Patriot Account Creation

Watch the next step, in the sign up video series, “Payroll Setup Checklist“, to continue learning the software, or check out the help article below for more details.

Background
In the last video, How to Sign Up with Patriot, you learned the first steps on how to create an account:

• To sign up for an account on www.patriotsoftware.com,
• Click the “Create Account” button.
• We’ll ask for your first and last name, email address and phone number and how you heard of us to get started.
• We will verify your email address by having you click through an email after you submit information. 

After you have verified your email address, here’s what you can expect through the next steps:

Already have an Account? 

After you have verified your email, you’ll be asked if you already have an account, or need to create new log in credentials (username and password).

“Yes, I’ll use my existing login information” vs. “No, I need to create a new login”

Here’s the key question to ask yourself:
Are you already a customer or do you already log in to Patriot Software for another company?

• Choose “Yes, I’ll use my existing login information” if:
  
  • You already use Patriot Software to run payroll or accounting for another company,
    AND
  • You want to add another business using the same login credentials (same username/password).

When you use this option, we will create an “umbrella login” so you can access multiple companies under one log in. Read more on our help article, “Multi-company Account Access.”

💡 This is common for accountants, bookkeepers, or business owners with multiple companies.

• Choose “No, I need to create a new login” if:
  
  • You’re completely new customer to Patriot.
    OR
  • You’ve used us before but you want to keep a separate login for this new account. (username/password).

Two Forms of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) helps keep your company’s data secure. We require two methods during sign-up:

1. Primary MFA method – Either a mobile phone number, email, or authentication app (like Google Authenticator).
   
2. Backup MFA method – A second option in case you lose access to the first. We recommend a different way from your primary. For example, if you use your phone for your primary, use an authenticator app or email for your second method.

Why two? Having a backup helps us keep your account protected without needing to call support if you lose your phone or don’t have access to one of the authentication methods. Read more on our help article, Multi-factor Authentication.

Select Your Products

Choose the products you want to add to your company. All products you sign up for will have a free trial and you can cancel at any time without obligation.

Company Information

Business Name – This is the name your customers see—on your website, storefront, or invoices. In many cases, the tax filing name and DBA (Does Business As) are the same.  You can choose your Tax filing name, or DBA name to display when printing checks, or customer-facing invoices, etc. 

Tax Filing Name – This is the legal name the IRS recognizes for your business. The company tax filing  name is required for tax filings, like W-2s, 1099s, and payroll tax returns. It must match what the IRS has on file. Using the correct tax name helps avoid rejections when we file forms with the IRS or send payments via direct deposit.

• If you’re a sole proprietor haven’t registered a business name with the IRS, your  legal tax name is simply your full personal name—the one used on your Social Security card.

Estimated Number of Employees and/or Contractors? If you have signed up for payroll, estimate how many employees/contractors you will be paying. Don’t know exactly? Take a best guess–we won’t hold you to it.

Business Type – This is the business structure your company has been legally set up as. If you’re unsure what to pick you can look at your most recent business tax return, registration paperwork, or EIN confirmation letter.

• Still not sure what to pick? Just choose the option that best describes how your business is legally set up—or how you think of it. You can always update this later.

Industry Type – Choose the industry that best describes your business from the drop down.

NAICS Code (North American Industry Classification System) – Don’t worry if you don’t know your NAICS code. Just start typing what your business does (“coffee shop,” “cleaning service,” “consulting,” etc.) and we’ll suggest options. Just pick the one that’s the closest match.

Mailing Address – Enter the address of where your business receives email. If signing up for payroll, we’ll use this on IRS forms.

Time Zone – Enter the time zone where the business operates.

Primary Contact Phone Number – The phone number of the main person on the account.

You’re ready to continue to the  “Payroll Setup Checklist“.

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