Business Discussions

The fact that Intuit has decided to basically end the Desktop Pro product is terrible. Yes, one can buy 2024 as a subscription and it will be supported, but for how long?  Intuit would have made a better decision to sell off the desktop product to another company and let it continue to be used by the millions of people who use it.  In my case, I have used QB Pro for 20+ years. My largest client has 37 companies set up on the 3 user product. Were he to switch to the on-line product, his costs - with every company having to pay Intuit - would be totally ridiculous.  What about users who are located where they have no internet? Or users that don't want to use Cloud Storage?  I really feel like Intuit has abandoned a huge block of users. I would be most happy if they sold Pro to a tech company and let end users continue with it.  Nancy Y.

Hi,Business sold in 2023. CPA says now that 2023 corporate return (S corp) is filed, owner can shut down QB, QB payroll, no back up needed. Or, more conservatively (but in case of possible audit), owner should pay for QB for 3 years from date of sale. Business run on Quickbooks  Enterprise Contractor 2023 edition.  How should owner backup business data in this scenario? Any other advice? Thoughts:• figure out how to backup 5-7 years of QB corporate files (35 year enterprise). Can anyone tell me how it's best done?• which file format to use?• buy cloud backup @$50 - $100/year (https://www.pcworld.com/article/407149/online-cloud-backup-services-carbonite-idrive-backblaze-livedrive.html)• owner kept 7 years paper files, primarily original invoices• one CPA, digital access to old tax returns; owner will keep paper copies all previous tax returns Thank you 

Welcome back to the Business Discussion board! It has been said that the simple gesture of smiling can affect our personal life and work environment. Today I thought it'd be fun to share some laid back conversation starters/ice breaker questions to ask your colleagues or employees that are sure to bring a grin to their face.   If you had to describe your job using a movie title, what would it be? If you could replace the office coffee with anything else, what would you choose? If you could choose your office view, what would it be? If you had to describe your work ethic using an animal, which one would you choose? Speaking of animals, what animal would you choose to be the office pet? If you could have any superpower to use at work, what would it be? If your office was a TV show, what would it be called? If you had to pick one song to play every time you made a sale or closed a deal, what would it be? If you could choose any work schedule, what would it be? If you could choose to

Are you still trying to figure out the best method to track your employee's time? Well, look no further! Our QuickBooks Blog shared eight strategies you can use to track employees' time effectively. Here is what they had to say:     Time Tracking Software: Ideal for remote work or computer-based work, allowing easy clocking in and out, task tracking, and seamless integration with accounting software. Manual Time Tracking: It is suitable for smaller businesses but is prone to inaccuracies and compliance issues without proper oversight. Time Clock Installation: Best for single-location businesses, though susceptible to buddy punching; offers mobility and flexibility with multiple devices. Spreadsheet Usage: Cost-effective for smaller businesses but prone to errors and requires diligent backups for compliance. GPS Tracking: Beneficial for businesses with multiple job sites, reduces timesheet discrepancies, and enhances accountability. Mobile Apps: Convenient for remote work an

Good afternoon everyone! We've reached the end of another work week. Before leaving for the day, I invite you to take a look at this article from inc.com that talks about switching things up to get your desired results.   Do you remember the show "Seinfeld?" The writer of the article talks about a particular episode where the characters are at a coffee shop when this exchange happens, The waitress comes over to take their order and says to George, "Tuna on toast, coleslaw, cup of coffee." George's response? "Yeah. No, wait a minute, I always have tuna on toast. Nothing's ever worked out for me with tuna on toast. I want the complete opposite of tuna on toast!" The episode goes on and situations continue to look up for George as he changes his every day strategies.   See where we're going with this? Small businesses undoubtedly cut back during times of economic uncertainty. The article presents the idea of going bold instead.   The first suggestion is to double-

