Payroll & QuickBooks®  Solutions for Growing Businesses

      March 2009 Newsletter
        
March Due Dates  
          Mar 15 - Monthly Payroll Deposits are due
          Mar 15 - Most business tax returns are due
                            (Call you tax preparer and request an extension)
          Mar 20  22 - Monthly MN Sales Tax Reports are due
          Apr 15  - Sole proprietor and personal tax returns are due   
         
What is the LOCAL SALES TAX RATE?
Use the Sales Tax Rate Calculator on the MN Revenue Website to look up the state and local general sales tax rates for specific locations in Minnesota. Just enter the 9-digit zip code and click the "Submit" button.  There is also a "Zip Code lookup" link on the calculator.  Enter the address for the sale and it will give you the correct 9-digit zip code to use on the sales tax rate calculator.

Accept Credit and Debit Cards via PayPal: 
Many customers prefer to use their debit cards.  If you don't already have a merchant account, consider using PayPal.  PayPal accepts credit cards, debit cards and PayPal funds.  The cost is 30¢ plus 2.9% per transaction.  Transactions are quick and confidential. 
All you need is an easy-to-set-up PayPal account.  Ask us for more information.  FYI:  We accept payments via PayPal.   

Speed up QuickBooks:  Turn OFF Automatic Updates.  
QuickBooks updates by default, each time it starts.  Your time is important.  Stop these time and memory wasting automatic updates. From the top dropdown menu, select: Help, Update QuickBooks, Options, Automatic Update to No.

Employee Benefits.   Now's a great time to add a Retirement Plan for your employees (and yourself).  A SIMPLE retirement plans works well for many small businesses and only costs 3% of workers compensation plus about $60 per year per account.  We can help modify QuickBooks to accommodate the retirement plan in your payroll reporting.  Your investment advisor or banker can set the plan up for you. 

FYI - QuickBooks 2007 'expires' Soon
The payroll reporting features and the e-mailing features in QuickBooks 2007 will no longer work after April 2010.  If you are using payroll and have QuickBooks Pro 2007, it's time to move up to QBs Pro 2010.  E-Bay prices are less than $110 with free shipping. 
We recommend buying the software disks and NOT downloading the software.                                                                                                                            Feb. 26 2010