Patriot Software vs Gusto Payroll: Which One Will Save Your Business Time and Money?

Summary

In this video, we compare two popular payroll software solutions: Patriot Software and Gusto. While both offer essential payroll features like tax calculations, direct deposit, and employee self-service, Gusto stands out with its modern interface, robust HR tools, and scalability, making it ideal for growing businesses. On the other hand, Patriot Software is more affordable and perfect for small businesses on a budget with basic payroll needs. The video walks through ease of use, pricing, tax compliance, HR features, and integrations, helping businesses choose the best option based on their specific needs and growth plans.

Takeaways

• 😀 Patriot Software saves small business owners time with simple and affordable payroll features.
• 😀 Gusto stands out for its modern, user-friendly interface and comprehensive HR features.
• 😀 Both Patriot Software and Gusto automate payroll, tax filings, and year-end forms to reduce manual work and errors.
• 😀 Patriot Software is best for small businesses on a budget, offering more affordable pricing than Gusto.
• 😀 Gusto offers advanced payroll features like tip management and multiple pay rates, making it ideal for industries with complex payroll needs.
• 😀 Tax compliance is robust in both Patriot Software and Gusto, including automatic tax calculations and filings for federal, state, and local taxes.
• 😀 Gusto's HR features, including employee surveys, performance reviews, and benefits management, give it an edge for businesses needing all-in-one HR and payroll solutions.
• 😀 Integrations with other software like QuickBooks, Xero, and Slack are more extensive in Gusto, offering smoother operations for businesses using multiple platforms.
• 😀 Customer support from Patriot Software is superior in terms of extended hours and US-based teams, which is a plus for small businesses.
• 😀 Gusto is scalable, making it a better option for businesses expecting growth and needing additional features as they expand.
• 😀 Small businesses looking for budget-friendly payroll without needing complex HR tools should consider Patriot Software, while businesses looking for a comprehensive, all-in-one solution should opt for Gusto.

Q & A

How much time do small business owners typically spend on payroll tasks each month?

Small business owners spend an average of 18 hours per month on payroll-related tasks, which equals more than two full workdays.

What are the key reasons why choosing the right payroll software is important for businesses?

Choosing the right payroll software is crucial for saving time, ensuring accuracy to avoid costly penalties, maintaining compliance with changing tax laws, and improving employee satisfaction through smoother payroll experiences.

What are the main features offered by Patriot Software?

Patriot Software offers payroll processing, direct deposit, tax filings, employee self-service portal, time and attendance tracking, and add-ons for HR tools and time management.

How does Gusto compare to Patriot Software in terms of features?

Gusto offers similar core features like payroll processing, direct deposit, and tax filings, but it also includes advanced features like employee surveys, performance reviews, health benefits administration, and a more extensive suite of HR tools.

Which platform has a more user-friendly interface?

Gusto is considered more user-friendly due to its modern, intuitive design and helpful onboarding process. Users report it feels like using a well-designed app, whereas Patriot is functional but simpler.

What is the pricing structure of Patriot Software?

Patriot Software offers two main plans: Basic Payroll at $17 per month plus $4 per employee, and Full-Service Payroll at $37 per month plus $4 per employee. Add-ons for time and attendance tracking and HR tools are available for additional costs.

How does the pricing of Gusto compare to Patriot Software?

Gusto's pricing starts at $39 per month plus $6 per employee for its Core plan. It also offers higher-tier plans (Complete and Concierge) with additional features, making it more expensive than Patriot, but it provides more comprehensive tools for HR and payroll management.

Which platform is better for tax compliance and filings?

Both Patriot Software and Gusto provide robust tax compliance features, including automatic tax calculations, federal, state, and local tax filings, and year-end tax forms. Neither platform has a clear advantage in this category, as both ensure accurate and up-to-date tax filings.

How do Patriot Software and Gusto differ in terms of HR and benefits management?

Gusto excels in HR and benefits management, offering comprehensive tools like employee onboarding, time off tracking, learning management systems, health benefits administration, and 401K plans. Patriot Software, in contrast, offers basic HR features with add-ons for things like document storage and PTO tracking.

Which payroll solution is better for a rapidly growing business?

Gusto is better for rapidly growing businesses due to its scalability, tiered plans, and extensive HR features. It can support evolving needs as businesses grow, while Patriot Software, while affordable, may become limiting for larger companies with complex HR requirements.