We are an independent insurance agency. Most of our commissions are paid to us direct by the insurance company.  The insurance company bills the client, collects the full premium, then pays us a commission. We record the commissions as income on our P&L when we receive it.  The issue I am trying to resolve in QB is when we are billing the customer on behalf of the company for the full insurance premium.  This is referred to as agency bill. We need to create an invoice that bills the insured for the full premium but only have the commission portion (which is our actual income) hit our P&L.  We use a trust account when we invoice on behalf of an insurance company and we hold the premium that is due the company in that account until we pay the company.  When we pay the company we retain our commission and that is what we want to show on our P&L as income.  Any suggestions on how to set this up and avoid having to do journal entries who be great.&n

Are you looking to do fun activities with your employees outside of work? I have a few ideas that will boost morale, foster team spirit, and create a positive work environment. Let's dive in!   Cooking or baking classes: Organize a cooking or baking workshop where employees can learn new recipes and enjoy the fruits of their labor together.   Sports tournaments: Organize friendly sports competitions like soccer, basketball, or volleyball matches to encourage healthy competition and team spirit.   Board game or trivia nights: Host a game night at the office or a local venue where employees can unwind and enjoy friendly competition.   Escape rooms: Challenge your team to solve puzzles and escape within a time limit, promoting teamwork and problem-solving skills in a fun environment.   Team lunches or dinners: Take your team out for a meal at a restaurant or organize a potluck lunch at the office to enjoy good food and conversation togethe

Hello Community! As a business owner, bookkeeping might not rank at the top of your priority list. However, maintaining accurate financial records is key to your business's success! Because of that, I wanted to share some safe practices from this article in the QuickBooks Blog in regards to Bookkeeping.   Here are some things you want to make sure to do: keep up-to-date records Track expenses Set up budgets Balance your books   And when it comes to keeping your books in order, try following the three golden bookkeeping rules. These three simple but important principles are: Debit what comes in, credit what goes out. Debit the receiver, credit the giver. Debit expenses and losses, credit income and gains.   These rules are sure to help you get set up for success. To learn more about each of these practices, make sure to check out the full article here. See you next time!

Getting paid is important to everyone, especially small business owners. So when something goes wrong, it is important to understand why, how to manage the issue and how to minimize these in the future. In this article, we will guide you through the what the typical payments process cycle looks like and some specific scenarios where holds occur. If you are currently experiencing payment holds, additional guidance is provided in our next article, “Managing and Avoiding Payment Holds”.   In order to have the best possible experience, we encourage you to read through this entire article to gain a thorough understanding of payment holds.  If you are short on time and need some quick guidance, you can also click on the individual links below to jump to the areas that interest you the most.   Contents When to Expect Funds in Your Account Good to Know - Credit Card Processing Cycle What Triggers a Hold? What Happens When Funds Are Placed On Hold? What Happens When You (the Bu

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In the world of digital marketing, did you know Instagram reigns supreme with its massive user base and daily engagement stats? But with such fierce competition, standing out requires savvy strategies. Our article today from Entrepreneur shared a few points on maximizing ROI on Instagram. Let's check it out!   Define Clear Goals: Set specific objectives for your Instagram Stories to drive traffic, boost engagement, or create buzz. Gain Followers: Set realistic follower goals and target the right audience to grow your following steadily. Provide Information: Use the "swipe up" feature to direct users to your website or landing page effortlessly. Go Live: Generate excitement and urgency by going live, encouraging active participation from your audience. Embrace Storytelling: Create visually compelling stories to build brand awareness and emotional connections with your audience. Collaborate with Influencers: Partner with micro and nano influencers to amplify your brand's reach an

Hello QuickBooks Community! I wanted to share a short yet simple encouragement if you are struggling with taking the next steps.   Embarking on a new journey often requires courage, but taking the next steps is crucial for personal growth. It's a chance to transcend comfort zones, embrace challenges, and unlock untapped potential. Whether in business, relationships, or personal development, each step forward is a brushstroke on the canvas of progress.   Embrace uncertainty, for it is the bridge to new opportunities. Set clear goals, cultivate resilience, and let curiosity be your compass. Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step; take it, and let each subsequent stride lead you to the remarkable destination that awaits.I hope you have a great day! And if you needed a sign today, you got it! Take the Step.

