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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Author:
Rachel Blakely-Gray
Rachel Blakely-Gray has spent more than a decade writing about payroll, payroll taxes, and accounting for small business owners at Patriot Software. As Content Manager, she covers everything from multi-state payroll tax filing to 1099 reporting requirements, translating IRS and state regulations into plain English.
How to Future-proof Your Small Business Payroll Before Tax Laws Change (Again)
July 17, 2026Key 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
July 13, 2026Key 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
July 1, 2026Key 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
June 22, 2026A 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
June 19, 2026Key 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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47.7% of Small Business Owners Have Skipped or Delayed Their Paycheck, New Survey Finds
June 17, 2026Patriot Software survey of 1,000 small business owners and managers reveals the sacrifices they make every day to keep things running.
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Nearly 9 Out of 10 Customers Recommend Patriot Software
June 16, 2026Based on an NPS promoter score recorded over the past 12 months, nearly 9 out of 10 customers would recommend Patriot’s accounting and payroll products to friends, family, or colleagues.
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Security Showdown: Cloud Payroll vs. Desktop Software
June 15, 2026Key Takeaways − Cloud payroll stores your data on secure, remote servers you access via the internet. Desktop payroll stores data on your own computer(s). Cloud vendors typically provide encryption, backups, and automatic updates. Desktop gives you physical control, but you’re also responsible for backups, updates, and security. Most small businesses today opt for cloud […]
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The Operational Benefits of Offering White-label Payroll as a CPA
June 12, 2026Key Takeaways − White-label payroll lets you offer payroll under your own brand, powered by a payroll software provider. You can streamline operations, reduce manual work, and lower risk compared to DIY payroll setups. Adding payroll can deepen client relationships and create new, recurring revenue streams. The right software partner handles the heavy lifting so […]
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