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Accounting Software For Small Business

Advanced Enterprise Resource Planning(ERP) systems can transform the way you run your business. No…

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Advanced Enterprise Resource Planning(ERP) systems can transform the way you run your business. No matter what service you provide or whatever industry you might be in, proper software can help you manage your processes, help you with communication and also enhance the flexibility you provide to your customers.

ERP is a system that takes care of every possible aspect of your business be it assessing, reviewing, or improving any aspect of your business. ERP keeps you as informed as possible about your business.

So, where do you start?
Considering factors like cost, advancement, elaborate features isn’t unusual while choosing an EPR ERP system. However, you have to be careful so that you don’t end up with a system that has a lot of fancy functionalities but of no use to your business.

You can consider enrolling in a tally institute in Ahmedabad to learn more about accounting processes. It offers classes on various aspects of accounting including accounting software.

A Business Management Software, What Is That?
An application or a set of programs that help businesses support, improve and automate their processes is called a business management software by definition. It is a tool that is built to meet all the requirements of business processes in the most effective way possible.

Features
General features to look for in a business management system:

  • Project & task management
  • Time management & calendar management 
  • Document sharing & collaborating with various other organisations 
  • Sales & CRM
  • Budget management, invoice, and expense management
  • Business intelligence 
  • Accounting and financial reporting
  • Resource management

What Is Accounting Software?
Accounting is a solution to process accounting transactions and manage accounts mainly used by business owners, accounting professionals.

The process of recording, analysing, and interpreting financial transactions and information is called business accounting. In this way, a business keeps tracks of its operations which can become very difficult sometimes and that is where accounting software steps in.

Tally training in Ahmedabad is offered in a lot of different institutes there and it will surely help you know more about these software and accounting processes in details.

Accounting software helps simplify the processes, giving business owners more time to focus on the administration and execution of their strategies.

  • Task Automation
    Entering data manually can be tedious and also keeps a lot of space for errors. Accounting software helps you keep manual entry to a minimum and thus increases efficiency. Good software requires you to enter the data just once and extracts that data every time required in the future. 
  • Taxes Made Simpler
    Manually keeping track of all your transactions, calculating all your dues and filling all the returns can be very tedious and painful. Accounting software makes everything a lot easier. Return reports are automatically created and you can file them directly via a third-party app.
  • Easily Accessible Data
    Accessing your financial data anywhere and at any time is even easier now. Cloud accounting software helps you access your data whenever you wish. A suitable device, internet and a browser are all you need. 
  • Data Loss Is Reduced
    Backing up data is very essential especially for important documents. Without a proper back up you could easily lose them but doing it manually is not feasible. Accounting software takes care of that too. They organise and store the data in a way so that you can retrieve them whenever you wish to. Cloud accounting systems back up your data regularly to prevent data loss.

Why Choose Accounting Software?
Being the business owner of a small business, it can be very hectic and stressful to manage a lot of things together at one point in time. It is a huge challenge for a business owner.

Business software is essential in the journey of business growth. It helps you manage complexities and also improves the performance hugely.

A lot of choices may be available at the market but small business accounting software will be the most recommended considering all the needs and requirements along with the business. This software come with a complete solution that manages every aspect of the business like billing, GST, inventory etc in one single software.

This avoids situations of buying separate software and wasting time and resources on maintaining each one separately. It gives you a complete view of the business which in turn helps you make smart business decisions.

A Few Tips To Keep In Mind While Picking The Right Accounting Software For Your Business 

  • The accounting software should have a free trial to allow you to see through all of the features before actually investing in it
  • Accounting itself is complicated and if the system that handles it is complicated too, it defeats the purpose. It should be easy to use
  • The system should have multi-user access
  • Sending out recurring invoices and payments reminders call for automation in the system
  • Online accounting systems also require data security. 
  • You should keep in mind to look for a system that provides you with the maximum features you need for your business at a reasonable price 
  • Your system should also be able to give you technical support in case you need some while working on something

Examples Of Accounting Softwares For Small Business
Accounting software is essential for small businesses. It not only helps in ease of managing an account but also helps in making decisions. At no cost, you can try them for free.

