I’m often asked by wannabe freelancers: “When is the best time to start a bookkeeping/accounting service?” The answer’s easy: “ANY TIME!”

That’s never good enough though — they always want to pin me down to the day when the business owners are standing in line. Well, there’s not one day. In fact, you can find clients all year round. But there’s no question that January 1 thru April 15 is the time when a lot of businesses finally decide to get caught up with their finances to be ready for the tax preparer.

At Universal Accounting, we get more calls from prospective clients during these three months than we do the remaining nine months put together. So, be ready. We’re there.

Seven Steps to Make This Year Your Most Profitable Year

• Here’s a list of seven promotional tactics you should consider doing in January to spark your marketing program (or get it started) and enjoy this great season:
• Send your past contacts a letter wishing them a great new year and suggesting that this is the best time of the year to get on top of their business financially. Offer them a free consultation.
• Send your friends and relatives a nice card or letter expressing your thanks for their friendship during the past year and reminding them of your terrific referral program: If they refer new business to you, you will send them and a significant other out to dinner.
• Remind your existing clients, if any, that you have a terrific referral program.
• Visit chamber meetings or network luncheons. They always let you come once or twice to evaluate them before joining.
• Place a small ad in the Services section of your newspaper under Accounting. Offer to help businesses set up their accounting system for the new year.
• Contact local tax preparers and offer to help gather financial information from their clients if they get into a bind. Don’t forget to let them know about your referral program.
• If you are a tax preparer, send out your client tax planners now with a letter notifying them of a proposed appointment (date and time) to review their tax inputs. Ask them to call, if they would like to change the appointment. Of course, you should call them a few days ahead of the appointment to remind them and ask if that time will work out. And, it wouldn’t hurt to let them know about the referral program, either.

Make Your Service More Profitable By Offering Tax Services

During the months prior to a business filing their company tax returns is your best opportunity to find additional clients, especially if your services include preparing tax returns. The best part is that once you have the skills to prepare tax returns for the businesses that you already have as Accounting and Bookkeeping clients, it is an easy sell to also do their taxes for them, since you know their books better than anyone.

Similarly, when your service provides tax preparation services, the clients that you find that need their taxes done likely need someone to do their Accounting and Bookkeeping tasks for them as well. When you find a client for one service, you often find a client for the rest of the financial services that you offer. Typically the same businesses that do not feel comfortable enough with their ability to do their own taxes would also rather have someone do their books for them as well. This “cross-selling” makes marketing much easier on you as a business owner, freeing you to spend time servicing paying clients that would otherwise have gone into finding them.

You can now get training in both Accounting and Bookkeeping and Tax Preparation from Universal Accounting to add more billable services to your current client list. If you are just starting your business, demonstrating your ability to provide a larger number of financial services to your clients will help them to build confidence in your service. You will show your clients that you can provide a “single-source” approach to financial services for their business.

According to William G. Gale of the Tax Policy Center, more and more people every year have a professional prepare their taxes.

Just look at what Char De Coster, of The Home Improvement Web, has to say about it.

“Each year, federal income taxes increase in size and difficulty. Each year tax software packages get better, but even using software programs require time. Plus, the outcome is directly related to information being entered correctly by the taxpayer. To save you from stress, the services of a paid professional may be something to consider this year.”

We’ve heard it said before, “There are only two constants in this life. Death and Taxes.” Fortunately, you can profit from one of them. While many industries come and go, you can know that not only will qualified Tax Professionals be needed today, but as long as people need to pay taxes, and tax laws continue to become even more complicated than they are now, they will not only be needed… but wanted for their skills.

If you’ve ever thought of making a change in your life… now is the time.

I know there are many opportunities out there, but there are lots of advantages to a owning your own Tax Preparation business and I’d like to spend a few moments with you to discuss them. If a recession-proof business and the opportunity to make $100 an hour or more appeals to you, read on.

Millions of Americans pay professionals to prepare and file their taxes. Will you be ready to take advantage of this trend?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, despite plans to streamline the tax system almost every year, taxes always seem to become more and more complicated. People and businesses will continue to need help. They predict that there will be plenty of opportunities for tax preparers nationally for the foreseeable future.

$2,473,298,000,000.00 is an interesting number. It’s a number that most of us aren’t very familiar with. It’s the projected budget for 2006. The graph at left illustrates where the revenue to support that budget comes from. It’s interesting to note that 43.5%, by far the biggest chunk comes from individual income taxes.

This is a great opportunity for you. In fact, the US Department of Labor predicts that as the economy grows, the number of business will increase, requiring more accountants/bookkeepers to prepare taxes, set up books, and provide management advice. As these businesses grow, the volume and complexity of information developed by these professionals regarding costs, expenditures, and taxes will increase as well.

