This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, which cookies PayrollSoftwareGuide uses, why we use them and how you can control them. This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy.
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device (computer, smartphone or tablet) when you visit a website. They allow the site to recognize your device on return visits and remember certain information about your preferences or behavior.
Similar technologies include web beacons (also called tracking pixels), local storage and session storage. Where this policy refers to "cookies," it also covers these similar technologies unless otherwise specified.
Cookies are not programs — they cannot execute code, carry viruses or access files on your device. They contain only the data you allow to be stored in them.
2. Categories of Cookies We Use
2.1 Essential Cookies
Essential cookies are strictly necessary for the website to function. Without them, core features of the site cannot operate. Because they are required for basic functionality, they do not require your consent under GDPR or similar laws.
| Cookie name | Purpose | Duration | Set by |
|---|---|---|---|
| wordpress_sec | WordPress security token — prevents cross-site request forgery | Session | PayrollSoftwareGuide |
| wordpress_logged_in | Maintains login state for admin users only | Session | PayrollSoftwareGuide |
| wp-settings-* | Stores admin interface preferences | 1 year | PayrollSoftwareGuide |
| cookie_consent | Records your cookie consent preferences | 12 months | PayrollSoftwareGuide |
2.2 Analytics Cookies
Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors use our site — which pages are most visited, where visitors come from and how they navigate. This data is aggregated and anonymized. We use this information to improve content and user experience.
| Cookie name | Purpose | Duration | Set by |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ga | Google Analytics — distinguishes unique users | 2 years | Google LLC |
| _ga_[ID] | Google Analytics 4 — persists session state | 2 years | Google LLC |
| _gid | Google Analytics — distinguishes users (24-hour window) | 24 hours | Google LLC |
| _gat | Google Analytics — throttles request rate | 1 minute | Google LLC |
We have enabled IP anonymization in Google Analytics. For more on how Google uses this data, see Google's Privacy Policy. You can opt out using the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
2.3 Advertising Cookies
Advertising cookies are set by Google AdSense to display advertisements relevant to your interests. These cookies track your browsing activity across websites and build a profile of your interests to show you personalized ads. We do not control the content of third-party ads.
| Cookie name | Purpose | Duration | Set by |
|---|---|---|---|
| IDE | Google DoubleClick — tracks ad clicks and impressions for relevance | 13 months | Google LLC (doubleclick.net) |
| DSID | Google — identifies signed-in Google users for ad personalization | 2 weeks | Google LLC |
| AID | Google — links activity across devices if signed in to Google | 13 months | Google LLC |
| __gads / __gpi | Google AdSense — measures ad performance and prevents fraudulent clicks | 13 months | Google LLC |
| NID | Google — stores user preferences for Google services and personalization | 6 months | Google LLC |
For more information on how Google uses advertising cookies, visit Google's Advertising Policies. You can manage your Google ad preferences at Google Ad Settings.
2.4 Affiliate Tracking Cookies
When you click an affiliate link on our site, the affiliate partner may place a tracking cookie on your device to attribute the referral. These cookies are controlled by the affiliate partner — not by us. We receive no data from these cookies directly. Their use is governed by the affiliate partner's own privacy and cookie policies.
3. Third-Party Cookies — Who Sets Them
Some cookies on this site are set by third parties over whom we have limited control. Below is a summary of third-party cookie providers used on payrollsoftwareguide.com:
| Provider | Purpose | Privacy Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Google LLC | Analytics (Google Analytics) and advertising (Google AdSense) | policies.google.com/privacy |
| Affiliate partners | Referral tracking when affiliate links are clicked | Varies by partner — see each partner's policy |
4. Your Cookie Choices
4.1 Cookie consent tool
When you first visit our site, you will see a cookie consent banner. You can accept all cookies, reject non-essential cookies or manage your preferences category by category. Your choice is saved for 12 months. You can change your preferences at any time by clicking the "Cookie Settings" link in our footer.
4.2 Browser settings
All major browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can block all cookies, delete existing cookies or set preferences for specific sites. Note that blocking all cookies may prevent some parts of our site from working as intended. Browser-specific guides:
4.3 Opt-out tools
- Google Analytics: Google Analytics Opt-out Add-on
- Google advertising: Google Ad Settings
- Digital Advertising Alliance (US): aboutads.info
- Network Advertising Initiative: networkadvertising.org/choices
5. Do Not Track
Some browsers transmit a "Do Not Track" (DNT) signal to websites. There is currently no industry standard for how websites should respond to DNT signals. We do not currently alter our data collection practices in response to DNT signals. However, you can use the opt-out tools listed above to limit tracking.
6. Updates to This Policy
We review this Cookie Policy regularly and may update it when we add or remove cookies or when third-party services change their practices. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision. Significant changes will be communicated via a banner or homepage notice.
7. Contact
Questions about this Cookie Policy? Contact Loreto Barrionuevo at contact@payrollsoftwareguide.com.