Patriot Payroll Vs SurePayroll: Which Fits Your Business Needs?

Managing payroll is a big part of running a business, but it can get overwhelming. In fact, according to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), 33% of employers make payroll errors that cost billions of dollars annually. With so many human resources (HR) software options, each with unique features, finding the right solution requires extensive research and critical analysis. Patriot Payroll and SurePayroll are both good options, with varying specialties.   

SurePayroll is preferred by household employers because it has better tax reporting and filing services for domestic payrolls than most competitors. On the other hand, Patriot Payroll is more affordable and includes built-in time tracking , making it perfect for small to medium-sized businesses on a budget.  

The real question is, which solution aligns best with your business priorities?  

This guide will thoroughly compare Patriot Payroll and SurePayroll, examining their payroll features, HR tools, reporting abilities, time tracking, and pricing options to assist you in making an informed choice.   

Patriot Payroll is a cloud-based payroll and accounting software designed specifically for small and medium-sized businesses. What sets it apart is free 4-day and 2-day direct deposit for qualifying customers and allows you to handwrite or print checks directly from the software.   

The platform consistently achieves a net promoter score (NPS) above 81%, showcasing exceptional customer satisfaction. This impressive score reflects how well Patriot Payroll aligns with its users' needs by providing exceptional support.  

Unique Features Of Patriot Payroll 

• Expense Reimbursement: The software seamlessly integrates employee expense reimbursements directly into payroll, allowing employers to efficiently manage claims for mileage, supplies, and other business-related expenses without needing a separate reimbursement system.  
• Free Payroll Setup Assistance: The platform assists with employee data entry and year-to-date payroll details, reducing the burden of starting payroll systems from scratch at no additional cost.  
• Net To Gross Payroll Tool: This simplifies bonus distribution by automatically calculating gross pay based on the desired take-home amount. Employers can confidently issue bonuses without manual gross-up calculations, ensuring accurate and compliant payouts.  

Pros 

• User-friendly design that makes payroll setup easier 
• Its customer support team is highly attentive and delivers practical solutions  
• It stays updated on tax and regulatory changes, making compliance easier for businesses without a tax expert   

Cons 

• Limited options for customizing payroll reports 
• Some features are not displayed on the dashboard and require manual activation through customer service, which can complicate the user experience 

SurePayroll is an online payroll service provided by Paychex that is designed specifically for small businesses. Its intuitive design allows managers to handle payroll effortlessly from any device, with features like unlimited payroll runs and accurate tax calculations.

The software is ideal for household employers hiring nannies, as it manages payroll taxes, prepares W-2s and Schedule H forms, and offers mobile access with reliable customer support.

• Payroll Calculators: The software offers companies various calculators, such as paycheck, gross-up, payroll tax, and FSA calculators. These tools are designed to assist employers in calculating take-home pay, deductions, and taxes accurately while ensuring compliance with evolving tax laws.  
• Alerts For Handbook Changes: This automatically notifies employees whenever updates or modifications are made to the employee handbook. This ensures that all staff are aware of new or revised policies, helping maintain compliance and awareness across the organization.  
• Certified HR Advisor: This option provides access to certified HR experts who offer live guidance on onboarding, training, policy creation, and compliance, assisting in minimizing mistakes and enhancing employee retention.  

Pros 

• Provides timely reminders to ensure paychecks are processed on schedule 
• It handles all nanny taxes and filings, requiring users to input only weekly hours 
• Users can manage payroll through the mobile app, adding flexibility and convenience 

Cons 

• The timecard integration often has errors during imports, and it is difficult to customize its settings 
• It lacks a generic XLS or CSV export option for flexible data handling 

After comparing both software solutions, Patriot Payroll wins in most categories, standing out for its ability to handle complex payroll needs, provide reliable compliance tools, and offer built-in time tracking without requiring extra integrations.   

SurePayroll, while not as strong in some areas, shines for its simplicity, mobile app flexibility, and tailored solutions for small businesses and household employers.   

In conclusion, both software holds its merits, but the decision depends on the needs and priorities of your business. Carefully assess your requirements and evaluate the strength of each platform. If neither meets your expectations, consider exploring other options like BambooHR or altHR to find a solution that better aligns with your company.