and a Full Service tier. Reviewers like its support, but QuickBooks sync is reported as manual and direct deposit can be delayed. It suits very small businesses watching cost.
Who is Patriot Payroll best for?
Very small businesses watching cost and employers who want Full Service tax filing at a low base fee. It is not a good fit for larger or complex multi-state employers.
What is the difference between Basic and Full Service?
On Basic, the employer files taxes. On Full Service, Patriot files and pays federal, state and local taxes. Full Service costs $37 a month plus $5 per worker, versus $17 plus $4 for Basic.
Does Patriot Payroll integrate with QuickBooks?
An integration is listed, but reviewers report manual data entry and limited QuickBooks options. Patriot Accounting is its own accounting product.
Vendor profile
- Founded
- 2002.
- Headquarters
- Canton, Ohio, US.
Sources
Every fact on this page comes from Patriot Payroll's own pricing, product or documentation pages, G2 and company records, checked on October 24, 2026. Unknown values are left out instead of estimated.