Good afternoon everyone! I hope all is well! Today, our QuickBooks Community blog shared a piece entitled " Small business, big heart: Stories of courage from the Black small business community." I will share some highlights, but I do encourage you to check the stories they shared in detail.   It is mentioned that small businesses have an essential role in communities and society. It emphasizes the unique ability of small businesses to make a significant impact beyond mere profit generation. The narrative underscores the personal touch and community-oriented approach that black small businesses often bring, fostering connections and relationships that transcend mere transactions.   They went out to share real-life examples to showcase how small black businesses go above and beyond to support their communities. From providing employment opportunities to contributing to local charities and causes, small businesses are portrayed as integral pillars of support and sources of ins

Hello out there, Community! I'm glad you're here. Today I'm sharing an article from inc.com the showcases an interview with Mark Cuban, from Shark Tank, where he tells us all about how to be an irreplaceable employee.   First and foremost, Cuban says, "The greatest value you can offer a boss is to reduce their stress." Here's how:   Take care of your mental health and well-being. "Mental health is a vast topic with many aspects to consider. However, leaders should focus on employees who prioritize their self-care for workplace application. These individuals structure their schedules to prioritize their well-being while maintaining high-performance levels. Run away from workplace drama. "Getting caught in the whirlwind of workplace drama will overload your attention and take your focus away from what is most important--your work! Time lost to workplace drama could be costing your business a lot of money." Practice emotional intelligence. "Emotion

Welcome back to the Business Discussion board! Today I'm stopping by to share a list of a few common mistakes small businesses make for you to keep in mind...   Not knowing your competition Constant Self-promotion Setting unrealistic goals Not strategizing Not checking for grammatical errors Not measuring your efforts No interaction with customers   Not too painful! But keeping these fresh in your mind will certainly help in daily small business life. What would you add? What's a mistake that you made that you wish someone would have told you about? Let's talk about!

Are you looking to merge with another business and not knowing what to expect? No need to worry! Our Firms of the Future shared this interview with Becky Munson, who shared the experiences and practices she uses that have led her to be successful. Here is a brief synopsis of what was discussed:     Becky Munson provides valuable insights from her experience leading change initiatives, particularly in merging Client Accounting Service (CAS) practices. Munson emphasizes finding common ground among teams, maintaining client focus amidst organizational changes, and fostering transparent communication to ease transition complexities. Acknowledging incoming teams' challenges during mergers, she advocates for understanding their workload realities and providing supportive structures to ensure a smooth integration process. Her leadership highlights the importance of authenticity, empathy, and proactive communication in successful change management within CAS practices.   Success

Happy Friday, QuickBooks Community! Are you excited about the weekend? I know I am. A better question, though, is, are you looking to sell on Etsy? Well, Entrepreneur shared a comprehensive guide on how to do so. Here are a few tips they mentioned:       Decided if Etsy is the right platform. The key point here is to do careful research to ensure you will have the best outcome. Create your account and open your Etsy storefront. Upload your first product listing Choose your payment method. Customerize your storefront.   And there you have it! Be sure to review fees as well when having this storefront! But you will be on your way. I hope this was helpful to those thinking about it and using it as a sign! Until next time, folks, be safe and take care.

  Hello Community! Have you ever felt burnout at work?? If so, you’re not alone! To cope with burnout, it is necessary to take proactive measures to manage stress and enhance your work environment. According to an article that I came across on LinkedIn from Calm, it’s important to start with minor changes and gradually work your way up to more significant modifications. Here are 6 ways to deal with burnout that they shared:   Talk to your supervisor about your workload and identify what you can control to reduce stress. Try meditating for a better mindset. Make time for hobbies, exercise, and social activities that recharge you. Schedule regular me-time to do things you love. Set boundaries between work and personal time and create a short shutdown routine to switch off from work. Prioritize sleep and mindful activities like meditation to help manage stress. Take short breaks throughout the day to prevent fatigue and maintain product   These are just a few w

To what Intuit, Inc. address & contact information does a trade reference request from Dun & Bradstreet go? Dun & Bradstreet requires the following for trade reference submissions:Name:Corporate Address:Email:Title:Phone No.: Thank you!