TallyPrime is a complete business management software for small businesses like yours. It provides a complete solution from accounting, banking to payroll in a single software. Institutes provide tally ERP course in Ahmedabad. Enrolling on the same will give you detailed knowledge about these.

The following are the few benefits of trying accounting software for free.

  • Easy accounting and managing of books
  • Printing professional-looking invoices in a jiffy
  • Better control and easy track of payables
  • Business information available easily since the reports are auto-generated
  • Books are accurate and complete
  • Easy management of tax compliance
  • Accurate returns in the preferred format
  • Optimum inventory and stock level
  • Better control of cash flow and the like.

Some examples of free accounting software:

  1. Wave
  2. ZipBooks
  3. Akaunting
  4. SlickPie
  5. GnuCash
  6. CloudBooks
  7. Zoho Invoice
  8. NCH Express Accounts

Conclusion
Now that you have a basic idea about accounting software, it’s time to try out these free software and see which one suits your purpose the best. If you want to go for the paid ones make sure you know what you are investing in because a waste of money is not something you would want, right?

Proper software can lift a heavy burden off of your shoulder and help you in a lot of ways so that you can focus on other important aspects of your business.

All About Depreciation Bookkeeping

Finances are an inherent part of our everyday lives and on an everyday basis…

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Finances are an inherent part of our everyday lives and on an everyday basis – we do come across the processes of depreciation, appreciation and other related processes in different forms. These processes may sound complicated to comprehend, but once we understand them and the outline of their functioning, we may conclude that they are actually simple and extremely essential.

Before we delve deeper into the processes of depreciation, we must go through the concept of bookkeeping. Bookkeeping is the backbone of a stable and well running business, as it involves keeping records of the financial affairs of the business. This process must be done judiciously with care and concern, as if it is taken lightly, it may circumstance in financial muddles and other such confusion. 
The skill of bookkeeping is not easily learnt, and engaging in official and professional training for the same is beneficial – both for the individual and her respective business. To further understand the concept of bookkeeping as a whole, an individual can consider enrolling in a tally class in Ahmedabad.

What Is Depreciation?

Before we understand the process of depreciation as a whole, we need to don the economic eyeglasses and understand the concept of a fixed asset – as depreciation revolves wholly and solely around this concept. 

A fixed asset is most often defined as a long-term asset used by a company/firm that holds a lasting period for over a year. These assets include land, big machines etc. – and depreciation involves constant decreasing of a specific/recorded cost on this very asset.

For instance, let us say that a firm purchases a steel grinding machine with a cost of Rs 400,000 and the expected working period of this specific machine is eight years, then it can be said that the firm depreciates the asset held under this process of depreciation at the cost of Rs 50,000 per year. 

Thus, we can infer, from the given example, that it is the cost of the depreciation asset divided by the number of years the asset is put into use, which is considered as a certain ‘depreciative cost’ every year. (From the given example, we can infer that the asset is divided by eight years as the machine is used for eight years). 

The principles and nuances of depreciation can be levied on every other fixed asset except land, as land is a particular asset whose value only appreciates with time and usage. The above description is a brief overview of depreciation, and further insight into depreciation can be gained in a tally computer course, to be considered in Ahmadabad, which the individual must consider attending.

Calculation Of Depreciation 

There are multiple methods, using which depreciation can be calculated with both ease and efficiency. Yet, before we engage with the calculation process, there is a certain checklist of factors that we must keep in our mind, which are as follows – 

  1. Life of the asset – The ‘life’ of the asset, or to be more specific, the ‘productive’ life of the asset refers to a certain period beyond which the mentioned asset is not considered useful. The mentioned asset loses its cost – affectivity post this period, and the operation of this very asset cannot be continued judiciously. 
  2. Salvage Value – After the mentioned asset discards its cost-effectivity and is no longer useful for the company, losing its ability to contribute towards the functioning of the operation productively, the firm may consider selling the asset at a lower amount. This ‘lower amount’ is defined as the salvage value of the mentioned asset.
  3. The overall cost of the asset – As we engage with the process of depreciation, it is essential for us to keep in mind, the overall cost/total cost of the asset we are working with. This ‘overall cost’ does not merely include the cost of the asset, but it also includes production/set up expense, transport cost – so on and so forth. 

