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Sage MAS 90, MAS 200 and MAS 500
Communicator
Vol. 10 l Issue 4
December 2009
In This Issue
Taxing Personal & Business Use of Cell Phones
NEW 2009 Wisconsin Regulations for W-2s & 1099s
W-2's eFiling Options
Period-end Processing
Year-end Program Updates
Important Reminder - Steps to Complete Prior to Payroll Year-end Processing
Sage MAS 500 Version 7.30
Sage MAS 500 Crystal Reports Training
Sage KnowledgeSync:A Wise Solution in a Challenging Economy Lunch-n-Learn
Tips and Tricks - Sage MAS 90 and Sage MAS 200
Tips and Tricks - Sage MAS 500
Schenck Holiday Schedule
Taxing Personal & Business Use of Cell Phones
The personal use of employer provided cell phones started getting processed on W-2s a few years ago and it's coming to light more now because the IRS has been cracking down on it and issuing penalties where it is not being processed. 
 
Cell phones (including all types of cellular devices) owned by the company are considered listed property for the IRS. Because of this, any personal usage of the cell phone is considered taxable wages to the employee.

To read more on the taxing of personal and business use of cell phones, please click here.
NEW 2009 Wisconsin Regulations for W-2s & 1099s
 
The threshold for filling 1099's electronically in Wisconsin has changed for 2009. The new threshold for Wisconsin is now "50 or more of any one type of information return." If you will be filing 50 or more 1099's this year, you will need to file those electronically with the State. Below is the section of the Wisconsin State statue on electronic filing. Please contact Jenny Searl at 920-996-1202 if you have any questions. 
 
WI State statute.
(20) Electronic Filing. If a person is required to file 50 or more wage statements or 50 or more of any one type of information return with the department, the person shall file the statements or the returns electronically, by means prescribed by the department.
W-2 eFiling Options
 
Year-end is just around the corner and it's time to start planning how you will be filing your W-2's for 2009. There are now many cost effective options and new filing requirements that you will want to consider.
 
Most of you are aware of the new requirements for filing W-2's in Wisconsin. Wisconsin's threshold for filing W-2's electronically has been reduced. As part of the Wisconsin Budget Bill Governor Doyle recently signed into law, the threshold for filing W-2's electronically has changed from 250 forms to 50 forms. How will you comply with these requirements if you are required to file electronically?
 
Click here to see a summary of your options for completing W-2's electronically this year.
Period-end Processing
 
Sage MAS 90 and Sage MAS 200 period-end processing is a vitally important step in keeping your data healthy. Many modules maintain buckets of data by year (year-to-date, prior-year, etc.). These data elements are reinitialized during period-end processing. Other housekeeping functions are performed during year-end processing as well.
 
Year-end is a busy time for most businesses and frequently internal accounting is put on a back burner. Nevertheless, do not neglect this procedure as its delay can have far reaching impacts on your data. With a little planning, information (like that contained in this newsletter), and a minor time commitment, year-end processing can proceed smoothly.

For more information on period-end processing, click here.
Year-end Program Updates
 
Year-End Program Change Availability:
The following Sage MAS 90 and Sage MAS 200 Interim Release Downloads (Year-End program changes) are expected to be available on the Sage Software Online website mid-December (around Dec 20).

W-2, 1099 or Electronic Reporting/Magnetic Media program changes. We will notify you in mid-December if there are any updates needed for 2009.

- Install before you run 2009 W-2s, 1099s or Electronic Reporting
- V3.71, V4.0, V4.05, V4.1, V4.2 & V4.3 will be available via Sage Online Services

Q1 2010 Tax Table Updates
- Install after W-2 forms have been created and prior to first payroll run for 2010
- V3.71, V4.0, V4.05, V4.1, V4.2 & V4.3 will be available via Sage Online Services
NOTE: Your Schenck Technology Consultant will bring these program updates with them when onsite to assist with running W-2's and closing the year.
 
Getting Logged onto Sage Software Online:
To download Tax Table Updates from Sage Online Support website, go to www.sagesoftwareonline.com. Log in to Sage Online, then click on Support | MAS 90 and MAS 200 under the Support Options and Resources section. Then select Tax Table Updates under the Download section. If you do not already have a user name, you'll need to select Register Now. You must have a current maintenance plan to access the Sage Online website. Please call Jenny Searl if you have trouble registering for a Sage Online login.
Important Reminder - Steps to Complete Prior to Payroll Year-end Processing
Enter taxable fringe benefits, including:
- Group Term Life > $50,000
- Personal Use of Auto
- Personal Use of Cell Phone (see separate article)
- Amounts taxable under an unaccountable expense reimbursement plan
Check that no employee has exceeded the 401(k) limits ($16,500 for employees under 50 and $22,000 for employees 50 and over for 2009)

Test Social Security taxes withheld for a few employees over the FICA limit. ($106,800 for 2009)
 
Do not install tax table updates prior to running W-2s, even if you have to enter payroll for 2010 prior to W-2 printing.
 
