• IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR QuickBooks Customers: Intuit is receiving reports of individuals receiving fraudulent emails from QuickBooks or QuickBooks Online. The two separate emails ask customers to either download a plug in to assess their security or download a Digital Certificate. Customers should delete either of these emails. As we discover these fraudulent sites (cyber criminals often use the same email repeatedly, although they change web sites), we take them down. More at the Intuit website

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  • Good News for Small Businesses in the Bailout Act

    Small businesses will get a helping hand with some key expenses under President Obama’s $787 billion stimulus plan, signed into law on February 17. Around $282 billion of the bill is devoted to tax cuts, including breaks for small businesses. Some of the highlights include: Small businesses will be able to more quickly deduct the cost of investments in plants and equipment from their taxable income. Small businesses will be allowed to recover alternative minimum tax (AMT) and research and development (R&D) credits faster. Small businesses will be allowed to write off up to $250,000 of capital expenditures in the year of acquisition. As a result, 2009 might be a good time to consider upgrading your technology. Your financial advisor can help you determine if any of these tax cuts apply to you. More information; A Breakdown of the stimulus package: http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/STIMULUS_FINAL_0217.html Small Business Association information on stimulus bill: http://www.sba.gov/recovery/index.html Regularly updated stimulus page at Wall Street Journal http://online.wsj.com/public/page/stimulus-package.html

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  • Looking for a website or online resource for Security Tips and Best Practices? Check out the Federal Trade Commission ‘s (FTC) OnGuardOnline program , which the FTC began in partnership with cybersecurity experts, online marketers, consumer advocates, and federal officials in 2005. While there, check out the articles and free resources such as videos, games, and downloadable files to help you guard against Internet fraud , hacking, and other security threats.The site also offers the following seven vital security practices : Protect your personal information. It’s valuable. Know who you’re dealing with. Use security software that updates automatically. Keep your operating system and Web browser up-to-date and learn about their security features. Keep your passwords safe , secure, and strong. Back up important files. Learn what to do in an “ e–mergency .” If you suspect Internet fraud, you can register a complaint using this form . The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft , and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel , a secure, online database used by law enforcement officials in the U.S. and overseas. Check out the site or contact your IT Consultant to help you implement the recommendations from the site. Related articles: 7 Smart Security Practices For Small Businesses 9 Simple Ways to Protect Yourself against Internet fraud ID theft up, and 20somethings suffer most Online fraud up after years of decline: report

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