Wyoming Business Tips for March 20

March 14, 2011

A weekly look at Wyoming business questions from the Wyoming Small Business Development Center (WSBDC), part of WyomingEntrepreneur.Biz, a collection of business assistance programs at the University of Wyoming.

By Margie E. Rowell, WSBDC regional director

"Do I really have to buy a new copy of QuickBooks every time a new version comes out?" Fabian, Story

It depends and it really is not necessary to purchase a new copy of QuickBooks every year, but you might want to.

Usually there are updated features to the program with each new version of QuickBooks. These features usually come from suggestions made from current users wanting improvements. Check out what is new for 2011 QuickBooks at http://quickbooks.intuit.com/pro/whats-new/.

As Intuit finds bugs in its software, they release fixes at no charge. Just press the F2 key when the company file is open and you can see what release is at the top of the screen. These releases keep the program running smoothly. Continue to download them when they become available.

When Intuit releases a new version of its software, it must be purchased each time with the updates, unlike fixes to the programs that are free.  Often, there is a discount to upgrade through Intuit -- most times it can be found it at a lesser cost somewhere else or on the internet. 

The main reason to upgrade software to a newer version is Intuit no longer will offer support of a version older than three years. What this means:

-- If a small business owner has employees and has been using a payroll subscription through Intuit, payroll updates are not available.

-- There are no longer any "fixes" for bugs that might occur in the program currently being used.

-- There will be no more support offered for a company's product through the Intuit e-mail server (emailing invoices, etc.).

Deciding to upgrade QuickBooks is something a business owner might consider when talking to an accountant or CPA.  Consider upgrading at least every three years.  What is your experience with updating QuickBooks?  If additional help is needed, e-mail the WSBDC certified professional adviser at mrowell@uwyo.edu for free and confidential support.

A blog version of this article and an opportunity to post comments is available at http://www.wyomingentrepreneur.typepad.com/blog/.

The WSBDC is a partnership of the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Wyoming Business Council and the University of Wyoming. To ask a question, call 1-800-348-5194, e-mail wsbdc@uwyo.edu or write 1000 E. University Ave., Dept. 3922, Laramie, WY, 82071-3922.

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