After final payroll is run:
For Sage MAS 90 or Sage MAS 200: Use Copy feature in Company Maintenance (4.x) to copy current payroll data to a backup company for future reference. See Tips 'N Tricks article for details or contact Jenny Searl at 920-996-1202.
Sage MAS 500 Version 7.30
As you may already know, Sage has released MAS 500 V7.30. You should receive your V7.3 DVD directly in the mail. Sage has taken more time than usual to test and be sure that this new version has fewer issues than other initial version releases. However, Schenck's technology team recommends following our normal policy of waiting a few months after this initial release before installing a new release on our customer systems. Therefore, we will begin contacting you later in the first quarter of 2010, after Sage update fixes have been released, about upgrading your systems. As usual, we will begin with our less complicated customer installations and work our way toward the more complex. Let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
 
Sage MAS 500 leverages technology to empower enterprise-wide productivity and growth. To see a list of key enhancements in version 7.3, please click here.
Sage MAS 500 Crystal Reports Training
 
Schenck's MAS 500 team is offering a Crystal Reports Version 10 training session! Scott Firgens & Vicki Fischer will instruct beginning Crystal users on Crystal basics: getting started with Crystal Reports, creating new reports, adding reports to Sage MAS 500 menus, and modifying existing reports and forms. We will be training on Crystal Reports Version 10. This is a hands-on session!
 
The cost to attend this session is $250 per person, which includes lunch.
Location: Schenck, 200 E Washington St, Appleton
Please register by Tuesday, January 13.
 
To register, go to www.schencksc.com/events or contact Jenny Searl at 920-996-1202 or 800-236-2246.
Sage KnowledgeSync: A Wise Solution in a Challenging Economy Lunch-n-Learn
 
In today's competitive marketplace, it's crucial to stay on top of critical, time-sensitive business activities. Stay "in the know" with KnowledgeSync for Sage MAS Financials.
 
KnowledgeSync is a business activity monitoring application that helps you stay on top of your business.  It monitors and auto-responds to critical, time-sensitive business data that can lead to lost revenue and decreased productivity. 
 
KnowledgeSync alerts your staff, clients, and suppliers. It delivers forms and reports to the people who need them. It schedules & assigns tasks. And it moves data from one application to another.
 
Please join us for a FREE session to learn how KnowledgeSync may help your business stay "in the know". Lunch will be served during the session. There is no cost to attend. 
 
You also have the option of attending the session via the internet if you are not able to make it to the Schenck office on that day. You will receive log-in instructions a few days prior to the event.
 
Please register by Tuesday, January 26, 2010 by visiting www.schencksc.com/events or clicking on the links below.
 
Meetings will be held:
 
 
 
If you have any questions, please contact Jenny Searl at 920-996-1202 or 800-236-2246.
Tips and Tricks - Sage MAS 90 and Sage MAS 200
 
How to backup company data in Version 4.x
 

Sage MAS 90 has a built-in program to assist with the copying of company data to another company within MAS 90. This is especially helpful at quarter-end for copying payroll and for copying all modules at year-end to a "history" company before performing the quarter-end and year-end processing.

Click here to find out how you can backup company data in Version 4.x.
Tips and Tricks - Sage MAS 500
 
How to create a test database. 
 
Occasionally, in Sage MAS 500 it is helpful to have a test database containing your exact data to run 'What if' scenarios. Test databases are often used to test major upgrades before launching them company wide or to test a new module or business process in a controlled environment.
 
Summary Steps:
  • Backup your existing data
  • Restore as another database name
  • Synchronize the new database
  • Specify the new database at login
For detailed steps, please click here.
Schenck Holiday Schedule
 
Schenck's office hours for the holiday season are as follows:

Thursday, December 24, 2009 - Closing at Noon
Friday, December 25, 2009 - CLOSED for Christmas Day

Thursday, December 31, 2009 - Closing at 5:00 p.m.
Friday, January 1, 2010 - CLOSED for New Year's Day
Schenck Welcomes New
Technology Clients
We would like to take this opportunity to welcome the following new clients. We look forward to working with:
 
Sage MAS 90
  • Stonehill Converting, LLC
    (De Pere)
 Sage MAS 200
  • Plexus Corporation (Neenah)

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the other 190-plus clients we have been doing business with over the years. We appreciate your support!

