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.

 

Update on Schedule...

Week Two on the new schedule, and I expect this schedule will remain pretty consistent for a while.  I will be available during the evening for a short time, I expect anywhere between 5:30 and 7:30... if I don't answer, please leave a message and I will return your call as soon as possible.  I will also be available for most of every weekend, but will be in and out of the office so ditto on the message.  You can always call my cell number 536-0969 if you have something urgent.  I do expect to be available for at least one day during the week in the future, and will post when that or any other changes occur.
Hope you are enjoying your October!

New Office Hours...

Greetings Everyone!

This is where I will attempt to keep you updated on my availability over the next few weeks, until my new schedule settles into something of a routine.

For the first week - beginning Monday October 3rd - I am expecting to be available only weeknights after 6:00 pm, and Saturday and Sunday, the 7th and 8th.

I will try to check my emails once during the day around noon, so that is likely going to be the best way to reach me.

If you have an emergency, you can try my cell phone and I will call you back as soon as it is possible.  Hopefully there won't be any of these for the first week until I have gotten my bearings, but please do call me if you have a problem.

Stay tuned, and thank you.

For the record....

Just for the record and in preparation for the next release, I am recording this 'News Update' from Beckett's website posted Sept 27th 2010 to refer back to the yearly program changes made.
Monday Sept 27th
QuickBooks 2011 Launches Today!
Possibly one of the most exciting upgrades I have seen, QuickBooks 2011 products go on sale today.  A few of the new features include Faster startup (no more twiddling your thumbs while you wait for you company file to open), a Search feature (unlike Find), a Customer snapshot screen, on screen information on the Create Invoices and Enter Bills about the Customer/Vendor, Batch Invoicing, Intuit Payment Network, multiple email accounts, and for some the BIG new app isn't quite yet available - QuickBooks Mobile or QuickBooks Connect.
I plan to blog in more detail about the new features, so tune in.  Watched the first of four Webinars today, so will keep updating.

Intuit Payroll Rate Changes

Well, isn't this just the season for changes...

Intuit has announced rate changes that will become effective in August and September of this year.

When it is time for each of you to renew, I invite you to give me a call so we can discuss what options you have and which may be the best for you.

Intuit has made changes, improvements, and additions to their payroll service offerings that may not have been available when you initially began using payroll, so before you renew you may want to explore what's new.

I look forward to hearing from you!

FUTA Rate Reduction July 1st 2011

The current FUTA rate of 6.2% (which has been in effect a long time) includes a temporary surtax of .2% that expires June 30, 2011. (Unless Congress extends it, which doesn't seem to be the case.)

If you get the maximum credit of 5.4%, this has always meant a rate of .8% FUTA.  So, with the .2% reduction - effective July 1, 2011 you will have a FUTA tax rate of .6%.

I have run a July payroll in QuickBooks, and confirmed that the rate did indeed calculate at .6% correctly.

I realize that this is not something you may notice, but wanted to keep you informed.  Unless there is a change, this will complicate the 940 form at the end of the year... but we won't worry about that for now.

IRS Increases Mileage Rate

Greetings All
I do like passing along good news, no matter how small...

IRS has increased the standard mileage rate for the final six months of this year.  The rate will increase to 55.5 cents a mile for all business miles driven from July 1, 2011, through Dec 31, 2011.  This is an increase of 4.5 cents from the 51 cent rate in effect for the first six months of 2011.

For the full article, click on the link below.

IRS Increases Mileage Rate

That's all for now!