They go on to say that the increased need for qualified tax preparers and accountants will rise from changes in legislation related to taxes, financial reporting standards, business investments, mergers, and other financial matters.

Wanted! Professional Tax Preparers!

There are several advantages to owning your own Tax Preparation Business and not the least of these is the ability to earn an incredible income! Let’s take a look at some of the reasons that you should consider this lucrative business.

• You will earn a better income. If you’re like most people, you’ve spent a good deal of your life working for someone else and putting money into their pocket. Wouldn’t it be nice to earn the same type of income your boss does? Would you like to do better than that? With a career in Professional Tax Preparation, you can. With the right training, you’ll be able to bill $100 per hour or more for your services.

• You will be your own boss. Working for yourself can be one of the most rewarding things you can do. You’re in a position to provide for yourself and your family the type of lifestyle you deserve.

• You will create a stable income. You might be thinking, “Owning my own business can provide a stable income?” “I thought it was just the opposite.”

Let me assure you…it sure can. If you plan and use a proven strategy for success, you will be able to create a very stable income and a very comfortable lifestyle.

In years past, you could work in a big corporation and find all the security of lifelong employment, but those days are over. Because of corporate restructuring, layoffs, downsizing, and countless other reasons, many people have found that the career choice they thought would lead them to a secure future didn’t.

But don’t despair; you can experience that security by being in business for yourself. You just need to make the right choices.

• You can enjoy increased tax benefits. When you own your own business there are a few perks that the average employee doesn’t get to enjoy. There are many things that you can either partially or completely write off as tax deductions. Your car, your home office, your computer and your office supplies to name just a few.

I don’t have any experience in taxes… can I really start a Tax Preparation business?

Absolutely. There is no question in my mind. Thousands of people just like you are finding the interesting and rewarding business of Professional Tax Preparation is the perfect business for them.

Many of these folks are people just like you and me, people without a background in Tax Preparation, but with the right education, they are finding their Tax Preparation Business to be one of the most rewarding things they have ever done.

“That’s all fine and good, but how can I know for sure?”

The first step is to evaluate your own strengths and weaknesses. If you follow the link below, I’ve included a short questionnaire that might help you determine for yourself if a Tax Preparation business is right for you.

I’d Like to See if a Tax Preparation Business is Right for Me.

If you’d like to learn more about starting a Professional Tax Preparation Business, just click on the link below and you’ll find all the information you’ll need to create a profitable and beneficial Tax Preparation business.

Okay… Show Me How to Start a Tax Preparation Business.

If It’s Accounting, It’s Universal:

Get to Know More About the Company That Will Change Your Career!

Universal Accounting is a company that is making a difference in the lives of their students! For those who are pursuing or looking into the possibilities of pursuing a career path into the Accounting, Bookkeeping and Tax Preparation services, you need to get to know more about what all Universal offers in their comprehensive training programs.

If you prefer onsite classroom study or looking for the benefits received on independent study, we have developed the programs that you will be able to get the one-on-one experience in your own home. The skills we have used over the course of the last 28 years, with the trial and error, the fine-tuning of accounting methods and strategies, and what we and thousands more have experienced running their own practices - we have provided to you the advantage to stay on top of your profession. Our coursework is designed to be exactly what you will be doing when you are servicing the biggest customer base available, the small business owner.

If you are looking for the knowledge, the skills, and the know-how to start or build your accounting or tax practice, or just looking to gain the essential skills to further your career in your place of business, Universal’s Programs are what you are going to need.

Click here to take the Video Tour of Universal and all that we offer to you, the accounting and tax professional to be the best in your field and to have the success in business and in your professional life that you are seeking.Our exclusive short term courses do just that!

Imagine staying on top of the latest in the industry and having access to the experts who can assist you through training? Imagine what you are learning can be applied the very next day at work? Imagine being able to keep the materials, and the reading for continued referencing as you take that path in Accounting, Bookkeeping and Tax Preparation? You don’t have to imagine too hard, because that is one of the many things you receive when you enroll in these specialized programs! Click here to get to know Universal Accounting.

Are You Ready For The Next Step?
Be in business for yourself, but not by yourself getting paid what you’re worth! Are you tired of thinking, “Why not me?” You have gotten this far in your search to do what you want to in your chosen career, take the next step. The time is now to be able to get the training and the change you desire in your professional life. Click here to find out if Professional Tax Preparation Certification is a fit for you.

Be the Profit Expert Professional for Small Business! Don’t hesitate another day in getting the Accounting and Marketing Training that makes the difference. Click here to get more information on what you need to know about becoming the Profit Center Expert for small business accounting and tax!

