Please recommend an accounting software for a really small business -
a member-managed Delaware LLC. No employees, small expenses, income
from consulting. Need some basic software to do the reports and
schedules for tax purposes. List of options with prices and user
reviews will be accepted for an answer. Thank you.

Greetings knowser-ga,

I'll be glad to handle this request for you.  I own a business and so
am familiar with several of the more popular, well-supported
applications for the small business owner. I will note only features
for the 'basic' or smallest package for sake of convenience.  For any
of the packages, feel free to request a clarification if you are
curious about features or prices of advanced packages. I also have
provided a 'unique feature' which highlights something unique or
interesting about a particular package.

============================
QUICKBOOKS 2004
============================

Manufacturer:     Intuit
Price:     $199.95
Support Available:     Subscription based
Tax Support:     Yes

Unique Features:  Online Edition, $19.95/mo (30 day free trial) - Get
your accounting done wherever you are with Anytime, Anywhere Access

Link: http://quickbooks.intuit.com/commerce/catalog/product.jhtml?view=features&priorityCode=0273400000&prodId=prod30000


============================
PEACHTREE ACCOUNTING 2004
============================

Manufacturer:     Peachtree
Price:     $199.95
Support Available:     30 days free, then subscription based
Tax Support:     Yes

Link: http://www.peachtree.com/PeachtreeAccountingLine/Accounting/


I have used both of these products, and they both have advantages and
disadvantages.  I personally prefer, would recommend and am most
familiar with Quickbooks, however, my tastes may be different from
yours.

I recommend downloading a trial version of each product, and then use
them side by side for a month, or even a week depending on the volume
of accounting you do, to see which you find easiest and most
convenient for your situation.

You can find a trial version of each product here:

Quickbooks: 
http://quickbooks.intuit.com/commerce/catalog/category.jhtml?priorityCode=0273400000&categoryId=cat0000000000004331582&lid=nav

Peachtree:
http://www.peachtree.com/download/trial.cfm

Both products are designed around the small business, are customizable
to a degree and allow you to flag and export your tax-related
information during the tax season!

If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask for
clarification, I'll be glad to readdress anything.

Kindest regards,

mosquitohawk-ga

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Request for Answer Clarification by knowser-ga on 16 Feb 2004 08:06 PST

Thanks. Can either of these packages generate forms 1065 (Federal and
state) and K-1?

---

Clarification of Answer by mosquitohawk-ga on 16 Feb 2004 12:39 PST

Greetings again,

I am sorry to say I have contacted customer support from both
companies and neither software offers the ability to print the forms
you have mentioned.

Thanks,

mosquitohawk-ga

---

Request for Answer Clarification by knowser-ga on 16 Feb 2004 13:13 PST

Well since this is almost the only reason for which I need this
software - is there anything else you can recommend that can help me
with producing these forms? Is there anything specific to LLC tax
reporting?

---

Clarification of Answer by mosquitohawk-ga on 16 Feb 2004 16:25 PST

Greetings again,

I have contacted both companies again, and found that Intuit, the
maker of QuickBooks, is also the maker of the famous tax program
'TurboTax'.  In a conversation with a customer service rep from
Intuit, I was made aware that you are able to import all your
QuickBooks data into 'TurboTax for Business' and it will print the
forms you have requested and more.

You can get more information on TurboTax for Business at the following link:

http://www.shop.intuit.com/commerce/catalog/product.jhtml?view=information&priorityCode=22881&prodId=prod0000000000005948708

Considering the popularity of both programs, I would recommend this
option, however, if you desire me to continue to look further, I can
do so.

Kindest regards,

--mosquitohawk-ga

Thank you very much. This was exactly what I was looking for.