Payroll Subscription Cost

[Jim T.]

Just got a notice that a payment is due for the annual QuickBooks
payroll support subscription. $199!!!!! Apparently the recent update
we installed on QB didn't include any payroll support. This is for the
package we use at our church with about 20 people on the regular
payroll. Anyone suggest a way to reduce this cost or should we just go
to ADP or Intuit itself? Some of our people are pushing for direct
deposit because it saves them a little on their bank accounts. I get
free checking myself.

 

[Help]

It seems a bit odd to me there is so much talk about payroll service
costs on QB or any other major software package today. Most if not all
of the majors charge for payroll support or even in the case of mid
range the payroll module plus annualized fees to keep it up to date with
forms & tables.

Moving to ADP or a big payroll service you will incur fees higher than
the $199 and very quickly surpass the $199. Intuit isn't going to do
anything either unless they have a 'special' and that is very rare on
payroll.

You do have the option of the 'do it yourself' payroll which still
requires a subscription of $199 if you want the forms & tables so it
automatically calculates tax. If you wish to use the employer's tax
guide you can select that option and it will calculate the gross for you
and allow you to enter the taxes from the guide or manual calculations.

That is really about it. There is a website paycheckcity.com I believe
that may offer some help too to this situation for little or no cost.

 

[L]

Just got a notice that a payment is due for the annual QuickBooks
payroll support subscription. $199!!!!!

Yes, the cost to do-it-yourself rises annually

Apparently the recent update
we installed on QB didn't include any payroll support.

If you purchased a new version of the program, it includes a 'tax table'
that will work until 2006.

This is for the
package we use at our church with about 20 people on the regular
payroll. Anyone suggest a way to reduce this cost or should we just go
to ADP

On online quote for ADP processing was $38.80 for 14 employees... per
payroll period... not including direct deposit. The most cost effective way
within QB is still the standard payroll -- either that, or hand calculation
and memorization of payroll checks.

or Intuit itself? Some of our people are pushing for direct
deposit because it saves them a little on their bank accounts. I get
free checking myself.

Direct deposit can be added, even to standard (what used to be called DIY)
payroll within QB. The cost is $.99 per paycheck PLUS a $3.00 transmission
fee per payroll. The transmission fee alone adds $156 to the cost of
standard payroll. Assuming half the folks in your office want direct
deposit, it will cost you an additional $12.90 PER WEEK -- $670.80 per year,
to be paid IN ADDITION TO the regular QB payroll subscription.

You should also be aware that there is a lead time required to process the
direct deposit.
"You must transmit payroll information to us by 5:00 P.M. Pacific time at
least two business banking days before the check date. For example, to
specify a Friday check date, you must transmit payroll information by 5:00
P.M. Pacific time on the previous Wednesday. We debit your account on
Thursday, the day before the check date."

A number of my employees pushed for the direct deposit as well. They were
unwilling, however, to share the extra cost burden.

 

[GWB]

Help puzzles:QB or any other major software package today. Most if not all of the majors
charge for payroll support or even in the case of mid range the payroll module
plus annualized fees to keep it up to date with forms & tables.<<

The reason we bitch about it is that we are getting hosed each year. Before I
switched to QB, I used "Ready-To-Run," which ran on Lotus 123. A payroll
update disk was twenty bucks (if I remember correctly). When they ceased to
support the product, I figured out how to access the macros and change the
numbers, as per Circular E (not rocket science). There would be a lot less
grumbling if they charged a fair price for a simple tax table update. Alas, I
like QB (and so do my tax accountant and my cost report accountant) so I'll
continue to pay and pay, but I reserve the right to grouse about it.<G>

 

[Allan Martin]

Help puzzles:
QB or any other major software package today. Most if not all of the
majors
charge for payroll support or even in the case of mid range the payroll
module
plus annualized fees to keep it up to date with forms & tables.<<

The reason we bitch about it is that we are getting hosed each year.
Before I
switched to QB, I used "Ready-To-Run," which ran on Lotus 123. A payroll
update disk was twenty bucks (if I remember correctly). When they ceased
to
support the product, I figured out how to access the macros and change the
numbers, as per Circular E (not rocket science). There would be a lot
less
grumbling if they charged a fair price for a simple tax table update.
Alas, I
like QB (and so do my tax accountant and my cost report accountant) so
I'll
continue to pay and pay, but I reserve the right to grouse about it.<G>

Yea dude. I used to pay .35 for a gallon of gas and the price of a movie
ticket was just .25 so whats your point? Just when did you become aware of
the cost of living increases that you are still grousing?

