Goodbye QuickBooks 2014!

Starting on May 31st, 2017, users of QuickBooks 2014 will not have access to certain features and add-on services. This will include all versions of QuickBooks Desktop (Pro, Premier, Enterprise Solutions, Accountant Edition, and Mac). If you do not use the add-ons, your product will still work but you will not be able to subscribe to live technical support or any other intuit service.

What does this mean for you?

  1. You will need to upgrade to the latest version of QuickBooks as soon as possible if your products are being affected by this change.
  2. Access to the following will no longer be available after May 31st: Desktop Payroll Service, Live Support, Online Backup, Online Banking, etc.
  3. QuickBooks will notify affected customers in advanced by mail or e-mail. Keep an eye out for any additional information or updates that may affect you.
Below is a table provided by Quickbooks that further explains what services will be discontinued
Fully Supported Products Products & Services to be discontinued after May 31, 2017
QuickBooks Desktop Pro & Premier ’15, ’16, ’17
 QuickBooks Desktop Pro & Premier 2014
(General Business, Contractor, Manufacturing &  Wholesale, Nonprofit, Professional Services, and Retail)
QuickBooks Desktop for Mac ’16, ’15  QuickBooks Desktop for Mac 2014
QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions ’17, ’16, ’15  QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions 14
QuickBooks Desktop Accountant ’15, ’16. ’17  QuickBooks Premier Accountant Edition 2014

Image Provided by intuit QuickBooks Online Learn and Support

Business Resource Partners is updated with the latest version of QuickBooks online & Quickbooks Proadvisor for all years and versions. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to help with your QuickBooks Desktop or QuickBooks online needs. Give us a call to schedule an appointment or stop by our office! (321) 236-2771
310 Almond Street Clermont, FL 34711

Visit our Services page to see what BRP can do for your business!

Starting a Business is More Than Just an Idea!!

About two months ago, I met a young man full of enthusiasm to start his own business providing lawn services. The momentum was lost after a few weeks and he abandoned the idea. You may think he gave up, however, it was the capital that dried up. He purchased a used trailer that ended up using all his financial resources in repairs.

Starting any business is more than an idea – it is a combination of the idea, the working capital, the resources, the business environment, and the government rules and regulations. By following the basic startup steps, you are not guaranteed success, however, the likelihood increases significantly when you follow these steps.

  1. Create a Business Plan
  2. Secure financing for your business
  3. Decide on the legal structure
  4. Register your Business
  5. Register for the federal and state taxes
  6. Get your business licenses and permits
  7. Understand your responsibilities as an Employer

 

Contact your BRP Business Development team today to help you with your business startup! (321) 236-2771.

310 Almond Street, Clermont FL 34711

 

Tax Season is over! Scams are Not!

We’ve provided information over this tax season about many different scams and tactics used to steal personal information from you. However, just because tax season has come to an end, this does not mean that scamming season has too.  We’ve received an article from USA.gov about caller scams and what you can do to protect yourself, here’s the main points to consider:

Did you know that caller IDs can be faked?
If you receive a call from Washington DC from someone who claims they are from the IRS, beware! The caller may even know part of your social security number, they will threaten to sue, arrest, or deport you if you do not pay. They may even give specific information about how to send a payment such as pre-paid cards or wire transfers. The IRS will never contact you via phone, there are very few authorized collection agents who may contact you by phone call, but this will only occur once you have received multiple letters from the IRS with information about who is assigned to you specifically.

Sign, Caution, Warning, Danger, Safety, Hazard, Risk


What can I do if I get one of these calls?

  • Do not make any kind of payment or share account information!

Once you do this, there is no way to get the money back because the scammers are using false information and will disappear right away. If you have any questions about payments on taxes, visit IRS.gov/payments. You can also call the IRS at (800) 829-1040.

  • Tell your friends and family!

The more people know about these scammers and their tactics, the less scam victims there will be. It is important to spread the word to everyone and stay updated on different methods used to obtain personal information.

Additional steps:

If you spot a scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission.
Call the FTC at 1-877-382-4357 or go to this page.
For this, and more articles regarding scams, visit FTC Consumer Information.

Business Resource Partners has an Enrolled Agent on staff who will help you with your tax preparation needs. We offer more than just tax preparation and bookkeeping! Visit Our Services section to find out what BRP can do for your business!

I Received a Letter From the IRS, Now What?!

The IRS will send millions of correspondence for different reasons. We wanted to share some information we received about what you should do when you receive a letter from the IRS.

Here’s what to do:
  1. Don’t Panic! Responding will take care of any issues.
  1. Read Carefully:  There can be many reasons for receiving a letter from the IRS. Most deal with tax returns or accounts. The letter will provide specific instructions and details about what to do so it is important to read the letter carefully and more than once.
  1. Is the letter asking for something? It might be about changes to your account, taxes owed, or a payment request. Sometimes, they may ask for more information on the issue discussed.
  1. Is it about changes to a return? If the letter indicates a change or correction to your tax return, review the changes and compare it with your original return (You should always have your own copy).
  1. Is a reply necessary? There is no need for a reply unless instructed, or if you need to make a payment.
  1. Don’t agree with your notice? Respond! There is a contact stub at the bottom of each letter so you may respond and explain why you disagree. Be sure to include any supporting documents for the IRS and allow up to 30 days for a response. Always send this type of correspondence certified and keep copies of everything you send.
  1. No appointments necessary: If you need to call, use the phone number that is on the upper right hand corner of the notice. Have your tax return and notice in hand for reference.
  1. Keep Records! Always keep copies of any notices that you receive along with your tax records.
  1. Be aware of scams: The IRS will never send you an e-mail or contact your through social media and ask for financial information. They will never demand a specific form of payment such as a prepaid card. For information on payment options, click here.

For more information on the IRS Collection Process, see Publication 594, or to make a payment, visit IRS.gov/payments.

Business Resource Partners has been happy to serve you this tax season and we look forward to 2017! We have our Enrolled Agent on staff who will directly represent you to the IRS and assist in tax planning for you and your business. We offer more than just bookkeeping and taxes for your business! For a complete list of our services, please visit our Services page.
Our sister company, Almond Street Business Center offers a variety of services for your company as well. You may also click any of the links below for more information.

SBRN Lunch With the Experts: Change in Venue!

SBRN Lunch with the Experts:
Web Marketing Trends for 2017 and Optimizing for Mobile Device
The Florida SBDC Network assists thousands of new and growing businesses by providing services to help them successful in their decisions. They will be hosting a no-cost training session to help you better plan for the ever growing virtual trends this year.
Effective marketing for your business can make all the difference in its success. Learn from the experts how to expand your customer base with new trends and strategies!

When?
Wednesday, April 26, 2017

What time?
11:30AM to 1:00 PM

Where? (CHANGE FROM ORIGINAL LOCATION)
1250 North Hancock Road Clermont FL, 34711
Building 2, Room 102 & 103

How do I sign up?
This event is free but registration is required and seats are filling up fast! Visit the registration page to secure our seat to this event.
For information on this, and future events of the SBRN, see the flyer we have included below.