Whew -- the January rush is (finally) over, and I am ready to get on with the February work of reviewing and wrapping up 2019.  This month will be all about getting everything complete and tidy for tax preparation.

A couple of notes of interest...

The AIPB (American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers) states that even though the IRS does not require it, you may want to ask for (not demand) a new W4 from your employees for 2020 to avoid any possible year-end tax surprises.  The IRS Advisory Council recommends that all employees be asked to file a new W-4.  I feel that this is something they should complete at home so they can have their personal information at hand and have some privacy.

For Payroll Clients -- depending on the payroll service plan you are on, I would like to make you aware that there are some changes in the works, and especially that there are additional services available for you and your employees if you are interested, including health care plans, 401Ks, HR services, workers comp, donation matching, etc.  It's a good time to be making changes and get 2020 off to a good start!  Please feel free to ask me if you're interested in anything.

Finally, I plan to post whenever there is something I feel is important to share to keep you informed about changes and issues that may affect you.  I am also going to try out sending this via newsletter.  I promise to try to keep the posts and newsletters short, sweet, and infrequent.   Please sign up if you are interested.

It is turning out to be an even-busier-than-expected year-end with unexpected changes cropping up.

• The half-cent sales tax for the Indian River Lagoon passed. The tax rate will be a total of 7% effective on Jan 1 2017.   That is actually 6% State sales tax plus 1% County surtax. If you need any help setting that up in QuickBooks, please let me know.  In QuickBooks it needs to be set up as two separate taxes and combined.
• The Florida Minimum wage is increasing from $8.05 to $8.10 on Jan 1st 2017.
• I expect you will begin receiving your new Florida Unemployment rate notices (Form RT-1) within the next few weeks.  When you receive them, please shoot a copy to me for my records asap so I can make the changes.
• The DOL's - Department of Labor's - new FLSA regulations go into effect December 1 2016.  In case you aren't familiar with this or need to discuss it, please let me know.  The link to the page on their website with more information is:  https://www.dol.gov/WHD/overtime/final2016/
• The new W2 and 1099 deadlines are still in effect for this year, so please be sure to gather and confirm all of the information needed to process them without any delays.  It is a good time to have your employees confirm their information is correct and current, and to review for 1099's and gather any W-9's you may be missing.  Before people disappear for the Holidays is best.

That's all for now.
I wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Normally, January is a nearly-impossibly busy time for bookkeepers, and the upcoming January is unfortunately going to have a newly-added twist.

New Due Dates for W2's and some 1099's -- In an effort to thwart identity theft and false refunds by receiving the information earlier, the due dates to submit these year-end reporting forms has been moved up one month to January 31 2017 for 2016 reporting.

W2's are now not only due to be sent to the recipients by the end of January, but also sent to the government as well.

1099's that have non-employee compensation in Box 7 must also be sent to the government by the end of January.  Otherwise, file them by February 28 2017 if filing on paper, or by March 31 2017 if you file electronically.

So, my request and recommendation here is this.  Since January is quite full as it is, I will be contacting all of my customers shortly to discuss plans to ensure we are ready before the end of 2016 to be able to meet the deadlines.  This means having all information up-to-date, accounts reconciled to current, checking all employee and subcontractor/1099-recipient information is complete and accurate and up-to-date.  I believe this would best be completed before the Holidays arrive, but after the up-coming quarterly payroll reports are completed.  I encourage beginning the reviews on your own in the meantime to expedite the process.

QuickBooks 2017 Release Date is September 19, 2016
If you are due for an upgrade, this new version has some nifty new features.   More news to come when it is officially released.  In the meantime, if you have any questions please feel free to give me a call and I will be happy to answer them.

Just one quick shortcut tip on this day of 'Sixes' -- a key I use so often that I often forget to recommend it -- and a good key word for summer!  The key is the one all alone (usually) at the very top left of your keyboard that just says ESC - aka "Escape" key, aka "get-me-outta-here" key.

The ESC key has many uses, but we will stick to how it is helpful in QuickBooks here.  There are two main reasons I use it that I can think of off-hand.

First, there are the times that you click in to a transaction (putting you into Edit mode) either on purpose or by accident, and want to be absolutely certain you do not inadvertently make any changes to that transaction.  So, instead of clicking on 'Save and New' or 'Save and Close' buttons, just push Escape to return to the previous screen you had open without recording any changes.

Second, there are the times that you have 'Zoomed' in multiple times from a report to follow the history and info of a number (for instance report to transaction to transaction history to another transaction, etc), and would just like to return to the report you began with, without having to close a bunch of windows first or inadvertently changing any data.   Just use the Escape key to take you back the way you came, closing one window at a time, until you are back at the beginning.

I'm sure once you are used to reaching for this 'Tool', you will wonder how you ever survived without it, and will begin to find some of the other uses it has.