A further and more thorough understanding of these factors can be obtained in the tally computer course in Ahmedabad. Attending this course can surely prove to be a knowledgeable and enriching experience for the individual who poses interest in the field of accounting, and specifically in the field of bookkeeping. 

Finally, what is depreciation bookkeeping?

Depreciation Bookkeeping

After we thoroughly comprehend the processes of depreciation and make a checklist of certain, specific factors to keep in mind while engaging with this process, we must now move onto the main topic of depreciation bookkeeping, which is, in simpler words, the accounting/recording of the amount of depreciation suffered. 

  1. Straight Line Depreciation Method – It involves the simple placement of a constant rate of depreciation every year, over the life of a fixed asset. This is not merely the easiest, but the most straightforward method of depreciation calculation which can also be classified as the method most commonly and easily used by companies. 

Formula – Annual Depreciation expense = (Asset cost – Residual Value(5% of original cost of asset)) / Useful life of the asset
2. Written Down Value Method: Most of the companies are using the written down value method. The main reason of this depreciation method is that the actual realizable cost of the asset can be derived from this method of depreciation. In this method of depreciation, depreciation on assets is higher in the initial period and lesser in later years. This is because, asset value will be reduced more in the initial years and there after, maintenance cost increases and value of the asset will be decreasing but with a lesser amount.

The above methods of depreciation bookkeeping are just a brief insight into the vast field of accounting, knowledge about which can be furthered if the individual enrolls in the tally course in Ahmedabad

Enrolling in the mentioned class is highly recommended, as professional insight into the processes of depreciation and related methods holds great water in the long run, benefitting both the individual and her firm as a whole, ensuring greater stability/smooth financial functioning of the firm, development of better customer relations, and most importantly, complete internal satisfaction to the person running/supervising the finances and the overall working of the firm.

Accounting For Reserves And Surplus

Just the way we categorize our expenditures at the end of every month, various…

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Just the way we categorize our expenditures at the end of every month, various business organisations include Reserves and Surplus in their balance sheet keeping their future needs as an organisation in the picture. In simple words, they are the savings of big corporates which can be used as assets during a crisis.

What Do Reserves And Surplus Mean?
Reserves
A financial accounting Reserve is a part of the shareholder’s equity except for basic share capital. A Reserve is profits that have been appropriated for a particular purpose. In accounting terminology, reserve implies the amount set aside for future activities which include buying assets, paying for bonuses or even legal settlements.

Surplus
Surplus describes the amount of an asset or resource that exceeds the portion that is actively utilised. In the budgetary context, a Surplus occurs when income earned exceeds expenses paid.
Reserves and Surplus, as the name suggests, are the accumulated profits that a company has earned and retained over time. Retained profits are the profits that are left after repaying the shareholders. General Reserves are created out of profits and kept aside for the financial strengthening of the company in bad years.

Difference Between Reserves And Surplus
Reserves are the primary amounts that are earmarked by the organisation for specific purposes. Whereas Surplus is where all the profits of the company reside.

Types Of Reserves And Surplus
Depending on their purpose there are various types of Reserves used in a balance sheet.

Capital Reserve
A Capital Reserve is the type of Reserve that is created from capital profits. Capital Reserve is maintained to prepare the company for sudden hazards like inflation, business expansion and funds for new ventures.

  • Cash received by selling current assets
  • Excess on revaluation of liabilities and assets

are a few examples of Capital Reserves.

Capital Redemption Reserve (CRR) 
Capital Redemption Reserve is created when the preference shares or the capital is redeemed. It is a statutory Reserve. When a company wishes to redeem shares a Capital Redemption Reserve account is created to benefit both the creditors and employees.

A Capital Redemption Reserve comes in handy for the company on a rainy day. Several litigations are attached to this reserve such that the company can open this reserve only under certain circumstances.

Security Premium Reserve
It is the additional amount charged on the face value of any share when the shares are issued, redeemed and forfeited. Security premium account is a part of the Shareholders Fund, it refers to the difference between market value and the face value of a share.

