The Tech Savvy Firm

CPA Xpress - Now There Is An App For That!

    You may have been wondering why I haven't posted in a number months.  As you may have guessed, I have developed an iPhone app.  It is something I have wanted to do since the iPhone app store was introduced; however, the lack of a programming background made the project a challenge.  It took me a couple of months to gather enough general programming knowledge and skills to even begin the process. I'm pleased to say the first phase of the project is completed and the app is available in the app store.  

The design for the app was simple.  I wanted an iPhone app for quick accessibility to frequent tax questions.  One of the most frustrating aspects of my practice is not having quick access to simple tax facts, ie. mileage rates, tax rates, retirement plan limits, etc.  Basically, stuff my clients expect me to know off the top of my head, but I never do.  It has always frustrated me that the research services make it difficult to find these simple facts.  I usually end up googling for the answer instead of researching it in my research service.  This is the reason for my app, to give quick access to these facts.

In addition to tax facts I included common business ratios and phone numbers for the IRS.  I also designed "My Info Briefcase" to store various account numbers such as, EIN's, withholding numbers, licenses,  CAF, PTIN, etc.   I have some other ideas for the app that will be available later in the year and I'm sure I will receive many suggestions for other features.

The app is currently available for the iPhone, iPod Touch and soon to be available iPad.  You can find out more about the features of the app at www.cpaxpress.net.   I hope you enjoy the app and find it as useful as I have.   Feel free to leave me some positive feedback on iTunes.  If you have any suggestions or requests for additional features visit the app site.

 

Domo Arigato Mr. Roboform

I would like to say thank you to Roboform, my new favorite utility of the month.  At last count, I had in excess of 150 logins and passwords to keep track of.  In today's web-based business environment this is not that unusual.  Many years ago, I decided putting passwords on sticky notes was a bad idea and since then I've tried numerous password management solutions. If you have read any of my previous articles, you would quickly surmise I am a Web 2.0 fan, but not with password management.  I have tried a few of the web-based password management solutions.  I'm not convinced the security and functionality of Web 2.0 password management is ready.

My latest password management solution was storing my passwords in my Outlook notes.  I utilize a hosted password protected Exchange server which is secure, but was still not a great solution.  Over the last few days, I have been transitioning all of my passwords over to Roboform.  Roboform is a simple to use password manager, form filler and password management solution.  It allows you to store and organize all of your passwords and retrieve them with one master password.   After entering the master password, you simply select from your list of "logins" or go to a website and use Roboform's toolbar to fill in the login information for you. Roboform's slogan is "remembering passwords so you don't have to" and so far I have been extremely pleased with the results.  Especially when combining Roboform with a syncing program such as Sugarsync to sync across my computers. 

Check out my short screencast of Roboform and see how it can make you say Domo Arigato Mr. Roboform, Domo.

Write-Up CS - Bank Reconciliation

Thomson Tax & Accounting's Write-Up CS bank reconciliation module is one of the most useful but under utilized tools in the arsenal of the Thomson CS suite.   We have been using the module since it's implementation and it has been a tremendous efficiency boost to our practice.   A large bank reconciliation can be done in just a few minutes, simply from importing the client's bank statement from their online banking.  This video is a demonstration on how to utilize this functionality.  Stay tuned for more Tech Savvy learning studio videos.