At last, all the tools, at your fingertips, to make $100 per hour… and you don’t need a college degree.

Believe it or not, with the proper education, you can bill $100 per hour or more for Tax Preparation services. I say this because there are thousands of people, just like you and me, who are doing it right now. Highly respected professionals, without a college or university education, are providing a specialized and technical service to their clients. And you can do it too.

As the graph on the right illustrates, since the year 2000 the number of people who had a professional prepare their taxes has increased from 25.2 million people in 2000 to 43.9 million in 2004; while the overall tax filings have remained fairly constant during that same period.

In a recent study conducted by the Tax Foundation Annual Survey of Attitudes on Tax and Wealth, 81% of people surveyed said that the tax code was too complicated and 70% said that they HATED to do their own taxes! I think you’ll agree; the opportunity to begin a successful Tax Preparation practice has never been better.

Over the next six of weeks I’d like to give you an overview of the exciting and rewarding business of Professional Tax Preparation. If you are in search of a recession-proof business that will help you create the lifestyle that you and your family deserve, this is the business and now is the time.

Okay… what can I expect over the next six weeks?

Week #1. The Proper Tax Preparation Education. We’ll discuss what you should be looking for in a Tax Preparation education. We’ll outline some of the different types of education that is available and the pros & cons of each.

With an overview of what’s available and the kind of education that you’ll need to succeed in the Tax Preparation business, you’ll be prepared to make the next move and arm yourself with the education that best suits your goals.

Week #2 How to Set-Up A Tax Preparation Practice. There are a number of things that anyone setting-up a business will need to do. We’ll discuss what those requirements are and provide a prioritized list that will make the process simple and easy to implement.

There are several things that are unique to the Tax Preparation business that you’ll want to be aware of. My goal is to arm you with all the information you’ll need to begin your successful practice.

Week #3 How to Market Your Tax Preparation Business. (Part 1) Allen Bostrom, President of Universal Accounting and author, in his book, In the Black, says, “Nothing happens until you make a sale.” We’ll talk about what it takes to make everything happen!

If you’re like most of us, the idea of being a salesman might not be your favorite thing. Don’t be concerned, there are a number of easy-to-implement methods that will make the entire sales and marketing process something easy and systematic. Anyone can do this!

In Week #3 we’ll talk about creating what I call the “Automatic Referral System”. In other words, referrals without begging.

Week #4 How to Market Your Tax Preparation Business. (Part 2)
We’ll continue our discussion of easy and “doable” marketing methods that extend beyond referrals. We’ll talk about Tag-Team marketing and networking just to mention a couple.

Week #5 Universal Accounting: The Perfect Tax Preparation Education. We’ll discuss why Universal Accounting Center is the perfect place to obtain the most complete and comprehensive Tax Preparation Education found anywhere.

Week #6 A Tax Preparation Business & Bookkeeping practice are the perfect match for maximum profits. The advantages of combining a Tax Preparation Business with a Bookkeeping service are many. Our final discussion in this series will demonstrate how they might be the perfect combination for you and your future Tax Preparation business.

What can I expect from here?

Welcome aboard. I’m looking forward to showing you why I think a Tax Preparation business is such a wonderful opportunity and for the chance to give you the information that you’ll need to determine if it’s a “right fit” for you.

Information on starting your own Tax Preparation business is only a click or two away. Follow the link below and find out for yourself what an incredible business opportunity this really is.

I want to know more about starting a Professional Tax Preparation business.

“60% of college graduates are moving back in with mom and dad within the first 12 months of graduation because they can’t find a job in their field.” I heard this interesting statistic the other day as I drove into the office. I wish I could remember the source, but it caused me to stop and think for a minute.

A college degree doesn’t guarantee financial security like it once did. Whether you have a college or university education or not, what I heard on the radio is very consistent with a survey taken by the folks at Universal Accounting Center earlier this year. This survey includes people who have a formal education and those who don’t.

100 graduates of the Professional Bookkeepers Program or Professional Tax Preparers Program surveyed 12 months after graduation:

74% were working in the accounting or tax field, had been promoted to a management position, or owned their own accounting or tax preparation practice.

The “right” investment in yourself will create the income and lifestyle that you and your family deserve.

Tax preparation has really evolved over the years. Today, a Professional Tax Preparer is armed with more than just a scratch-pad and a pencil. As the tax code increases in complexity the need for specially trained and qualified Tax Preparers becomes more and more apparent.

As a result, your education should take advantage of and reflect the impact that new technology has had on the industry and the profession.

