Resources
and Links
Bookkeeping Resources
Bookkeeping Task List
Common tasks broken down by week, month and year
What Does an Employee REALLY Cost?
Use this calculator to see what an employee really costs after benefits and employer-paid taxes.
Employee vs. Subcontractor: What's the difference, and why you should care
Guidelines for correctly classifying workers and how that can affect your business
The Massachusetts WorkShare Program
An overview of the program, which allows companies to reduce layoffs and retain key employees during times of economic downturn. Includes a link to the Massachusetts WorkShare web site
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions answered, based on search terms people have used to access this site
Help Paying for Health Insurance
An introduction to the Insurance Partnership, which provides health insurance premium subsidies to employees and sole proprietors and an administrative fee per participating employee to businesses. Includes links to the Insurance Partnership web site and the Massachusetts Commonwealth Connector
Quickbooks web site
Download software updates, search the support database, etc.
IRS web site
Download forms, instructions, and informational publications, order tax forms
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
Massachusetts Division of Unemployment Assistance web site
Apply for and administer workshare plans, look for employee training resources
Massachusetts State Government web site
Connect to state agencies, get news and information, research grants, tax incentives, etc.
Supplies
Computer and One-Write Checks and Supplies
www.checksforless.com
I've been ordering Quickbooks computer checks, one-write systems and 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 generally at least 10-20% lower than ordering through your bank, NEBS or other supplier and they guarantee the lowest prices for computer checks. One of the few online places around that will also cheerfully accept your order by phone or by mail as well as online, and email you back a proof to review if you are using custom artwork on your checks.
Sunraise Printing
If you hate ordering online, visit Rob and Gineen Salvini at Sunraise Printing on Route 9 in Hadley, Massachusetts (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, silkscreen shirts, caps and tote bags, and order custom-imprinted pens, letter openers, key rings and other promotional materials. Open Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30, Sat 8:30-11:30. Telephone: 413.586.7133.
Print a Local Network coupon
and take $5 off your first order of $50 or more, $10 off your first order over $100.
Tax Forms & Instructions
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
Definitely not the cheapest place for Quickbooks-compatible checks, but they may have some pre-printed forms and other things you can't find elsewhere. Primarily useful for software updates and other Quickbooks support.
Labels & Stamps, Envelopes, Stationery, Tax Forms, etc.
www.checksforless.com
Basic white or silver return address labels. A few standardized designs are also available. Their return address stamps may be more expensive than ordering from Artistic Labels (but my experience with this company has been very good and their customer service has been excellent). However, they also offer several standardized stamps (RUSH, For Deposit Only, etc.) at competitive prices. They also provide 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 then 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 than peeling labels off sheets and it's refillable so you can use it over and over.
Personal Checks
www.checksunlimited.com
This is where I order personal (as compared to business) checks. Generally much less expensive than ordering through the bank. Basic blue safety as well as several designs. Repeat order discounts and special offers. NOTE - since switching to online billpay at my bank, I only write a few checks a year and haven't had to order personal checks since 2002. That is the last time I used this company, but my prior experiences were good.
www.4checks.com
This is a 'portal' site that allows you to search for a specific check design or style. Pricing and customer service will vary depending on who you actually order your checks from.
www.uniquechecks.com
I've never ordered from these people so can't say anything about their customer service or the quality of their product, but I'm including them because they will print a photo onto your checks. More expensive than using a standardized design, but it gives you the opportunity to really personalize your checks.