Clio Legal Practice Mangement Software Startup

Clio has a few quirks that catch new users by surprise.  I am in the process of implementing Clio with another new law firm will note the common quirks during the startup.

• Clio relies on the browser for spell checking and does not contain a built in spell checker.  Chrome, Firefox, and Safari all have built in spell checkers, while Internet Explorer does not.  Internet Explorer users either need to install a spell checking plugin or use a different browser.
• Don't forget to click the save button when entering time!  If you forget to press the save button after entering a time entry, you win the opportunity to enter the time details again.
• Clio does not generate financial statements.
• Invoice Logo Dimensions.  Ideal logo dimensions are 5.5 : 1.0, however the system will attempt to appropriately size the image to fit according to bill dimensions.  Accepted logo formats are JPEG, PNG or GIF. Logos should not exceed 2 megabytes in size.

E-Verify is required for all Arizona New Hires

But few firms are complying...

by Jahna Berry - Jul. 28, 2010 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic
Most Arizona employers aren't using E-Verify

Despite a state law requiring businesses to verify that all new employees are legal workers, only about half of new hires in Arizona have been vetted by a federal system that checks their status.

About a third of the state's estimated 100,000 employers have signed up for the E-Verify program.

Read More http://bit.ly/bZjWGc

The simplest way for small firms to comply with the E-Verify program is to pay a service a $6.00 fee to complete the E-verification for new hires.  Verify I-9 has been treating my clients well.

Arizona Employee Withholding Form A-4 Changes July 1, 2010

A new employee's Arizona withholding election form, Arizona Form A-4, becomes effective July 1, 2010.  All employees are required to complete a new A-4.

Arizona withholding is now a percentage of gross taxable wages instead of a percentage of federal tax withheld.  Before processing the first payroll in July, update employee details with the new withholding rates.

Arizona Form A-4 - Effective July 1, 2010

Arizona DOR Withholding Forms

During the last A-4 change, QuickBooks would quietly delete Arizona withholding information for all employees.  If payroll details were not closely reviewed, QuickBooks would simply process payroll without Arizona withholding.

Arizona Sales Tax - TPT June 1, 2010 Increase in Quickbooks

With the passage of Proposition 100, the Arizona sales tax or transaction privilege tax rate increases to 6.6% on June 1, 2010.  For more detail, visit the Arizona Department of Revenue.

Implement the new sales tax or TPT rate in QuickBooks

• Create a new Arizona sales tax Item with the new 6.6% rate.
• Do not simply change the rate in an existing sales tax item.  Changing a rate in an existing QuickBooks sales tax item will create incorrect sales tax liability reports.
• Before starting business on June 1, update all sales tax groups by replacing the previous Arizona Sales Tax item with the new Arizona Sales Tax item.

Advanced Certified ProAdvisor

I recently completed the QuickBooks Advanced Certified ProAdvisor exams.  Achieving the advanced certification requires completing a rigorous exam covering QuickBooks, accounting, and payroll topics.