5 Things Every Good Tax Preparation Education Must Have

1. Classroom or Distance Learning.
At first glance, many would consider a classroom setting the most effective environment to learn in. For most of us, demands on our time require that school work around our lives, not the other way around.

Have you ever tried to “rewind” a classroom lecture when you don’t understand a concept? Of course, you can sometimes ask questions, but with so many students in one class, often there just isn’t time to get to every question. Besides, we are often nervous to ask what others might think are “dumb” questions.

Wouldn’t’t it be nice to be able to “rewind” and “review” topics to improve your confidence that you had a thorough understanding? DVD-based training makes that possible at a level that can’t be duplicated in a classroom.

What if you miss a class because it doesn’t work with your schedule, can you make it up? Or do you fall behind? Unfortunately most classroom courses don’t offer make-up classes for students who have conflicts. You’re either there… or you’re not.

When considering a distance learning program, a combination of video (DVD or VHS) and written material provides the most effective combination which not only replicates, but improves upon the classroom experience. Believe it or not, most distance learning programs out there that teach Tax Preparation provide you with a written textbook. And that’s it.

2. Is a complete education important to you?
To succeed it must be. Many programs available only teach you one aspect of tax preparation, and the least profitable one at that. You’ll typically learn about how the tax code affects individuals. But what about business taxes, where the real money is? A Tax Preparation education that only teaches you about half of the system, is only half of an education. Admittedly, there are a few programs that offer, for an additional fee, further education in business taxes, but it’s not their specialty.

In looking for the “right” education, you need to get it from someone that will teach you mastery of personal taxes, and knows business taxes inside-and-out. Because, that’s what you’ll need to start your own Professional Tax Preparation business. CPA’s focus on business taxes. Why? Because that’s where the money is.

3. Learn by doing
Most Tax Preparation training materials focus on tax theory. Often, the difference between having some understanding and really mastering, is in the doing. There is no better way to understand what it’s all about to prepare taxes than by hands-on learning.

I wouldn’t trust a doctor or surgeon who’s only experience came from reading a book or two …would you?

By preparing sample returns, learning how to prepare taxes becomes much like learning how to ride a bike. It will not only become easier, but it will become automatic. The “right” education will include more than just “tax theory”.

4. Who will answer my questions?
With the best Video or Textbook training, there will still be questions. Will your Distance Learning course provide a way for those questions to be answered?

1. • Is there telephone support?
   • Is there e-mail support?

After your coursework is completed and your working with clients, will they still support you? When you have questions, will they leave you to find the answers for yourself? We won’t.

The “right” education will not only answer your questions via phone or e-mail while you’re taking the course, but provides the advice of qualified tax professionals to advise you through your first year as a Professional Tax Preparer. Even after you finish the course, your school should be there to support you so that you’re never left alone.

5. Is your education guaranteed?
When you attend a college, university or trade school, what guarantee do they provide that the training you receive will increase your income or create the lifestyle that you want? None.

The “perfect” education will provide a guarantee that the information and instruction that you receive will create the kind of income and lifestyle that you are looking for.

The “right” education will include a guarantee. Something that says, “We stand behind what we do, what we teach, and what your education will mean.”

“Education is learning what you didn’t know you didn’t even know.”
-Daniel J. Boorstin

With the “right” information you can choose the “right” education. If you’d like to learn more about what it takes to become a Professional Tax Preparer or what’s involved in choosing the perfect tax preparation education, you’re only a couple mouse clicks away. Just follow the link below and find out what’s available for you in the exciting and rewarding business of Professional Tax Preparation.

I want to learn more about a career in Professional Tax Preparation.

There were times when it was pretty scary. But, my daughter did learn how to drive. It was a little different from driving with her brothers, but I’m not nervous to drive with her now.

When her brothers were working on their “practice” hours, it didn’t matter where they went. They pointed the front of the car in the direction that looked good and we took off. They didn’t give it much thought; they just wanted to drive the car. I could understand… I was there once too.

My daughter, on the other hand, would get in the car. She’d put on her seatbelt and adjust the mirror. Then, before she would turn the key would ask, “Where are we going?”

She couldn’t drive the car unless she knew where she was going. I don’t know why. This was never an issue with her older brothers. They were just happy to be in the car and have control of where it went. But she wouldn’t go unless she knew what the destination was.

This is a good way to look at your new business. Before you turn the key and start going, you should know where you’re going. Let’s take a minute and talk about some of the things you’ll need to know to determine where it is you want to go with your professional tax preparation business.

“If You Come to a Fork in the Road, Take It.”
-Yogi Berra

If you don’t know where you want to go, it doesn’t matter what you do when you come to a fork in the road. As you start your new business, you need to have an idea about where you’re going, if you want to make your professional tax preparation business a success.

