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...