Virtual Bookkeeping Services

The IRS has released the 2010 optional standard mileage rates to be used by employees, self-employed individuals and other taxpayers to compute deductible costs of operating an automobile (including vans, pickups and panel trucks) for business, medical, moving and charitable purposes. The 2010 rates for business, medical and moving purposes are slightly lower than last year's rates, reflecting the generally lower transportation costs compared to a year ago.  The 2010 standard mileage rates will be:

• 50 cents per mile for business miles
• 16.5 cents per mile for medical or moving purposes
• 14 cents per mile for charitable purposes

QuickBooks Online Users beware: A recent notice from Intuit suggests that the phishing continues.

Intuit continues to receive reports of different versions of the phishing email we alerted you about on 11/12/ 09. They continue to investigate the fraudulent emails that were sent to some QuickBooks Online and Intuit Online Payroll users. The email requests users to download a plug-in or windows update to secure your data.

Intuit did not send this email and QuickBooks Online and Intuit Online Payroll will never use emails to request personal information or update security of our service.

What should you do?
To protect yourself from fraudulent emails and websites, here’s what you can do:
    •Do not click any links in a suspicious email.
    •Do not download any plug-ins or tools from an email
    •Be suspicious of any email that asks for personal information, requires you to download anything or 
     requests your authentication information to access your online account.
    •Delete any suspicious email from your inbox and your trash bin immediately.
    •You can report any incidents, see examples of phishing emails, get more security information and
     recommendations on securing your computer at http://security.intuit.com/.

If you think you’ve provided personal information such as your login name and password through a fraudulent website, or if you have recently downloaded the plug-in or windows update suggested in the mail below, here’s what you should do:
    •If you have downloaded the tool, please delete it. You should scan your system using an anti-virus
     program from a respected Security vendor, for example Trend Micro, McAfee, Symantec or Microsoft, to
     remove any viruses that may now be on your computer. Several of these vendors also offer free online
     security tools.
    •Change your password to prevent unauthorized users from logging into your account.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Accounting outsourcing services performs a significant function in finance and accounting. Business managers are under incredible pressure to trim costs of finance and accounting departments to boost productivity, increase profitability and assign strategic value to it. Now there is enough demand in the market for accounting outsourcing services.

The enormous volume of workload on businesses has created a unique position for outsourcing. Outsourcing is becoming one of the most successful tools in solving business problems. To address the excess workload on maintenance of accounts, outsourcing has often been the direction taken. This then allows staffs to have more time to control and monitor accounts properly.

Most companies consider outsourcing as an adjunct to their business. One can definitely design a strategy for a company to outsource accounting activities at best prices. They will also be able to attain the desired quality in the work and turn-around time. Many companies have generated huge savings from this feature. And more and more companies are heading towards this service for their company's growth.

There are many companies who are geared up to meet companies' outsourcing requirements. They provide not only customized business solutions but also bring flexibility and cost-effectiveness to a company's business services thus helping it simplify resources and maximize time and money.
There are various services provided by these companies. Some are accounts payable / receivable services, bookkeeping outsourcing, tax return preparation services to accountants and accounting firms.

About the Author

Richard Eldridge is a well known and highly respected outsourcing specialist and consultant. He is the co-founder of Infinit-O, a boutique BPO company that specializes in assisting Small and Medium sized businesses realize the full benefits of outsourcing.