Bookkeeping Resources and Links

Forms and Information on This Site

Real Cost of an Employee Calculator
Available online or as an excel spreadsheet. Computes the real cost of an employee after health insurance, payroll taxes, and other expenses are added to their wages. The spreadsheet version includes retirement benefits, other taxable or nontaxable fringe benefits, and indirect or overhead expenses.

Employee vs. Subcontractor: What’s the Difference and Why You Should Care.
Explains the difference and what documentation you need to show you have classified subcontractors correctly for an IRS or state audit, and prevent increased worker's compensation and liability insurance premiums.
There are additional resources and information about subcontractors here.

Cost Allocation for Nonprofits
Explains what cost allocation is, the difference between direct and indirect costs, and strategies for dividing costs.

Bookkeeping Frequently Asked Questions
Bookkeeping FAQ's by topic.

Tax News
Updates and tax law changes.

Supplies

Computer and One-Write Checks and Supplies

Checks for Less / EI Printing - Portland, ME

I've been ordering

Quickbooks computer checks

one-write manual check systems, and bookkeeping supplies

(computer and manual deposit slips, self-inking stamps, window envelopes, etc.) from these people since 1998. Their online ordering system is clear and easy to use and their customer service has been great.

Prices are at least 20% lower

than ordering through your bank, NEBS, Intuit or another supplier and they guarantee the lowest prices for computer checks.

One of the few online places that will also cheerfully accept your order by phone or mail as well as through their website, and email you a proof if you use custom artwork on your checks. They're in Portland, ME, so shipping to Massachusetts is usually just a few days; unless you're really in a hurry there's no need to pay rush charges or expedited shipping.

Labels & Stamps, Envelopes, Stationery, Tax Forms, etc.

Sunraise Printing - Hadley MA
If you hate ordering online or want to support local business, visit Rob and Gineen Salvini at Sunraise Printing on Route 9 in Hadley (opposite Whole Foods). Besides ordering checks, self-inking stamps and other bookkeeping supplies, they can print your letterhead and envelopes, create signs, banners, window and vehicle lettering, or silkscreen and embroider shirts, caps and tote bags right on site. They can also design and order custom-imprinted pens, letter openers, key rings and other promotional materials for your business. Open Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30, Saturday 8-11:30 am. Telephone: 413.586.7133. Request custom quotes, design and order basic signs, or download coupons at their website.

www.checksforless.com
Basic white or silver return address labels. A few standardized designs are also available. They also offer several standardized stamps (RUSH, For Deposit Only, etc.) at competitive prices, coin bags, shipping supplies, tax forms and other banking and business products, and a price guarantee that they will be at least 10% lower than anyone else. Customer service has been excellent and, unlike many other online vendors, you CAN easily contact them by phone.

www.artisticlabels.com
Inexpensive return address labels and stamps, on sheets or rolls. I order from them when I need plain vanilla black text on white return address labels, though you can get fancier. Absolutely DO pay the extra dollar or two for the plastic label dispenser! It makes using rolled labels much easier and it's refillable so you can use it over and over.

Other Online Information

IRS
Free online ordering or download of Federal tax forms, including 1099's and 1096's, W-2's and W-3's, and most other tax forms, schedules and instructions. Search the site for general tax guidelines and information.

Mass. Dept. of Revenue
Free download of state tax forms, schedules and instructions. General Massachusetts tax guidelines and information.

Quickbooks web site
Download software updates, search the support database. NOT recommended for ordering supplies — they are very expensive!

IRS web site
Download forms, instructions, and publications, order tax forms, research tax questions.

EFTPS web site
Pay income taxes and payroll taxes online (Business and Personal)

Massachusetts Department of Revenue web site
Download forms, pay taxes online (Webfile for Personal, Business), file sales, meals and withholding tax returns, get Massachusetts business and tax information. You can confirm a business has a valid reseller certificate by entering the information from their ST-4 form here.

Massachusetts Division of Unemployment Assistance web site
Apply for and administer workshare plans, or find employee training resources.

Massachusetts Corporations Division
File annual reports online, search the corporate and trademarks databases.

Massachusetts State Government web site
Connect to state agencies, get news and information, research grants, tax incentives, etc.