Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Hello, [Firstname].

Fall here in southeast Texas has been a whirlwind, literally, with the impact of Hurricane Ike. We are glad to return to business as usual with our GrowthForce E-News update. We’ve packed this issue full of tips on how small businesses can weather the storms of Hurricane Ike and the recent slow down of the economy. We have tax relief for our Texas clients affected by the hurricane and best practice tips for a tight economy.

We are also pleased to announce the recent release of QuickBooks 2009. Intuit QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions v9 is a major upgrade and we give you a sneak peek at the new edition. So take a break from the daily stresses and settle in with the GrowthForce E-News.

Hurricane Ike Resources

Business Interruption Insurance Experts

As a result of Hurricane Ike, GrowthForce has learned more than we ever wanted to know about our “business interruption” insurance. The important lesson we’ve learned was: it’s worth it to hire an expert. On initial reading, our insurance policy didn’t cover a loss of business due to loss of electrical power, but with one call to a forensic accountant colleague, we found another clause that says we are covered.

In the wake of the hurricane, several organizations have brought the facts of business interruption insurance to light. Vistage organized a city-wide meeting with a New Orleans firm called Legier & Materne, cpac, Consultants and CPAs which specializes in business interruption insurance. At its October luncheon, the Kingwood Chamber brought in Gordius Consulting to share the common misconceptions involving business interruption insurance. One thing is clear, leave analysis of insurance coverage to the experts who study policies all day long.

Tax extensions available

The Texas State Comptroller’s office has announced “that businesses damaged by Hurricane Ike may postpone paying state taxes, if necessary, while they clean up wind and flood damage. Upon request, taxpayers may be granted an extension of up to 90 days to file state tax returns due in September and October.” The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has followed suit saying Texas taxpayers who were adversely affected by Hurricane Ike qualify for IRS tax relief, including the postponement of tax filing and payment deadlines until Jan. 5, 2009.

Announcing QuickBooks 2009 Release

At GrowthForce, a new version of QuickBooks is like a present under the tree – we can’t wait to unwrap it. The 2009 release has been worth the wait. Intuit QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions 9.0 is packed with new and improved features designed for growing mid-market businesses.

> > CLICK HERE TO FOR THE FULL DETAILS

GrowthForce Named Intuit Solution Provider

GrowthForce was recently named an Intuit Solution Provider – one of just a few in the greater Houston area and less than 1,000 in the country. We previously held the designation of Advanced Certified QuickBooks Professional Advisor.

As an Intuit Solution Provider, GrowthForce is now certified in every QuickBooks product – just completing the point of sale certification. GrowthForce is authorized to service Intuit mid-market customers. Mid-sized businesses are the primary target market for the new Intuit QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions edition – the most powerful product in the QuickBooks family.

“We are pleased to be selected to serve businesses with the top certification awarded by Intuit,” stated Stephen King, GrowthForce, CEO. “This is another tool in our tool kit to help our monthly outsourced bookkeeping clients.”

We Proudly Welcome Our Newest Clients!
The Months since August Brought 15 Exceptional Companies to GrowthForce Services

American Rig Housing
Best Energy Services, Inc.
Best Well Services, Inc.
Bob Beeman Drilling Co.
Caesar Systems
ERRA Incorporated
Heights Eye Center
Heights Surgery Center
Houston Area Immunization Partnership
Internet Medical Clinics
NPN Machine Tools
State Tax Advisors
Tennis Express
Watkins Vision International
West Lake Houston Automotive

Here are two helpful links:

Hurricane Ike Victims in Texas Qualify for IRS Disaster Relief: http://tscpa.org/currents/
DisasterInfoIRS.asp

Comptroller Also Postpones Tax Deadlines for Hurricane Victims; Complete Hurricane-Related Tax Information: http://www.window.state.tx.us/news2008/080912-hurricaneike.html

If Growthforce files your sales taxes, we will file the required extension forms. If not, please contact us and we’ll tell you what needs to be done.

Upcoming Events:

QuickBooks Training Class
Taught by GrowthForce Senior Manager of Accounting Systems
Margaret F. Gow, CPA*
Thurs. Oct. 30, 2008
8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
at EMLOYER FLEXIBLE PEO, 7904 North Sam Houston Pkwy. West, Houston

This introduction to the QuickBooks system offers everything a novice user of QuickBooks needs to know to get started. You’ll learn about creating Lists – Chart of Account, Items, Centers; bank account and balance sheet activities; selling and paying for goods and services; reporting results, tracking time and designing forms and letters. The cost is just $299 per person.

HURRY SPACES STILL AVAILABLE!
Click here to be contacted with more information.

Texas Margin/Franchise Tax Seminar
Sponsored by Houston CPA Society
Speaker: Ira Lipstet, DuBois, Bryant, Campbell & Schwartz
Fri., Nov. 7, 2008
1-4:35 p.m.
at CPA Training Facility

Find out what have been the recurring issues after completion of the first year of the Texas Margin/Franchise Tax. 4 CPE credits.

Click here to register.

Savvy Special Events Sponsorships Sponsored by Houston CPA Society
Speaker: Darby Mair, Texas Accounts and Lawyers for the Arts, and Amanda Adams, Blazek & Vetterling
Tues., Nov. 11, 2008
4-7 p.m.
United Way, 50 Waugh Dr., Houston

Explore accounting regulations involved in sponsorships in the non-profit sector. 3 CPE credits