Debenture Redemption Reserve
A Debenture is a debt security that lets the investors borrow money at a fixed rate. A Debenture Redemption Reserve must be created to protect investors from the possibility of a company defaulting.

Debentures are not backed by any kind of asset, lien or collateral. Free Reserves are those Reserves upon which the company can freely draw, Debenture Redemption Fund is one such Reserve.

Revaluation Reserve
Organisations have the freedom to construct line items for assets on the balance sheet when they believe it is a necessity for correct accounting to be presented. Revaluation Reserves are not inherently normal, but they can be used when a business assumes that the value of their assets will fluctuate after a certain time frame.

Other Reserves: Specifying Nature And Purpose

Surplus
Surplus i.e balance in statement of profit and loss disclosing allocations and appropriation such as dividend, bonus, shares and transfer to/from Reserve etc.

Accounting is a part of our daily chores, let it be a multi-crore business or the expenses of a middle-class family accounts play a vital role, here is a link to a certified accounting course in Ahmedabad that will make you a pro at finance and accounting.

Why Are Reserves And Surplus Called Liabilities?
Aren’t Reserves supposed to be good? They are money set aside for future endeavours and hazards, How is being financially safe considered a liability? Isn’t having surplus money a boon?

Well here are the answers to all your queries,

Reserves are considered on the liabilities side of a balance sheet because they are sums of money that have been set aside to be paid out on a future date. To be more precise Reserves are considered a liability keeping the peasant scenarios in mind. Reserve is considered a liability keeping all the future requirements in mind.

Reserves also represent the obligations that the form has, which makes Reserves a liability item. Reserves can be future or potential obligations to various stakeholders or future use of funds to benefit various stakeholders.

For a better understanding, we can compare Reserves to a bank, though the bank is always expected to have money, yet it is considered a liability keeping in mind that money is not for the bank but to meet up with the financial needs of their account holders.

What Is Meant By A Negative Reserve?
Negative Reserves are considered as assets, for example, the money which is due to the policyholders i.e debtors. But these are assets which may be realised or forgetting that the policyholders may withdraw, leading to a policy lapse.

To conclude, accounting at the end of the day is an asset to our lives, it is a massive ocean of its own, here is the address of an Accounting institute in Ahmedabad, they offer various  Accounting Training in Ahmedabad that will turn you from a liability to an asset.

All About PAN And TAN For Bcom Students

To collect and manage tax from various incomes, the Income-tax department issues various unique…

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To collect and manage tax from various incomes, the Income-tax department issues various unique identification numbers. While PAN (Permanent account number) is a 10 digit identity number allotted to taxpayers, TAN  is a 10 digit number allocated to Tax deductors.

PAN: Permanent Account Number
PAN is an identification number that is mandated by the Income Tax Department for any individual who carries out financial transactions or pays the income tax.

PAN Card For Students
A PAN card is issued by the NSDL and UTI on behalf of the government, to all the individuals. It is generally adults over the age of 18 who apply for a PAN card. However, a student can also apply for a PAN card.

The government of India has made it mandatory for all the individuals who has taxable income to possess a PAN card, including a PAN card for students as well. Since PAN card is an official document for identity proof in India, it should be used by all income earning individuals and non-individuals.  For students, a PAN card can act as an alternate identity for a school ID card.

Benefits Of Having A PAN Card
A PAN card comes into a student’s life with numerous benefits, keeping all the prospects in mind. Students should apply for a PAN card as early as possible since  it comes with numerous perks like:

  • Proof Of Identity: It will serve as one of the major sources of identification proofs in both governments as well as private institutions. It is one of the Indian documents that is accepted universally. Any student who wishes to go abroad for further studies should apply for a PAN card making the entire journey hassle-free.
  • Applying For Student Loans: A PAN is a must for getting loans from the bank. If a student going through a crisis, wishes to apply for a bank loan for further studies, they should apply for a PAN card first.
  • Life-Long Validity: Once applied, the PAN card doesn’t require any further replacements. This document will link all your lifelong financial transactions through one single identity card.
  • IT Returns Filing: Let’s admit, all of us have to start paying taxes one day, all individuals who are eligible for IT are expected to file for their IT returns. A PAN card is necessary for filing IT returns, hence it would be advisable to get familiar will the IT culture beforehand and be well equipped rather than applying for a PAN card at the heat of the moment.
  • Starting A Business: If you are a young budding entrepreneur who is fascinated by the start-up culture in India, you have to know that to start a company it is mandatory to have a PAN Registered on its name. The earlier you start to learn about taxes and banking, the more beneficial it is, here is the link of a verified tax practitioner course in Ahmedabad that will give you a better perspective about taxes and transactions.

Linking Of PAN With Aadhar
Being a responsible citizen one should link their PAN card with their Aadhaar to help our nation avoid the problem of issuing numerous PAN cards under a single name. Government has mandated to have aadhar card and linking of the same with PAN. No New PAN can be issued without Aadhar card. Even issued PAN has to be linked with Addhar, Your PAN will be cancelled if it will be not linked to Addhar in near future.

How Can One Apply For A PAN Card?

PAN card is issued by the IT Department of India under the supervision of the Central Board of Direct Tax. There are different steps to apply for a PAN card online and offline.

  • For the online process of PAN Card UTIITSL, NSDL is the most authentic platforms for students to apply.
  • If an applicant is from India they should pay Rs.110 as the application fee.
  • A 49A form has to be filled for both online or offline proceeding of the application.
  • One has to carry 2 latest passport size photographs, and a copy of Aadhar Card required as address and identity proofs. If Aadhar card don’t have date of birth then birth proof is required to be attached.
  • TAN: Tax Deduction And Collection Account Number: While filing for Tax deducted at source (TDS) or Tax Collected at Source (TCS), quoting TAN is a prerequisite. As a 10- digit alphanumeric identifier for individuals or entities that deduct or collect tax at source, TAN helps streamlining or collection of tax at source.

Do Students Need TAN?
As TAN Furnishes details about Tax deducted at source and is used for Filing TDS return it is not required by students as they are not. Tax Deductor or TDS return filer.

However, students should have a brief idea about Taxes as it is not taught in educational institutions and can be quite a tedious task once they start adulting. Understanding taxes can be quite arduous at times, here is a link to one of the best tax courses in Ahmedabad that will help you learn better.

Is PAN Compulsory For A TAN Application?
The Central Board of Direct taxes is considering making PAN mandatory as a requirement for allotting  Tax Deduction Account Numbers (TAN) to companies that deduct tax at source.

Can PAN Replace TAN?
PAN should never be quoted in the field where TAN is required to be quoted. However, a person required to deduct tax under section 194-1A can use PAN in place of TAN as such a person is not required to obtain Tan.

Procedure To Apply For TAN
Just like PAN a person has the choice to apply for TAN either through online or offline methods.

  • One has to fill a TAN Application form 49B to avail a new Tax Deduction and Collection Number.
  • While applying for TAN the applicants are not required to submit any documents, they only have to submit an acknowledgment slip if they apply for a new TAN.

As we grow older Taxes become an essential part of our life, PAN card will become a core part of our identity, due to their lack of knowledge a lot of people get cheated in the beginning process of their tax filings. Here is a link to a taxation training course in Ahmedabad, that will save you on a rainy day.

Professional Etiquettes For Tax Professionals

How you conduct yourself speaks volumes about you. The way you act and communicate…

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How you conduct yourself speaks volumes about you. The way you act and communicate with people around you becomes your hallmark, especially in professional settings. 

In a professional setting, you would come across a lot of people, including your seniors, your subordinates and your clientele. To leave a positive impression on them and to earn their trust and respect, you must abide by some unwritten codes of conduct. Simply put, professional etiquettes are what define you in a professional setting. 

Tax professionals to need to abide by a set of professional etiquettes, to succeed. You can consider taking the course on taxation training in Ahmedabad if you want expert advice on this matter.