Well, I was gathering the information for a new post today and decided instead to just wish everyone a nice Memorial Day weekend, because sometimes it's just good to take time to reflect and rest.     

This will be a very short post about a few shortcuts that are useful in Lists, that I use on a daily basis.

When you are in a list, such as Vendors, Customers, Items, etc.

Ctrl + N (hold down the Ctrl key while pressing N) will get you to a 'New' blank entry screen.   This is the same as choosing Add New, or New Vendor/Customer/etc.
Ctrl + E = Edit
Ctrl + D = Delete
Note:  For Edit and Delete, you need to first have what you would like to edit or delete highlighted (selected) in whatever list you are working in.

I find these really easy to remember - N=New, E=Edit, D=Delete

​That's all for now!

Here is the second installment of keyboard shortcuts that I find most useful and easy to remember, namely Dates.  These are easy to learn, and can also cut down on your data entry time, which is good is more ways than one.

Use these when you have just tabbed or advanced into a date field on forms:

• Next/Previous Day -- using the "+" or "-" (plus or minus) keys when you are in a date field advances the date forward one day at at time (plus key), or backward one day at a time (minus key).   This can be most helpful when you are entering data that falls within a shorter time frame.
• Shortcut Letter Keys -- Certain Letters will bring a particular date into the date field.   The only one I truly recommend using here is "T" for Today.   Pressing the letter T on your keyboard while in a highlighted date field will, as you can guess, enter in the current date.   I use this frequently to bring back the current date if Plus/Minus would take too many keystrokes.  Some of the other shortcut keys are: W=first day of the Week; K=last day of the weeK; M=first day of the Month; H=last day of the montH; Y=first day of the Year; and R=Last day of the yeaR.  They really aren't too difficult to remember, as you can see they are the first and last letters of the time period you are seeking, but I haven't found that they are useful often enough in my work.
• Alt-Down Arrow:  By pressing Alt + Down Arrow on your keyboard, you can bring up the Date Calendar to select a date to enter in the field.  A little note here, once you pull up the Date Calendar, besides being able to select the date using your mouse, you can also use the shortcut letters and/or the directional keys (up, down, left, right) to navigate to the date, and press Enter to select it -- this keeps you from having to reach for the mouse each time you need to enter a date.  This one is big on my list of recommend-to-learn keyboard commands for an additional reason, and that is because it works in any field that has a drop-down list, such as Vendors, Customers, Items, etc.  Being able to bring up the drop-down lists and navigating to the item you need without reaching for the mouse can be a big time-saver.
• Manual Date Entry -  Just a quick tip from me here.  When it is easiest to just type in the date in a date field instead of using any of the shortcuts, if you type the full six-digit date (ex: 050616), it is not necessary to enter the "/" (ex: 05/06/16).
  

So, that is installment #2 for you.   I look forward to any comments, suggestions, or questions you may have!    ​

Below is an excerpt from The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) 2016 Bookkeeping Tips e-letter.
I highly recommend a membership in the AIPB as the best way to stay informed and up-to-date on news and issues that can directly affect your business.
For all summer hires (or hires any time of the year):
 
·   Obtain W-4s from all summer employees, even the owners’ children, students working part-time and foreign students.
·   Withhold FITW from all employees, including the owner’s spouse or child, unless a W-4 claims exempt.
·   Withhold FICA from all employees, even high school students and those who receive SS benefits.Exception: Those under 18 working for sole-owner parents.
Pay overtime for hours actually worked over 40 hours in the workweek. You are not required to include as hours worked paid time off (holidays, vacation days). Do not substitute paid nonwork hours for work hours to make all hours straight time, thus avoiding overtime pay.
Example: Julia works 12 hours a day the first 4 days of the workweek, but not on the 5th day, a holiday, for which she is paid for 8 hours. She is correctly paid 40 hours’ straight time + 8 hours’ overtime + 8 holiday (nonwork) hours. Julia’s employer cannot substitute the 8 hours’ holiday pay for the 8 hours’ overtime to avoid paying the overtime rate.
Paid holidays and vacations
·   Under federal law, paid holidays for part-time and summer help are always optional, but check state laws.
·   No paid vacation is required—but if you provide paid vacation, some federal and state laws apply.
Benefits
·   For temps and part-timers, benefits are optional; but if offered, they should be explained in a written benefits plan.
 
Always check your state’s laws.

So, it has been a very long time since I've posted anything new here.  Some people make resolutions at the beginning of a new year, but I think I'll make a resolution here in spring to keep up with this blog a bit more regularly.
I plan to begin sharing the little tidbits of news and helpful tips that occur from time-to-time that I think may be helpful or of interest to QuickBooks customers and Bookkeepers.   Please let me know if there is anything you would particularly be interested in seeing here, I always appreciate feedback (good and not-so-good) and new ideas.
This blog is going to brief for now -- sort of a beginning tip of the day, but I consider it an important one....