 

[GWB]

Allan Martin mocks:ticket was just .25 so whats your point? Just when did you become aware of the
cost of living increases that you are still grousing?<<


My point is that two hundred bucks for a simple tax table update is QB taking
advantage of loyal users whom it has by the balls.
If you think that it is a fair price, call me; I have some real estate you
might be interested in.

 

[Allan Martin]

Allan Martin mocks:
ticket was just .25 so whats your point? Just when did you become aware
of the
cost of living increases that you are still grousing?<<


My point is that two hundred bucks for a simple tax table update is QB
taking
advantage of loyal users whom it has by the balls.
If you think that it is a fair price, call me; I have some real estate you
might be interested in.

Why don't you try entering all the tax changes for all the tax jurisdictions
in the US in your 123 template macro and see how easy it is.

 

[Joanne]

Allan Martin mocks:
ticket was just .25 so whats your point? Just when did you become aware
of the
cost of living increases that you are still grousing?<<


My point is that two hundred bucks for a simple tax table update is QB
taking
advantage of loyal users whom it has by the balls.
If you think that it is a fair price, call me; I have some real estate you
might be interested in.

You are right, it is a lot of money for one business, particularly an NPO.

You may be interested in Medlin shareware:

http://www.medlin.com

It is good software for payroll. I used it for years and used it even after
adopting QB as my accounting software. I now use QB for payroll and and
glad that I do for a lot of reasons, none of which has to do with Medlin.

The thing you will not be able to do with Medlin is Direct Deposit. There
is a section in the user's manual about it, but I think it's impractical.

--
Sincerely,
Joanne

If it's right for you, then it's right, . . . . . for you!!!

Play - http://www.jobird.com
Pay for Play - http://www.jobird.com/refund.htm
Looking for Love? - http://www.jobird.com/hearts.htm
Garden Kinder CDs
http://www.jobird.com/cd/gardenkinderhome.html

 

[GWB]

Joanne suggests:
Naw, I actually like QB (and I don't feel like changing, learning a new program
and starting over), but I will continue to kvetch about getting tapped each
year for payroll updates and every third year for full upgrades.

 

[Joanne]

Joanne suggests:

Naw, I actually like QB (and I don't feel like changing, learning a new
program
and starting over), but I will continue to kvetch about getting tapped
each
year for payroll updates and every third year for full upgrades.

Payroll can be done in Medlin and a batch entry can then be made to QB. I
don't recommend Medlin accounting software, only the payroll module. A
10-year-old could use it.

Kvetching is a good release. Listening is a choice.

--
Sincerely,
Joanne

If it's right for you, then it's right, . . . . . for you!!!

Play - http://www.jobird.com
Pay for Play - http://www.jobird.com/refund.htm
Looking for Love? - http://www.jobird.com/hearts.htm
Garden Kinder CDs
http://www.jobird.com/cd/gardenkinderhome.html

 

[Mike Block - QuickBooks Tax Cut C.P.A.]

STOP if you read this post from me in the prior thread:

Your QB tax tables service is now more expensive than
the complete outsourced payroll service offered by
http://www.paycycle.com/. They give you direct deposit,
all tax returns, etc. Ex-Intuit people run this respected
company. Your cost is our $9.99/month cost for up to
20 employees and very little more for extra employees.
This is around 60% less than Intuit's Enhanced Payroll
and 90% less than its Complete Payroll or comparable
ADP or Paychex service. There are even more benefits
if you refer several users.

You can enter payroll in a simple web form and easily
download your data into QuickBooks. You also can
inexpensively submit data by fax, email or phone. This
fast quality service is a get acquainted offer, but you
have no obligation to use us for anything else.

