Intuit plans to provide free electronic filing for its TurboTax desktop software products for individuals for tax year 2008, in response to a request from Congress and the Internal Revenue Service.

Accounting firms measure their success, not by what is billed, but by what's collected.

AccountMate released its AccountMate 7 for LAN software with more than 200 enhancements.

Host Analytics introduced the latest version of its financial and corporate performance management software.

Accounting firms measure their success, not by what is billed, but by what's collected.

Intacct has partnered with QuickArrow to offer online software that combines project management, resource management, financial management and accounting.

Accounting firms measure their success, not by what is billed, but by what's collected.

SpeedTax said its Web-based sales tax management service would soon be integrated with Intuit's QuickBooks Enterprise, Pro and Premier editions.

Accounting firms measure their success, not by what is billed, but by what's collected.

CCH and OpenPages have signed an agreement to integrate OpenPages Financial Controls Management software with CCH's TeamMate audit management system.

After a few minutes spent looking around the conference held for reseller’s of Intuit’s QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions, the question seemed obvious. “Where’s the Sage reception?” I asked.It didn’t take long at the conference, held earlier this week in Dallas, to see a number of faces that are familiar from the Sage reselling world. Many of them are already displaying the fact they carry QBES on their Web sites.

Sage Software has updated its FAS fixed assets software with new reporting and tax features that reflect the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act was passed in 2002. Six years later, subject companies are still in the process of trying to comply with its provisions. Add in the fact that other countries are implementing similar financial regulations, some of which U.S. companies operating in those countries are subject to, and it’s easy to see why SOX compliance is still a hot issue.While it seems like everyone is still arguing about implementation issues and which companies should be subject to which provisions, the main effect of Sarbanes-Oxley is to move the ultimate responsibility for the accuracy of financial reports from the outside auditor to the company’s management. “The accountant cooked the books!” is no longer acceptable. The company has to have sufficient internal controls and procedures to detect if the books are being cooked. Under Section 302, management has to certify the appropriateness and fairness of the financial statements, regardless of what an external auditor reports.

VRAKAS/BLUM BUYS CLIFTON GUNDERSON’S SAGE PRACTICEVrakas/Blum Computer Consulting has acquired the clients and employees of Clifton Gunderson’s Wisconsin Sage practice.

The accounting profession is blessed with many leaders at firms of all sizes who are dedicated to client service and hard work. Many of the characteristics that make these leaders successful now will be just as important in the future. A growing body of knowledge and an evolving industry, however, mean new competencies and careful planning must come into the mix for future leaders to excel.Succession planning and developing future leaders are issues that all accounting firms face today — especially as Baby Boomers leave or prepare to leave the profession. In many firms the runway is getting shorter and even reaching a crisis point in some cases. Too often I hear the question, “Who is going to buy me out?” rather than, “We are developing managers and future leaders.”

NetSuite has added support for Google's new Chrome browser to its accounting, customer relationship management and e-commerce software.

The invitations have been flowing fast and furious lately: “I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.” At first, it seemed like the thing to do and I indulged in what I will call LinkedIn promiscuity, accepting all invitations. There was also the phenomenon of LinkedIn Envy when I saw acquaintances with more than 500 connections and a plethora of recommendations.

Vertex has updated its O Series tax software, expanding the product's global tax management and compliance features.

Is there a Hispanic customer in your future?

Intuit reported that its fiscal 2008 revenue of $3.1 billion grew 15 percent from last year and its fourth quarter revenue of $478 million increased 11 percent from the year-ago quarter.