Good afternoon everyone! Tax season is just around the corner. I know I've waited until the last minute previously, and I'm aiming to get a head start this year. That's why I wanted to share this tax prep checklist I found on the QuickBooks Blog. Here are a few points to take note of...   1. Know the types of small business taxes. Income Estimate Excise Self-employment Employment   2. Know what tax forms you need to file. Schedule C Schedule K-1 1099-MISC 1099-NEC   3. Create a tax filing calendar.Be sure to write down filing dates, quarterly taxes, and extension dates.   4. Gather the needed business tax return documents.In general you'll need: Federal Tax ID number Social Security number Previous year’s tax return—up to three years prior for both state and federal   5. Make note of common tax deductions and credits.   6. Request a filing extension if needed.   The full article linked

Hello, friends of the Community! I hope you've had a wonderful work week. On today's post for the Business Discussion board I'd like to share an article from forbes.com that offers a few helpful tips for finding and onboarding new clients. Let's dive in...   Leveraging Your Existing NetworkYour circle may be larger than you realize. When you're ready to begin the onboarding process, think about all of the people that you know and increase that number by at least double. This will take into consideration all of the people your friends, family, and colleagues will be spreading the word to.   Sources To Find Targeted CustomersOnce you've made the people you know aware and asked them to talk about your business, you're ready to explore new areas to reach target customers. Here are a few helpful places to get started:   LinkedIn Events and conventions Local Businesses Advertising online Content marketing Distribution of marketing materials   I invite you to c

I currently use QuickBooks Desktop 2017 (I think). I would like to purchase the desktop again at a new date but it's all online or have an annual subscription. My Internet is not reliable and I refuse to be online for that reason. It's very difficult to run a business without Internet but that's the only choice I have till my area receives Internet access. Is there a desktop version still out there to purchase without using Internet and subscription? Otherwise I need to look elsewhere.

Did you know that in 2017, Deloitte researchers found that companies that focused on their clients were 60% more profitable than those that didn't? Our Firms of the Future shared a few key points from these metrics, and here are my top five takeaways:     Building a people-focused culture involves open communication, a shared vision, and tech support. Adopting a holistic view of clients' journeys helps gather meaningful data for better understanding. Avoiding data silos and proper data management are crucial for practical use. Listening to clients' underlying wants, not just needs, enhances perceived value and fosters referrals. Maintaining an authentic client focus is vital for firms to thrive in the evolving business landscape.   I encourage you to review the article for my insights, and I hope this helps improve your company's focus! Until next time, take care my Community family.

We are using Quick books online for a non-profit.  Technically non-profits have no "Retained Earnings".  Is there a way to force what QB normally posts to retained earnings to the "Correct" account for a non profit titled Unrestricted Net Assets ?

Good afternoon, everyone! I think it's safe to say we hear something about A.I. everyday, or pretty close to it. Although, artificial intelligence has become all the rage, there's a lot to it. I found a great article posted on inc.com that offers some really helpful info. Let's take a look...     A.I."A field of science dedicated to creating machines and computer programs capable of recreating the cognitive functions of the human brain, such as making decisions through logical reasoning, recognizing and categorizing objects, and learning new things." This term can be used as an umbrella to describe a wide range of technology.   Computer algorithmComputer algorithm is defined as, "A set of instructions that a computer follows to perform tasks and process data." Algorithms are commonly used in social media to to analyze the type of content you interact with most often, and then use that information to score every post, video, and ad on the platform by how statist