On the other hand, even if you do not use this service I
would really appreciate your remembering this offer the
next time someone says I always support Intuit.

Mike Block - QuickBooks Tax Cut C.P.A.
Intuit paid me to make QuickBooks better!
http://www.blocktax.com/
http://www.quickbooks-add-ons.com/

--

Mike Block - QuickBooks Tax Cut C.P.A.
Intuit paid me to make QuickBooks better!
http://www.blocktax.com/
http://www.quickbooks-add-ons.com/

 

[GWB]

Mike Block notesayroll service offered by http://www.paycycle.com/. <<

I hope QB takes notice of this and the voices of customers that are sick of
being taken advantage of. I think most of us are willing to stay, but know we
are paying too much.

 

[Mike Block - QuickBooks Tax Cut C.P.A.]

You can use http://www.paycycle.com/ to outsource
your payroll, with direct deposit and all tax returns.
You also can quickly download their checks into QB.
Your total cost through us is only $9.99 a month.

Mike Block - QuickBooks Tax Cut C.P.A.
Intuit paid me to make QuickBooks better!
http://www.blocktax.com/
http://www.quickbooks-add-ons.com/

 

[Joanne]

You can use http://www.paycycle.com/ to outsource
your payroll, with direct deposit and all tax returns.
You also can quickly download their checks into QB.
Your total cost through us is only $9.99 a month.

Mike Block - QuickBooks Tax Cut C.P.A.

I have one client who chooses to use Paycycle. They have 5 employees. They
pay $34.99 a month. It is a horrible payroll choice. The flexibility
stinks.

--
Sincerely,
Joanne

If it's right for you, then it's right, . . . . . for you!!!

Play - http://www.jobird.com
Pay for Play - http://www.jobird.com/refund.htm
Looking for Love? - http://www.jobird.com/hearts.htm
Garden Kinder CDs
http://www.jobird.com/cd/gardenkinderhome.html

 

[Al. C]

Mike Block - QuickBooks Tax Cut C.P.A. wrote:

Your QB tax tables service is now more expensive than
the complete outsourced payroll service offered by
http://www.paycycle.com/. They give you direct deposit,
all tax returns, etc. Ex-Intuit people run this respected
company. Your cost is our $9.99/month cost for up to
20 employees and very little more for extra employees.

Are you sure? We've been using PayCycle for two years and have paid them
$39.95 a month and we have less than 20 employees.... way, way, way less! I
think you need to re-check your figures (you ARE a CPA, right

For what it is worth, I'm a BIG FAN of PayCycle. They have done a super job
for us and are well worth the $40 bucks a month we pay them. They are also
really nice people and their customer service is terrific.

Usual disclaimers apply.... we have no relationship with them except being a
happy customer.

Al Canton, President
__________________________________________________________
Adams-Blake Company, Inc.
***
JAYA123 - the web-based total-office system for the
small biz. Order entry, billing, bookkeeping, etc. for $14.95
a month. Perfect for the small business or start-up.
See demo at: http://www.jaya123.com
***

 

[ElJay]

I looked at the PayCycle website and it looks like they have a basic service
for $9.99 a month for up to 20 employees. They also have a $39.99 a month
service which includes some additional services. And, just to make things
confusing, they allow you to try the $39.99 a month service for $9.99 a
month for the first three months.

 

[Al. C]

I looked at the PayCycle website and it looks like they have a basic service
for $9.99 a month for up to 20 employees. They also have a $39.99 a month
service which includes some additional services. And, just to make things
confusing, they allow you to try the $39.99 a month service for $9.99 a
month for the first three months.

They have 3 tiers of service: 39.99, 19.99 and 9.99. They have a 3-month trial
of $9.99 for the first two tiers. They also give the first month free. After
4 months you will pay the higher rate for the service level you choose. The
above prices are for 5 employees, not 20. You have to read the small print at
bottom of the "features" page.

We pay the full-service rate and PayCycle makes our monthly payroll quick and
simple. We really did it for the federal and state reports... and PC puts out
nice PDFs for these mind-numbing tomes and we just print and mail. Of course,
if we had half a brain we'd do it all electronic, but we just have not gotten
around to setting that up yet.... mainly because we don't trust the
government's ability to accept and process electronic filings. But I hear
they are getting better at it so maybe this year we'll go for it. It's not
hard to set up with PC from what I understand.

