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Author:

Rachel Blakely-Gray

As Patriot's Content Manager, Rachel creates engaging and informative content aimed to help business owners understand complex accounting and payroll topics.

How to Maintain Payroll Accuracy During Periods of Rapid Hiring

Key Takeaways − Rapid hiring multiplies payroll complexity and the risk of mistakes. Standardize processes, use checklists, and centralize data to maintain accuracy. The right payroll software can automate calculations, taxes, and onboarding tasks. Regular audits, clear roles, and training keep errors from snowballing as you grow. Why payroll gets risky when you are hiring […]

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When Is Rounding Employee Time Illegal?

Key Takeaways − You can round employee time in some cases, but it must be neutral, not one-sided. Federal law (FLSA) allows rounding in small increments (e.g., 5, 6, or 15 minutes) if it does not consistently favor the employer. Rounding is illegal when it regularly shortchanges employees, especially minimum wage or overtime pay. Some […]

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Navigating Local, State, and Federal Minimum Wage Discrepancies

Key Takeaways − When minimum wages conflict, you generally must pay the highest applicable rate. You may need to compare federal, state, and local (city/county) rules for each employee. Multi-state payroll means tracking different rates, different rules, and different effective dates. Document your process, update rates on time, and use tools like payroll software to […]

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How to Future-proof Your Small Business Payroll Before Tax Laws Change (Again)

Key Takeaways − Tax laws change constantly, and payroll is usually the first place you feel it. You do not need to track every new rule yourself; your payroll system should do the heavy lifting. Future-proofing payroll means automating tax calculations, staying updated through your software, tightening your data, and standardizing processes. Patriot’s payroll software […]

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Payroll Data Security in 2026 and Beyond: How Small Businesses Can Stay Protected

Key Takeaways − Payroll data is a top target because it contains sensitive details like Social Security numbers, bank info, and salary history. In 2026, the primary threats to small businesses are phishing, weak passwords, unsecured remote access, and human error. You don’t need a massive budget to stay safe; prioritize multi-factor authentication, encryption, and […]

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How Cloud-based Payroll Facilitates Remote Work and Mobile Access

Key Takeaways − Cloud-based payroll lets you run payroll from anywhere with internet access (no office, server, or VPN needed). Your team can view pay stubs, update info, and access tax forms from their phones or laptops. Cloud systems typically offer automatic updates, data backups, and bank-level security. Desktop payroll ties you to one computer […]

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The Loyalty Tax: Why 60% of Workers Say Staying Hurts Their Pay

A new Patriot Software survey of 1,000 U.S. adults who voluntarily switched jobs in the past five years found that 59.9% believe staying at one company for five or more years actively hurts their earning potential. Among Gen Z, that number climbs to 70.4%. These job hoppers’ personal experiences back up that belief: 60.6% of switchers […]

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Hidden Costs of Desktop Payroll Software: Maintenance and Upgrades

Key Takeaways − Desktop payroll looks cheap upfront, but maintenance, upgrades, and IT support add up fast. Hidden costs include hardware, backups, security, patches, and time spent installing updates. Cloud-based payroll shifts work off your plate: updates, backups, and security are handled for you. If you’re spending too much time “babysitting” payroll software, it may […]

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