There are a number of things to consider. One of the most important is they type of business you choose to become. Simply put, how do you want to structure your business? Let’s take a look at some of the options available and talk about what makes them all different and what you should consider as you make this important decision.

This is important information, so stick with me. Of course I need to preface this discussion by saying, I am not an attorney. You should talk to an attorney if you have specific questions about these legal entities. This is only meant to be an overview and give you a baseline of information. At the end of this article, I’ll tell you about how to find out more information and discover how achievable, profitable and easy starting a professional tax preparation business really is.

Sole Proprietorship:

A sole proprietorship is a business which has no separate existence from its owner. In other words, you are your business. Your business obligations are your obligations. All the debts of the business are the debts of the owner. There are no partners.

Usually, a sole proprietorship means a person does business in their own name and there is only one owner. Because the business in really just an extension of the individual, everything the business owns or owes is owned or owed by the owner. If the business were to have a judgment filed against it, it would be as if the judgment was filed against the owner. At least the owner would be personally liable for the judgment.

A sole proprietorship is not a corporation. It doesn’t pay corporate taxes. The owner pays personal taxes on the profits made, making it a much simpler accounting process.

Most sole proprietorships will register a trade name or “Doing Business As” (DBA) with their own name. This will allow the proprietor to do business with a name other than his/her legal name. This will also allow him/her to open a business banking account.

Partnership:

In a partnership, the partners share with each other in the profits or losses of the business. There are several types of partnerships, but we won’t get into that here.

In a nutshell, a partnership is similar to a sole proprietorship, but the partners share all of the liability, responsibility for debt and profits. Like a sole proprietorship, a partnership is not a corporation and doesn’t pay corporate taxes. The partners pay personal taxes on the profits made.

Limited Liability Company (LLC):

The Limited Liability Company is a relatively new entity in the United States. An LLC is similar to a corporation and a limited liability partnership. The LLC was adopted by many English-speaking countries because they have some advantage over corporations.

Basically, an LLC allows for the flexibility of a partnership structure within the framework of limited liability, similar to that granted a corporation. The requirements for creating and registering LLC’s are simpler than the requirements that most states place on forming and operating a corporation.

Most states don’t require annual meetings of shareholders, (LLC’s have members), or bylaws. Most LLC’s will use an operating agreement to provide for the governance of the company, however such an agreement is general more complex than a corporation’s bylaws.

Most businesses that choose to operate as an LLC do so to avoid “double taxation.” A corporation is taxed on its income and then the profits are taxed when distributed to the shareholders. Dividends are also taxed. Within an LLC the income of the LLC is not taxed, but each member of the LLC is taxed on their proportion of the taxable income, regardless of whether or not any distributions are made.

Because of this single level of taxation, the members can see a significant tax savings over the corporate form. Of course, you should consult an attorney regarding whether or not this is an appropriate business entity for your business.

Corporations:

A corporation, unlike a sole proprietorship, is a separate entity in itself. The word “corporation” derives from the Latin word corpus (body), representing a “body of people.”

Within the framework of a corporation, the corporation forms a legal artificial entity either with or without shareholders. There are a number of reasons for organizing as a corporation.

1. Limited liability. Unlike a partnership, the stockholders of a corporation hold no personal liability for the corporation’s debts and obligations. The corporation as a separate entity does. If you are just beginning your business, a lender might require a personal guarantee on a loan to the corporation, thus introducing personal liability.
2. Perpetual Lifetime. The assets and structure of the corporation will exist beyond the lifetime of any of its shareholders.

As we discussed earlier, corporations are taxed differently than sole proprietors, partnerships or LLC’s. Both the corporation and the shareholders are taxed. There are several different types of corporations, which we won’t get into here, but recommend that you talk to your attorney about what would work best for you.

“Price is What You Pay. Value is What You Get.”
-Warren Buffet

There’s a lot you need to know as you start your tax preparation business and Universal Accounting knows the answers to your questions. They can help you do your homework on the different entities that are available for your business and how they will influence the type of business you create.

Unlike most tax preparation schools, Universal will be there every step of the way to make sure that you know everything you’ll need to know to start a profitable and exciting business as a professional tax preparer.

To discover more about the lucrative and satisfying lifestyle you can build for you and your family by starting your own professional tax preparation business, simply follow the link below. There’s never been a better time than right now.