Why Tax Professionals Must Act According To Professional Etiquettes
If you are an aspiring tax professional, you must understand a simple fact. While dealing with your clientele, you must win them over with your manners. Your courteous demeanour will help you forge good relationships with your clients.

Even your chances of being recommended to other potential clients would improve to a great extent. If you opt for a tax practitioner course in Ahmedabad, you will surely receive proper guidance about professional etiquettes that you must observe.

Etiquettes Which All Tax Professionals Must be Mindful of
Now that you know why tax professionals must be mindful of professional etiquettes, you must know what codes of conduct you must abide by. Let’s take a look at how you must conduct yourself while dealing with your clients, under different circumstances:

1. When You Are Having A Face-to-Face Interaction In Real Life

While having a face-to-face interaction with your clients in real life, you must act according to the following etiquettes:

  • Be polite and amiable when greeting them. 
  • Stand up when you are welcoming them. When you are introducing yourself to them or are being introduced, you must stand up.
  • Try not to avoid eye contact with your client when talking to them or negotiating with them. Staring at them for several minutes might indeed make them feel uncomfortable. But a complete avoidance of eye contact is not acceptable either. 
  • A little small talk can help your clients feel at ease with you. However, avoid asking them overly personal questions. For instance, you may enquire after their health but you must refrain from asking them about their relationship status.
  • Listen to your clients attentively. 
  • Your dress code forms a part of your professional etiquette. So, dress formally and professionally.
  • Be confident when discussing matters with your clients or filing tax returns. If you speak with an air of confidence, it will leave a lasting impression on the minds of your clients.

2. When You Are Having A Virtual Face-to-Face Interaction

Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic raging all over the world, face-to-face communication with clients had to be shifted to the digital and virtual platforms. 

So, when you are interacting with your clientele on Google Meet or Zoom, you must be mindful of a few more points in addition to the professional etiquettes as discussed above. The additional etiquettes or rather, netiquettes have been discussed in the following section:

  • It’s important to minimize distractions and noises in the background when you are having an online meeting with your clients. Choose a relatively noise-free area when you are attending the meeting. 
  • Make sure that you have a stable internet connection. You must make sure to ask your clients politely, about their internet connection as well. In case any problem arises in connection to this issue, you must apologize to your client and talk to them about making an alternative arrangement.
  • While listening to your client, you must mute yourself.
  • Even if you are having an online meeting, it’s important to abide by a formal dress code. If you appear presentable and professional, it will leave a good impression on the minds of your clients.

3. When You Are Talking To Clients Over Phone

Sometimes, you might have to connect with your clients over the phone. You must uphold your professionalism in this regard as well. Following are the professional etiquettes which you must keep in mind in this regard:

  • Refrain from calling your clients at ungodly hours, unless there is an exigency. Calling them after normal working hours, on weekends or national holidays may be perceived as unprofessional.
  • Once they receive your call, politely ask them if they can talk to you at that particular point of time. If they are unable to talk to you at that juncture, you may call them later as per their convenience.
  • Be direct and straightforward while discussing matters over a phone call. It’s always advisable to keep it short and sweet.
  • Try minimizing distractions and background noises too.

4. When You Need To Send E-mails To Your Clients

You must remember to act professionally while sending e-mails to your clients and responding to their queries. So, without further ado, let’s look at the professional etiquettes that you should observe when it comes to e-mail:

  • Always use salutations and proper greetings.
  • Avoid making grammatical errors, syntactical errors and other minor mistakes. It’s important to thoroughly proofread the emails which you would send to your clients.
  • Write concisely and crisply. 

All the points discussed in this section must be remembered by every budding tax professional and they might reap a lot of benefits if they take up a taxation course. A tax practitioner course in Ahmedabad might help them immensely.

Takeaways

All tax professionals in the making must be mindful of the fact that if somebody wants to be respected, they must respect others first. If you act by the codes of conduct, a lot of opportunities might come along your way. 

As Clarence Thomas puts it: “Good manners will open doors that the best education cannot.” That is why prospective tax professionals need to follow certain professional etiquettes. Do you want to discover more about it and gain some valuable first-hand experience concerning professionalism? In that case, you may consider taking up the best tax course in Ahmedabad without further delay.