There are many keyboard shortcuts in QuickBooks, and I highly recommend that you learn them along the way to help your work flow more smoothly and efficiently.  I think that once you begin using them regularly, and they become second nature, you will find the benefits well worth the effort.  When you are doing data entry especially, it means being able to keep your hands on the keyboard without constantly reaching for the mouse.  For now, I will be covering only tips for QuickBooks Desktop PC versions.  If you are interested in shortcuts QuickBooks Mac or QuickBooks Online versions, please let me know.

Today I just want to cover a little about moving through the data entry forms, such as Enter Bills, Write Checks, Enter Invoices, etc.  Everyone has their own style, and if you feel totally comfortable with yours you may not want to read any further.   However, if you are just beginning with QuickBooks, or data entry feels a little clumsy and inefficient to you this bit of information (from experience) may help you.

First, go to Edit - Preferences - General - and be sure the box next to the option 'Pressing Enter moves between fields' is checked.  This will enable you to just click the 'Enter' key when you have finished entering data in a field to move to the next data field.  (You will still be able to alternatively use the 'Tab' key to move through the fields.)
My first tip in this series, especially in the beginning, is when you are in a data entry form, (such as Enter Bill or Create Invoice, or Write Check, etc.) always begin with the first field (where your cursor is blinking), enter the data in that field and then use 'Enter' to move from field to field entering the data requested in each -- or using 'Enter' to skip and continue to the next field.   This way, you will not be as likely to miss changing or entering important data that can cause issues along the way.  For instance, some fields contain default data such as dates, due dates, previous entry information, etc. that may not be accurate or correct.  Dates are very important in QuickBooks, so a 'default' date left in place of a correct date can have a negative impact on reports and processing.
When you have finished entering data in that form and are ready to enter another, try the first shortcut I'll cover here,which is also one of the most-used 'Ctrl-Enter' (This means hold down the Control key while pressing Enter, which can be accomplished with your right thumb and index finger).  This has the same result as clicking on 'Save and New' button, but your hands don't need to leave the keyboard.
So....  try this out for a while if you like.  I guarantee that even though it may feel a bit awkward at first, it will become second nature in a short time and will save you a ton of time in the long run!
​Thanks, and I look forward to hearing your feedback!

I am really excited about the New Online version of QuickBooks that is rolling out.   It is being introduced gradually -- New subscribers will have it automatically, and current subscribers are being updated along the way.
It is packed with new exciting and time-saving features and navigation, and I plan to be recommending it in the near future to some of my existing desktop clients -- something I have never really considered before.
So, stay tuned, and if you would like to sneak a peek, please go the Tools and Links tab above, and watch a quick 15-minute video that gives a brief overview and provides the address to go 'play' with a sample company.   You may also want to subscribe to Michelle Long's You Tube videos offered -- she is a fantastic source for all things QuickBooks, and I give her my thanks for providing these wonderful (and free) resources!

Happy February!
I am happy to say the year-end payroll and 1099 reporting is pretty much history, with just a few loose ends to tie up.   On to the information for tax returns!
I am trying to get most of the information out this week, but know that a few will run into next week, and possibly a couple beyond that.   I will try to keep everyone updated as the schedule becomes clear for your work.
I think that is all of the news for now!

Happy New Year All!

Well, so far the year is starting off with a Bang.  A few pieces of news.

• I will be in my office full-time again, so feel free to contact me when you need to at my office number.
• I just checked the Tools and Links page on my website, and all of the forms and information should be up-to-date and working (please let me know if they don't work).   Forms include all employment forms, including the new 2014 W-4 form, labor posters, including the 2014 Florida Minimum wage, and other handy links and information.   If there is anything you need that isn't there, please let me know and I will try to add it for your convenience.
• I will be working to get the employment reporting completed and out to you as soon as possible, including your W-2 forms.   Please let me know as soon as possible if there any address changes you know of.

I truly look forward to working with you all - old and new - in the up-coming year.   Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or need anything.

Best Wishes!

Well, things are in full-swing here to not only take care of  'things-that-must-be-done-for-year-ending' but also 'things-that-must-be-done-for-year-beginning'.  I am shifting old files to storage to make room for the 2014 files (getting a workout), and gathering and organizing what is needed for a smooth transition from old to new.

I have received my first RT-20 "Reemployment Tax Rate Notice" for 2014, so all of you with payroll should be receiving them as well.   Please fax a copy to me as soon as you can so I can set up the rate for the first 2014 payroll.

Also, though I don't believe it will affect anyone, effective January 1st 2014, Florida's minimum wage will be $7.93 per hour.  The taxable wage base for state reemployment tax will remain at $8,000.