Show Me How a Tax Preparation Business is Achievable, Profitable and Easy

Santa’s Early This Year:

You’re Just One Package Away from a Thriving, Year-Round Business

Imagine this: you’ve recently found the perfect spot for your business. You walk to the location and, using a nifty bicycle pump, begin to inflate the site. Miraculously you find yourself in the middle of the office of your dreams, perfectly organized with your shingle on the door. Not only that, but it’s fully equipped with little marketing elves who scatter to promote you in the best manner possible. Your mind is suddenly filled with knowledge on how to move forward, intuitively understanding how to work with each and every client you will encounter. You have the tools that will make your work more efficient and less time-consuming. And you also have the confidence that your services will keep you busy year-round, providing you with the financial ease you’ve only dreamed of. Like that? Okay, now wake up.

Every business owner has wished, at one time or another, they could purchase the perfect business package that would inflate on demand. Unfortunately, it’s not that easy to start your own business: it takes a bit more knowledge and forethought. While Universal Accounting Center may not have that particular package (the one with the bicycle), they do have the next best thing: a three-package deal that will come close to getting you everything you need to get started. Just add the office and your supplies and viola! You’re ready to go!

The Professional Bookkeeper Program
Over 85% of the opportunities in the accounting field are within small businesses. Universities prepare their students for corporate accounting which doesn’t address small business needs. More than 50% of small businesses fail, and much of that failure can be attributed to poor financial management. Imagine contributing to the success of small business, which will build your own community while providing you with job satisfaction and security.

At Universal Accounting, we understand the needs of the small business like nobody else. The Professional Bookkeeper Program was designed specifically to address the needs of small businesses, and Universal Accounting offers the most complete small business accounting course anywhere. Not only that, but UAC teaching you effective marketing techniques; you’ll leave the program with small business knowledge and skills and the ability to promote those things to potential clients! You’ll have the ability to earn the Professional Bookkeeper Designation which assures clients that you have been properly trained in small business accounting and will help you know what those clients need most from you. (Do you see your business beginning to take air?)

The Professional Tax Preparer Certification
We trust you could start a successful accounting practice without adding tax services, but the truth is you can charge 100+ per hour preparing individual and business taxes. That’s an incredible income boost during tax season and throughout the year for those clients who need any tax consulting or tax planning services. Why not increase your income by becoming a full-financial service provider? You will quickly become a one-stop shop for those clients who need you do more than just their bookkeeping.

The Professional Tax Preparer Program offers hands-on experience in tax preparation. Countless individuals are scammed each year by people who claim to know what they’re doing. And more and more are becoming leery of tax preparers without any credentials. This program enable you to earn the Professional Tax Preparer Designation which will put many of those individuals at ease, assuring them that you have been properly trained in tax preparation. (Can you see your business enlarging?)

The Professional Bookkeepers Guide to Quickbooks
Nearly 80% of small businesses use Intuit’s Quickbooks software. While other programs may be useful, Quickbooks has definitely captured the small business market. Learning Quickbooks will not only help you keep more efficient records, but it enables you to teach your clients how to use the software so that you can get the information you need, making your job much easier. Add to that your ability to introduce Quickbooks services to your menu, and you’ve got a well-rounded business with loads of earning potential.

UAC’s Professional Bookkeepers Guide to Quickbooks Pro will teach you teach you how to do the basic transactions, how to reconcile accounts, what the program does with its data, and a basic understanding of fundamental accounting principles. We have also included about 18 hours of bookkeeping instruction and a complete detailed presentation of QuickBooks fundamentals. You may well call it a lifesaver. (And your business is fully inflated!)

Universal Accounting Center ’s Special
To celebrate the close of 2006, and to provide you with a timely opportunity to make an incredible New Year’s Resolution, UAC is offering a year-end special that includes all three of the above programs for reduced price. Not only that, but you’ll also get two free gifts with the offer: a customized website and 2 practice books! Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas! Don’t wait another day to build the business of your dreams. Get started and enroll today.

Stop Delaying Your Dreams:
Start Your Own Accounting and Tax Practice

Goals are dreams with deadlines. —Diana Scharf Hunt

It’s too easy to delay your dreams. The kids need your attention, there’s a stack of bills to pay, and your day job is exhausting. Unfortunately, the only thing you accomplish in procrastinating your dreams is to postpone your own happiness and success. Have you considered that the difficulty you associate with accomplishing the dream of starting your own accounting and tax practice may be exaggerated?

Rebecca The finally decided she was going to quit her corporate job and open her own accounting practice. She wanted to focus on small business accounting and found Universal Accounting Center’s Professional Bookkeeper Program online.

“As soon as I put in the tapes I felt enlightened,” Rebecca said. She went on to complete the course in April, 2003. She explained, “March 2005 was a banner month for me — I recorded over $10,000 in billings. I never would have imagined doing that well and that soon. I was never compensated that well by a corporation.”

