| Not many years ago, accountant supply lists | | | | software program, which is much more |
| involved items such as ledgers, stamps with | | | | expensive. |
| inkpads, and a very large cup of sharp pencils. | | | | Some software accountant supply packages, such |
| Today, accountant supply lists are much different. | | | | as Peachtree by Sage, offer areas of accounting |
| Computer | | | | software specialty as well, such as accounting for |
| First and foremost, the most important | | | | construction, accounting for distribution, accounting |
| accountant supply to purchase is a computer. This | | | | for manufacturing, and accounting for nonprofit |
| is a given in nearly every existing business in the | | | | organizations. Therefore, as with a computer |
| United States today, and choosing a computer | | | | purchase, get several opinions from various |
| can be complicated and confusing due to the | | | | sources in order to make the most educated |
| many options that are available. If you don't have | | | | purchase for your accounting businesss. |
| a computer that you can use for your accounting | | | | Other Supplies |
| business, visit your local accountant supply store, | | | | Once a computer system and software package |
| office supply store, or computer dealer. | | | | is installed, filling an accountant supply cabinet is |
| Shop around at a minimum of three places, and | | | | the next item a self employed accountant should |
| ask a sales representative to demonstrate the | | | | choose to complete. Before spending your hard |
| different features, as well as review features on | | | | earned dollars, though, carefully research the |
| memory. Bring a note book to write down the | | | | items that you will need the most and those |
| different types of computers you've seen, as well | | | | items that you will need immediately in your |
| as the pros and cons of each different computer. | | | | particular accounting specialty. |
| If you have a relative or close friend who knows | | | | A few basic items for your effectively equipping |
| computers, share your findings in order to make | | | | your office, which are available at most any |
| the most educated purchase that is best for your | | | | accountant supply or office supply store, are as |
| business. | | | | follows: |
| Accounting Software | | | | - Client tax guide organizers |
| After purchasing a computer, or if you already | | | | - Presentation materials and client folders |
| have a computer suitable for your accounting | | | | - Accounting forms |
| office, the obvious next accountant supply that | | | | - Filing cabinet with file folders |
| will be needed is a good accounting software | | | | - Accounting reference materials |
| package. Rather than choosing accounting | | | | - Telephone with headset |
| software by brand, though, choose software that | | | | - Desk top calculator and adding machine |
| is right for your particular business. | | | | Some items that will be needed in your |
| Out-of-the-box accounting software is most | | | | accountant supply cabinet can be purchased at an |
| suitable for small and medium-sized businesses | | | | accountant supply or office supply store, but |
| that have standard accountant supply needs. If | | | | could also be obtained at no charge through the |
| your business needs unique data reports, make | | | | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or ordered at |
| sure the accounting software you choose offers | | | | irs.gov. |
| customizable reports. If you run a service-related | | | | - W2 and 1099 tax forms |
| business, check to be sure the accounting | | | | - Federal and State envelopes |
| software includes features such as a time and | | | | - Federal and State income tax forms for the |
| billing module. When choosing your software, ask | | | | current tax year |
| a few pertinent questions to make sure the | | | | Basic office supplies that should be included on |
| package is right for your accounting business. | | | | your accountant supply list are: |
| - Does the accounting software allow you to print | | | | - Pens |
| or electronically send cheques, purchase orders, | | | | - Pencils and an electric pencil sharpener |
| and invoices? | | | | - Paper clips |
| - Does it have internet connectivity so you can | | | | - Stapler |
| bank online? | | | | - Rubber bands |
| - Is it integrated with other software that you | | | | - Desk organizers and baskets for organizing |
| often use, such as Microsoft Office? | | | | paperwork to be kept on your desk |
| - Is it able to convert data from other accounting | | | | - Envelopes of various sizes |
| programs or databases? In other words, will the | | | | - Postage meter if you do or plan on doing a lot |
| accounting software be able to meet all of your | | | | of daily mailings on a very regular basis |
| needs, now and in the future? | | | | - Self inking stamps - one with your business |
| - Does it work easily with tax forms and | | | | mailing address and one for stamping bank |
| configurations? | | | | deposits |
| If you anticipate your business to grow and | | | | - Letterhead and envelopes with your business |
| include other staff accountants, consider these | | | | name printed on them |
| additional questions as well. | | | | - Business cards |
| - Is the accounting software networkable? | | | | Additionally, consider a unique accountant supply |
| - How easy or expensive is it to move from one | | | | that could be of great benefit to you and your |
| user to multi-users? | | | | clients -- a subscription to a tax update |
| - With some accounting software, adding new | | | | newsletter, or another resource that will keep you |
| users is just a matter of buying the appropriate | | | | regularly informed of tax updates, and can help |
| number of user licenses; with others, you have to | | | | you remain updated on the latest changes in |
| purchase multiple copies of the accounting | | | | taxes and tax laws. |