If I sound like a stockholder or an employee of PC, sorry. I'm just the head
chipmunk of a small CA software corporation who would rather have people
writing software than filling out payroll forms! PayCycle has done a great
job for us the past two years and I recommend them. Usual disclaimers apply.

Al C,.
__________________________________________________________
Adams-Blake Company, Inc.
***
JAYA123 - the web-based total-office system for the
small biz. Order entry, billing, bookkeeping, etc. for $14.95
a month. Perfect for the small business or start-up.
See demo at: http://www.jaya123.com
***

 

[Mike Block - QuickBooks Tax Cut C.P.A.]

I am sure of my http://www.paycycle.com/ cost,
but understand the confusion. Enter the site on
the middle right, saying "I am an accounting
professional." This may also work for you:
http://www.paycycle.com/services/accountant_payroll.jsp?SetBizType=sp&SetState=NY
You will see:


Wholesale Program for Accounting Professionals
$14.99/client per month for 1-5 clients
$9.99/client per month for all additional clients

A linked page says:
The wholesale price is $14.99 per client per month.
Your client receives PayCycle Payroll Plus. This is
a flat fee regardless of the number of employees /
contractors or the frequency of your clients' paydays.
Furthermore, after you've obtained 5 active clients,
you qualify for an additional volume discount where
subsequent clients will cost just $9.99 per client per
month. That comes to 75% off the regular retail price.
PayCycle bills you directly - you decide for yourself
how to bill clients.
Client Retail Service Clients get billed the regular
small business retail price, based on the service
selected and number of employees. You are not
involved in the billing.
----------------------------
I make the wholesale rate available to clients & non-
clients, without obligation, as it costs me nothing.
The company, formed by ex-Intuit people, has a
QuickBooks export. They do not require a CPA
for this wholesale rate and may give it to anyone.
I would really like to know any difference between
the wholesale service and the other Paycycle and
competing services. By the way, they also do
1099s inexpensively.
Mike Block - QuickBooks Tax Cut C.P.A.
Intuit paid me to make QuickBooks better!
http://www.blocktax.com/
http://www.quickbooks-add-ons.com/

 

[gary]

Hi Joanne -

I saw your posting, checked out the Medlin website - downloaded the
trial version and then bought the payroll module. If I may ask, what
kind of batch entry do you make into QB. I've poked around trying to
figure out how to make up a journal entry to account for the payroll
but I'm not sure how to do it.

Tried to e-mail you...but your address was rejected by my ISP.

 

[Joanne]

Hi Joanne -

I saw your posting, checked out the Medlin website - downloaded the
trial version and then bought the payroll module. If I may ask, what
kind of batch entry do you make into QB. I've poked around trying to
figure out how to make up a journal entry to account for the payroll
but I'm not sure how to do it.

Tried to e-mail you...but your address was rejected by my ISP.

You did figure out how to remove the "nest" from my email address.

To answer your question
Something like this:

Wages debit 2,000.00

FICA withheld Payable credit 153.00

Federal withheld Payable credit 400.00

State withheld Payable credit 100.00

FICA company portion Payable credit 153.00

Payroll Tax expense debit 153.00

Bank credit 1,347.00

If I did that correctly, it would be a balancing entry and account for all
the elements of the payroll for all employees for a period.

Since your detail is on Medlin for each employee, you only need to enter the
totals into QB to reflect that detail. When you write a check to pay payroll
taxes from QB the example would be this for the check:

To: IRS

Check Amount: 706.00

Accounts to debit:

FICA withheld Payable 153.00

Federal withheld Payable 400.00

FICA company portion Payable 153.00

I hope this helps.


--
Sincerely,
Joanne

If it's right for you, then it's right, . . . . . for you!!!

Play - http://www.jobird.com
Pay for Play - http://www.jobird.com/refund.htm
Looking for Love? - http://www.jobird.com/hearts.htm
Garden Kinder CDs
http://www.jobird.com/cd/gardenkinderhome.html