Wouldn’t you enjoy the flexibility, with both your finances and your time, of running your own business and doing some of those things you’ve always wanted to do? Because we’re certain your answer is “yes,” Universal Accounting Center has put together a package deal for people like you who dream of starting their own accounting and tax practice.

The Complete Package — What You Get

Here’s everything you need to start your own full financial service. We could share course descriptions and countless testimonials, but we know you’re more interested in what you’ll be getting . . .

The Professional Bookkeeper Program

• The opportunity to expand your business and become a full financial service provider
• Practical training in small business accounting
• Instruction on starting your own accounting practice
• Helpful marketing tips designed specifically for the freelance accountant
• The possibility of earning a professional designation
• Flexibility in study; you work at your own pace and in your own time

The Professional Tax Preparer Certification

• Complete video training in full 1040 and business returns
• Step-by-step instruction in starting a sole practitioner
• One year follow-up support from expert tax preparers
• Profitable fee calculations
• Training in comfortable client-interviewing techniques
• The possibility of earning a professional designation
• Flexibility in study; you work at your own pace and in your own time

The Professional Bookkeeper’s Guide to Intuit’s QuickBooks Pro

• Full training in the accounting software over 80% of small business owners use
• The opportunity to expand your business by adding QuickBooks setup and consultation services to your menu
• Tips on how to work less time and get more done
• Instruction on setting up a company’s accounting books and building an accounting system from scratch
• Free, unlimited email support
• Flexibility in study; you work at your own pace and in your own time

Each time you expand your skill-set you expand your services. And when you expand your services you draw in more clients. By starting your own business as a full-financial service, you’re giving yourself the opportunity to truly succeed.

Rebecca The is grateful that she didn’t delay her dreams. In fact, she went on to say, “I am finally living the life I envisioned for myself. With the increased earnings and flexibility of being my own boss, so far this year I have been able to take 2 trips to Maui. I have planned additional trips to Las Vegas, New England, and Singapore throughout the year. I have already booked a 50th wedding anniversary vacation with my parents to Maui next year on April 17. Universal Accounting gave me the practical skills to successfully reach my goals.”

Wouldn’t you like to schedule your own life, much like UAC graduate Rebecca The? Stop delaying your happiness. Success could be one Universal package away. Order now and receive these three programs for one low price. Pencil in your dream today!

It’s mid-summer and you’re probably experiencing a lull in business; not too many are interested in taxes this time of year. What are some things you can do? We have a suggestion. Why not use this time to enhance your skills and become a full service financial provider? You’ll be able to increase your service offerings and turn your business into a full-time, year-round venture. It’s finally time to quit your day job and give yourself a raise.

How Easy Is It?

You may think that adding accounting services to your offerings would require a lot of time, energy, and money. That’s simply not true. In 60 hours you could not only have the skills, but the confidence to perform small business accounting for a growing niche market. Universal Accounting Center’s Professional Bookkeeper (PB) Program provides hands-on training in the day-to-day accounting tasks required by small businesses. From payroll to bank reconciliations, you’ll learn how to manage more than your clients’ books; you’ll also become their Profit Expert, informing them how they can increase their business’s profitability and success. Imagine how valuable that service would be to small business owners who often struggle to last longer than 5 years.

Testimonial: This course has really helped open options I never thought I had before. The training was easy to understand, and the hands-on work emphasizes that understanding and know-how.-Barbara W.

How Much Could You Make?

We’ll do more than give you an average income range; we’ll share an equation that will help you calculate how many clients you will need to earn the income you desire. You can charge the average client $300/month. If you have 20 clients you’re earning $6000 per month. That’s $72,000 in one year, and that number doesn’t even take into account how much you earn during tax season. Depending on your needs, you can increase or decrease the number of clients in order to hit your target income.

Testimonial: As of July 1st, I am leaving my job of 15 years and working my business full time. I already have enough clients, on contract, to give me a larger annual income than I had working for my employer.-Robbie Ursu

How Many Clients Could You Have?

We challenge you to take a drive down your main street or thumb through the yellow pages of your local phone book. How many small, local businesses can you find? And that doesn’t even include the countless entrepreneurs working from their homes. Your potential client base is huge and continues to grow every year.

Testimonial: After completing UAC’s training I opened my business. I now have 15 clients, and have only had one meeting that did not result in a new client.-Victoria Richardson

How Long Would It Take To Get Started?

The Professional Bookkeeper Program is designed to teach you everything you need to know to get started. And because operating an accounting and bookkeeping practice from your home requires little to no startup costs, you could have your practice up and running as soon as you’re ready. This program is practically a ready-made business; you add confidence and stir.