I believe that is all of the news for now.  Please feel free to call me if you have any questions.  Although I am not in the office all of the time, you are always welcome to call my cell 321-536-0969.  If I am unable to answer your call, I will call back as soon as possible.

Happy Holidays!

Well, now that Thanksgiving is in the rear-view mirror, it seems that the end of 2013 is hurtling towards us at top speed.  Time to be making plans to be as ready as possible!
Here are a few tips and reminders to avoid getting caught in the crunch.

• Check your employees and vendors to be sure all of the data is complete and up-to-date for W2 and 1099 form preparation.
• Have a special folder handy (this is good for your personal info also), marked 'Tax Stuff' so you have a place for all of the forms and bits information that you receive and gather as you go along.
  
• Make copies of bills for capital purchases during the year, as well as any other major transactions made during the year, such as a sale of assets or a loan you have received.  Write down the date of any major events that affect your business, such as a major personnel change or change in operations.

That is all I can think of at the moment.   I will keep posting as the 'crazy'  season continues.

Happy Thanksgiving!
It is easy at this time of year to get wrapped up in the rush of the holidays and the coming of the new year, and all that comes with it.
I believe that is why this day of Thanksgiving is especially important to give us all the chance to stop, just for one day, and put into perspective just what is truly important before we dive in to that hectic, crazy season.
 I myself, am thankful for my wonderful family, friends, and customers who are a constant source of support and inspiration year-round.   I am happy to have this opportunity to press pause and express my gratitude to you all.
I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving...
Becca

Wednesday, October 23, 2013 Catching up... Catching up...

So much has happened since the last post, and I apologize for not keeping up with posting it as it has come along.   I have tried to keep all of my regular clients updated on anything that would have a direct effect, but keeping up here just hasn't been happening.

I guess I will just catch up with the most recent news for the moment.

First, QuickBooks 2014 has been released, and has some great new features, including improvements to the Online version.   I will try to list some details on  the website when possible.

Second, my hours have loosened up a bit recently.  I plan to be available in the office all day every Wednesday now, and look forward to catching up with everyone in person as I can.  Please let me know if there is anything you would like to schedule some extra time for.

I will stop there for now, and resolve to keep up as news comes along in the future.

Thank You!

 Happy 2013! Happy New Year!!!

I have resolved to keep my posts more up-to-date, although this probably isn't the best time of year to try to find more time for anything.

Just a couple of quick notes for now on items of import.

• Reminder to be sure your State unemployment rate (or reemployment rate as they prefer now) is up-to-date in QuickBooks payroll before processing your first payroll for 2013.  If you forget, please just give me a call...
• I have already had to process a payroll dated in 2013 -- prior to anything being decided in Washington -- so of course the paychecks were smaller due to the higher taxes.  Hopefully they will come to some sort of decision soon, and all will be sorted out.  So, if you have to run a payroll before then be forewarned your employees likely will not be pleased...
• I have posted on my website - (Tools and Links page) - a 2013 Florida Minimum Wage Poster suitable for printing and posting.  There are those out there that would like to convince you need to buy an entire new set of posters, but not so -- this is from the State's website and will do just fine (save your money).

 Ok, that is all I can think of at the moment... has been a long weekend getting prepared for the January rush.  I plan to process quarterly payroll reporting and W2's as I process payrolls for the month, so they will all be out on time.  If you have any questions at all, please feel free to call me at any time.  Don't worry, if it is a bad time I won't answer, but will get back to you as soon as I can.

While I don't have 'set' hours that I will be in the office, generally speaking for the summer I will be available Monday - Friday from 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm, and Saturday from 9 am to 3:30 pm.  If you don't receive an answer on the business line 321-722-4855, please leave a message as I may have stepped out for just a few minutes and will return your call.  You are also welcome to try my cell phone 321-536-0969.  I hope you all are enjoying your summer so far!

Holiday Weekend is approaching!
I hope everyone has some fun plans, that don't include working much with QuickBooks.  You may or may not be affected, but between Thursday the 24th and Tuesday the 29th Intuit will be doing some upgrades and various services (mostly payroll) will be affected from time-to-time.  So, if you do plan to do any work be prepared for possible delays.  The interruptions are not expected to last for long periods, so if you hit a glitch take a deep breath, go for a walk, and come back to try again.  I wish you an enjoyable Memorial Day!

Tip Of The Day...
 Visit the Tools and Links tab on this website for handy buttons that will take you to some of the most-used places from W4, W9, and I-9 forms and an IRS article about determining whether someone should be classified as an employee or independent contractor, to LogIn links for Intuit Online Payroll and EFTPS site, and places in between.
Please place a comment if there is another Link you would like to see here.

It seems the first post to a new blog should contain some great words of wisdom, some great secret of life, some great revelation...  Sorry I am all out of any of those, but here is a heartfelt "Welcome" instead.  Guess you will have to stay tuned just in case any of the great stuff turns up later...