Posted by Tudi/CA on 4/4/13 3:00pm
Msg #464454

Notary Accounting Software

Last year, I purchased a Notary Accounting Software package that I saw advertised somewhere. There are places to enter information for each job including customer, borrower, address, number of docs, number of notarized signatures, mileage, expenses, fee. It keeps track of payments received and bills outstanding. From this information, the software can print reports for profits, expenses, and taxes. I ran all 3 reports for my tax accountant last week. It was the first time I really analyzed the "big picture". The profit was far less than what I had thought. I am now revising my rates upward and marketing to companies where I can bill a fee that will earn a profit. I am also running the reports on a monthly basis now, instead of waiting until the end of the year. The reports are very enlightening. They factor everything into the equation....how much it actually costs to perform a mobile notaries job versus the compensation. If anyone is interested in getting software, you can do a google search for "notary accounting software". There are many programs available...I think the trick is to get one that is specific to "mobile notary" work.

Reply by Jessica/FL on 4/4/13 3:13pm
Msg #464456

Thank you for sharing.

It took me a while to realize the "BIG PICTURE". Cashflow can be easily confused for profit until you do a proper analysis of costs including taxes.

Reply by VT_Syrup on 4/4/13 3:30pm
Msg #464457

How long will the vendor be around?

When I'm using a computer for anything that has to be around for a while, I worry about how long the software or cloud service supplier will be around. Imagine it's April 14, your ready to run the numbers for the previous year to do your taxes, you try to log on to your cloud accounting service, and they aren't there anymore. That's why I would tend to stay with a big vendor and put everything on paper at the end of the year for long term storage.

Reply by Tudi/CA on 4/4/13 3:35pm
Msg #464458

Re: How long will the vendor be around?

The software program that I use runs on the computer hard drive. Nothing is done over the internet. The software company sends you a disc, and you load the program directly onto your computer.

Reply by John Tennant on 4/4/13 4:06pm
Msg #464459

Re: How long will the vendor be around?

Speaking as an EA, it sounds to me that this program would benefit any mobile business of any kind. As for being concerned with support, or obsolescence (?) it should not be a concern as you have the original cd and it is hard disc loaded. Rarely does any accounting software become obsolete. Would Tudi/CA be willing to share the brand via PM inquires?? Good info, thank you.

Reply by Larry/IL on 4/4/13 4:37pm
Msg #464460

Re: How long will the vendor be around?

I too would like to know which software it might be.

Reply by Karla/OR on 4/4/13 4:42pm
Msg #464461

I would like to know as well. Thanks. n/m

Reply by desktopfull on 4/4/13 4:42pm
Msg #464462

Re: How long will the vendor be around?

Sounds like notary a$$i$t. Great program! Sorry about the $ signs in post but for some reason I can't post using the "s's".

Reply by Tudi/CA on 4/4/13 5:14pm
Msg #464465

Re: How long will the vendor be around?

Yes, that's the one!

Reply by Tudi/CA on 4/4/13 5:10pm
Msg #464464

Re: How long will the vendor be around?

Yes, if you want the name of the notary software program, just private message me.

Reply by pat/WA on 4/4/13 5:55pm
Msg #464471

Re: How long will the vendor be around?

That is a GREAT accounting program!

Reply by VT_Syrup on 4/4/13 6:02pm
Msg #464472

Re: How long will the vendor be around?

Mr. Tennant wrote " As for being concerned with support, or obsolescence (?) it should not be a concern as you have the original cd and it is hard disc loaded." That makes it more dependable than a cloud-based service, but it isn't always possible to run old software on new operating systems. Perhaps a program available today was designed for Windows XP, and various band-aids were applied to keep it going through Windows 8. When Windows 9 comes along, maybe someone will be around to upgrade it, and maybe not. So I wouldn't count on any software from a mom & pop operation to keep running past 2020. The chances of having to retrieve a balance sheet from 2013 in 2020 are slim, but the IRS seems to keep reaching further and further back for some records. And if you are applying for a mortgage in 2020, how far back will they look into the income of a self-employed person?

As an EA, maybe Mr. Tennant can answer this: does the IRS promise people making technology plans that if no audit has begun by date X, certain categories of records CANNOT be demanded by the IRS?

I would put it on paper, or at least into a format that so many people are invested in, it will not go away for many decades (PDF comes to mind).

Reply by Tudi/CA on 4/4/13 7:15pm
Msg #464483

Re: How long will the vendor be around?

You can print to paper all the information and reports that come up on your computer screen if you want to keep a hard copy in your file cabinet.

Reply by 101livescan on 4/4/13 8:30pm
Msg #464490

Re: How long will the vendor be around?

Thank you for sharing. This is very beneficial for all NSAs, new and old, to totally understand the depth and breadth of this business and what it takes to be profitable. I hope everyone takes and makes good use of it.

Reply by Tudi/CA on 4/4/13 7:22pm
Msg #464484

Re: How long will the vendor be around?

I just checked their web-site regarding computer compatibility with their software program. It is compatible with Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP and Mac.

Reply by sueharke on 4/4/13 8:19pm
Msg #464488

Re: How long will the vendor be around?

I am responding as a CPA, not a notary.

There is no promise that any software package does not need to updated at some time. The updating of a program depends on the companies that create the operating systems and the updates to that operating system used in a computer (Microsoft, Apple, Linux), not the individual programs used on a computer. The IRS has no authority to make any promises as to what a private company may or may not do, except the companies that produce tax software packages (the IRS approves the tax forms the companies use).

You state PDF has been around for decades, but the programs that create PDF files have changed based on the changes in operating systems.

There is a quote that "change is the only event that will happen over time." Are you able to accept change as it happens?

Reply by Tudi/CA on 4/6/13 4:09pm
Msg #464762

Re: How long will the vendor be around?

Yes, I would be happy to provide the name of the software program for anyone interested. Just Private Message me, and I'll send you the information.