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Fall

Promotions

Promotions remain in effect until close of business on December 31, 2009 unless otherwise stated. Promotions do not apply to maintenance or support.
 
To take advantage of any of these great specials, please contact Tom Maurer at 800-236-2246, extension 1331. 

Sage MAS 90 and Sage MAS 200 - Last Chance! 
 
New! Sage MAS 90 and Sage MAS 200 Customers who Migrate from ACT! to Extended Enterprise Suite can save 25% 
Sage MAS 90 and 200 customers who are using ACT! by Sage, the ACT! Link, or ACT! for Sage MAS 90 and 200 are eligible for 25% in savings toward their migration to Extended Enterprise Suite.

This offer does not apply to Sage maintenance or support fees and cannot be combined with any other product offer. To take advantage of this offer, you must have a current Sage Maintenance Plan or your Sage Maintenance Plan can be renewed at the time of purchase.
 
 
New! Extended Enterprise Suite Customers Save $400 on Add-on User Licenses 
Current Extended Enterprise Suite (EES) customers can now add user licenses to their system and save $400 on each user license added. Now is the perfect time to extend access to key employees.

This offer only applies for EES users six through 25. Standard pricing will apply to EES users 26 and beyond. This offer does not apply to Sage maintenance or support fees and cannot be combined with any other product offer. To take advantage of this offer, you must have a current Sage Maintenance Plan or your Sage Maintenance Plan can be renewed at the time of purchase.
 
Extended - Enroll in Sage Payment Solutions and save $1,100 on the Sage MAS 90 and 200 Cash Flow bundle*
In today's economy, it is crucial for businesses to take measures to improve and promote healthy cash flow. For a limited time only, Sage MAS 90 and Sage MAS 200 customers who enroll in Sage Payment Solutions will be eligible to have the cost of the Credit Card Processing module waived - a savings of $1,100 (excluding subscription cost)!
 
Note: Valid proof of enrollment in Sage Payment Solutions is required. In addition, Sage MAS 90 and 200 customers who participate in this promotion can also take advantage of Sage KnowledgeSync Professional for $0 ($399 annual service fee required).
 

Extended - Simplify, Take Control and Reduce Outsourced Costs with the Sage MAS 90 and 200 "Do It Yourself" Payroll Bundle* 
Lower your costs, access data faster and easier - now is the time to take back payroll with the Sage MAS 90 and 200 Payroll Bundle. Purchase Sage MAS 90 or 200 Payroll and Direct Deposit for only $1,705 - a savings of $475!*  Or, if you already own the Payroll module, add the Direct Deposit module for only $855, a savings of $95.
 
* Promotional price applies to the product portion of the sale only and regular maintenance applies. This offer does not apply to Sage maintenance or support fees and cannot be combined with any other product offer. You must have a current Sage Maintenance Plan or your Sage Maintenance Plan can be renewed at the time of purchase.
 
 
Extended - Add EES CRM users to the purchase of Sage MAS 90 or 200 Extended Enterprise Suite for $795 each! A Maximum Savings of $1,455 each!
Sage MAS 90 and Sage MAS 200 customers who migrate to Sage MAS 90 or 200 Extended Enterprise Suite can save on their purchase of new EES CRM users at just $795 each! For a maximum savings of $1,455 each!
 
Purchase of EES CRM users also requires the purchase of first year maintenance and support at $151 per user for Basic or $199 for Gold. EES CRM user promo offer requires a minimum of five full-use Extended Enterprise Suite users, and cannot be combined with any other offers unless expressly stated. The 20-user limitation (full-use + EES CRM) still applies for the Sage MAS 90 edition of Extended Enterprise Suite. Eligible customers must have purchased their Sage MAS 90 or 200 system prior to June 30, 2009.
 
Extended - 0% Financing on Migrations to Sage MAS 90 or Sage MAS 200 Extended Enterprise Suite  
Sage MAS 90 and 200 customers can migrate to Sage MAS 90 or 200 Extended Enterprise Suite and receive 0% financing on the upgrade fees. Sage will reduce the SLP on the order by the appropriate discount to cover the cost of 12 and 24 month financing. 
 
Promotion applies to the product portion of the sale only and not to maintenance. Promotion cannot be combined with other promotions and applies only to non-discounted transactions of $10,000 or greater.
 
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Promotions remain in effect until close of business on December 31, 2009 unless otherwise stated.  Promotions do not apply to maintenance or support.
 
To take advantage of any of these great specials, please contact Tom Maurer at 800-236-2246 x1331.