Testimonial: I did not imagine that I could face this world out there and talk confidently about accounting and bookkeeping, let alone start my own business in it. But having this class, I have developed the confidence that I need to go out there and be on my own and the confidence to make a go at it. I’m ready to face the world!!!-Julie M.

Now is the perfect time to take advantage of a lull in business to grow your clientele and become a full-service financial provider. It’s not only easy, but profitable and can take just a couple months to get started. You’ve already got a strong base with your tax preparation business. Why not take advantage of your standing by growing your business this summer?

Our Business-Warming Gift

If you order the Professional Bookkeeper Program now, we’ll throw in QuickBooks Made Profitable as a business-warming gift! Most financial professionals know that QuickBooks is the most popular accounting software used by small business owners. You can use your QuickBooks skills to attract even more clients. When you order the PB Program, you’ll learn how to do just that! With these two programs you will be able to increase your service offerings and learn how to use your QuickBooks skills to attract even more clients.

Not only is now the perfect time for you to grow your business, but this is the perfect opportunity to help you do that.

• Click here to pay in full.
• Click here to finance.

10 Start-up Tips : How To Get Your Business Up And Running

(Part I of a II part series)

Are you hesitating to start your own tax practice simply because you’re not sure where to begin? We know how intimidating starting a new business can be. You may feel like you’re forever sitting on the shore of your real life, too timid to leave your beach towel to test the waters. Although it can seem daunting to put out your “shingle” for people to do business with you, there are steps you can take to make it easier to do. Often a little knowledge can empower you with the confidence to move forward and get started. Here are 5 of 10 start-up tips to help you do just that. Come on in – the water’s fine.

1. Name Your Business
Some suggest that when starting a diet, you should fast; seeing pounds come off quickly inspires dieters to continue. Naming your business can be like that dieter’s fast; creating the name of your business could be just the inspiration you need to move forward (and it’s less painful than food deprivation). Will your name be part of the business name? Will you include a motto or slogan?

Recognize that naming your business is just the beginning of creating a brand for yourself. Before you brainstorm for a business name, ask yourself the following questions:

• What are your competitors calling themselves, and how can you differentiate your services and stand out? (see #3)

• Who are your potential clients and how do you want them to view you?

• Will you limit your ability to expand by localizing your name?

• Will your name be memorable and easy to refer?

• Will your business name excite and inspire you?

Be creative with your company name so it’s catchy, but not too creative so that it remains professional. Whichever name you choose make sure its easy for you to say, and for your customers to remember.

2. Choose a Business Structure
There are many business structures to choose from when starting your own business. The entity you choose depends on your objectives. If you’re partnering with a friend or family member, you’re looking at different structures than those going into business by themselves. There are many factors to consider when deciding which structure is best for you. To learn more, read our article on “The Pros and Cons of Different Business Entities.”

3. Get to Know Your Competition
“Knowledge is power.” This is the perfect example of how a little knowledge can catapult you to the front of the race. Find out what your competitors are calling themselves, what services they offer, who they’re marketing to. You can only stand out from the competition when you know who your competitor is and what they’re about. Perhaps you see a twist in how you can approach those in your community that others haven’t seen yet. Knowing who and what you are going up against and how you can better tailor what you offer to those in the same target market gives you the edge in getting that customer.

4. Be Legally-Minded
This is somewhat related to number 2. It’s important to start your business off on the right foot. File the proper papers and pay the required fees. It’s also not a bad idea to consult with a lawyer to ensure you’re headed in not only right direction, but a law-abiding one. Also, as you begin working with clients, document your correspondence and save your files.

5. Tread Lightly (financially, that is)
Perhaps you’ve been saving money to use when you start your business. Perhaps you’re on a shoe-string budget and don’t have much wiggle room. Regardless of how fat your pocketbook is, you should be frugal, especially at the birth of your startup. Prioritize your spending, and avoid buying things you don’t need.

Return next week when we cover the 5 final startup tips:

6. Pick and Prepare a Business Location (even if it’s just in your basement)

7. Create a Business Plan

8. Begin Marketing, NOW!

9. Hire Well, Fire Quickly

10. Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst

Don’t overwhelm yourself. Take your time and do it right. If you get anxious and move too quickly, you might miss an important and crucial step. It’s all about timing and being ready when the opportunity arises. You need to continuously be improving and sharpening your professional saw and act when the time is right. Remember, procrastinating your future, procrastinates your success.

Get yourself ready now so when your opportunity knocks, you can open that door with confidence. Learn how to be better prepared for your tax preparation business.