Google making search more interesting
Search results are changing. Homestead users need to understand how the changes will effect their copy writing in order to gain the full potential of the way Search Engines are pulling results.
Posts tagged ‘Homestead users’
Move Over SiteBuilder Here comes Plus
Change is something that either makes us giddy with anticipation or sends us off screaming and pulling out our hair. It’s also the one constant in life … the one thing we can count on to happen. And so it seems that change is looming on the horizon in regards to the desktop SiteBuilder from Homestead/Intuit.
In recent conversations with various Tech Support staff and responses to Help Tickets it has become clear that Intuit is transitioning away from the (beloved) desktop version of SiteBuilder. Many of you are already familiar with SiteBuilder Lite, the rather watered down version of SB that allows limited online editing – SiteBuilder Plus, the replacement for the (did I mention beloved?) desktop version will operate much the same as Lite, only it will be a full-blown editor.
Form 1099-Misc and Website Designers
The controversial Health Care Reform Bill that was passed last year came loaded with all sorts of new laws hidden within its 2400+ pages. Many of you who use Homestead’s SiteBuilder program are designing sites as a business and that means these new laws apply to you.
Form 1099-Misc has been a requirement for a number of years for services rendered by an independent contractor in a business to business situation. When you design a site or do maintenance on a site for another business THEY should issue you a Form 1099-Misc if you receive $599 or more from them in a given year for your services.
The reverse is also true. If you pay another business over $599 for services that relate to your website design business you need to issue them a form W-9 to get their Tax ID number, etc. and provide them with a copy of a completed 1099-Misc form.
Beginning December 31, 2012, thanks to even more sneaky tactics when the bill was drafted, businesses will be required to obtain W-9 information and file 1099s for not only services but GOODS as well. That means you will need to issue a W-9 for the 1099 form anytime you purchase a product related to your business that is over the established limit. New computer from Best Buy? You’ll need to ask for their information. If your office supply purchases are in excess of the $599 threshold from any one business – 1099, if you claim a portion of your utilities phone, internet, etc. for your business and the amount exceeds the limit – 1099s will need to be issued. And on and on …… Try to get in the habit of issuing a W-9 prior to paying for goods or services.
The whole point of this is so the IRS can compare reported income against issued W-9s in the hopes of collecting unreported income. And as is usual, the wording is ambiguous and about as clear as mud. There are of course penalties if you don’t comply.
The good news is that some lawmakers in Congress are currently making attempts to repeal and or modify the new laws attached to Form 1099-Misc.
Senate passes amendment to repeal 1099
As a web site designer you need to be heads up and make sure you are in compliance with the laws that are currently in effect for tax year 2011. Consult with an accountant or tax attorney for assistance in what information you need to be collecting, receiving and reporting.
Be sure you get listed in that Directory
Is your site being listed in directories or ending up in the trash? Directories all have specific criteria you must follow in order to get your site listed. Don’t be one of those who fall through the cracks because you failed to read and follow directions …
Intuit – Homestead Site Builder Design Tips
How to use the border element in SiteBuilder – it can be problematic if not done correctly.
Is it Homestead or Intuit?
Whether you are a Homestead or Intuit customer help is just a click away …
So you think you’re a website designer …
Being a website designer is about more than just putting up a template and adding a few pictures and text. To be successful you need to know the in’s and out’s of good design, usability standards, search engine optimization and what does and doesn’t work with the SiteBuilder program …
Continue Reading November 11, 2009 at 4:53 pm Leave a comment
Help With SiteBuilder Program for Intuit – Homestead Users
Support for the Homestead SiteBuilder program is available from both Homestead itself and from Homestead users who have built a comprehensive system to aid both inexperienced and seasoned users in getting the most from their Homestead web site …
