OT Computer Farm Records

[super99]

Can anybody recomend a good cheap record system for farm records. I've been trying to use Microsoft Money, but have trouble getting it to make something printable at end of year for tax prep.Don't need anything fancy, just want income and expense. Tried Quicken once, but didn't really like it. Got along good with old Money program, but had to get 2006 Money and if I try to get reports, it wants to give me a pie chart instead of something I can print and use. Anything decent out there for around $150 to $200? Chris

 

[IaGary]

Funny you should ask?

Been workin all afternoon on tax prep.

I've been using Quick Books since 2002 and after getting use to it, I get along fine with it.

It is very easy to print the reports to take to my accountant.

But I've never tried anything else.

Works for me.

Gary

 

[Anonymous-0]

I use Quick Books works good for me has charts & graphs. We have had it for ten years have upgraded and use pro version don't know what it cost now.

 

[Goose]

I use Microsoft Works business spreadsheet. I got started on it because it was part of the pre-installed software on my computer.

I also make up a lot of specialized sheets on Excel.

 

[IBorange in TX]

Quick books is an extremely good program on record keeping. It has the ability to print out reports at any time you request. There is another program that is more heavy toward the business area and that is Peachtree Accountant. I would highly reccomend Quick Books. If you have problems working around in it, then call for tech help. Just my opinon.
mb

 

[Anonymous-0]

Quick Books, very user friendly, great for reports. Since 91 or 92. I actualy use the Pro version its a few years old.

I would guess you are just overlooking something on your software, I can't imagine it will not print numbers etc. at a snap of the finger.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Super,

I've used Quickbooks and Peachtree Accounting for many years. Their interfaces are very similar and either one will do everything you want except actually print out the tax forms.

I'd recommend either of them. I use Peachtree. If you do pick one of them, the cheapest version you can get will do the job for you.

Tom in TN

 

[Anonymous-0]

Been using Quicken for several years, have been quite satisfied. Just upgraded to Quickbooks for 2008, still learning. I think maybe Quicken is a bit more LOSER FRIENDLY. But either one is providing all the tax info I need as long as I put it in there right in the first place

 

[Mark-Mi]

Quicken basic 30 dollars,cheap enough.Started with 99 last year bought 2007 when I got a new computer.All my info converted over.Prints all kinds of transaction and summary reports by catagory,payee.Easy to quickly find info.My CPA tells me my reports tell him everything he needs to know.Mark

 

[Bill in Colo]

I've used for Red Wing Agchek for windows for the past eight years, good program, but some what over kill for a cow calf operator.As a Ag Econ major some forty years ago it would be a great program for a large diversified farming operation it has my many features i"m just beginning to figure out. I started with it as part of a AgEd continuing ed. progam.My wife is urging me to change to Quick books pro,as it is more user friendly

 

[hayray]

I tried all that stuff years ago and had alot of the same problems you are having. Plus, it is also redundant to have to have written records to then have to add data into a computer program. I went right back to the old way of using a pencil and paper. I think it is way faster and less headaches. I have a few excell spreadsheets but never got good enough with that to take advantage of it. I guess it boils down to economy of scale of how large and complicated you need to be in order to make that soft ware cost and time effective.

 

[Ken Macfarlane]

I've tried a few different programs, and if you're not familiar with accounting, a set of paper books seems to be best. I've fought and fought with Quicken for 3 years and it makes tax time a huge headache for me, but its because I don't understand all the extras. I just wanted to track income and expenses and sales taxes but it does lots more.
Ken

 

[rrlund]

I had an expensive Red Wing program called Agchek. That thing sucked. I don't have accounts payable of recievable,so I just use Quicken. I didn't care for it at first,but I like the reports that it prints out for the tax preparer. Try it again,it grows on you.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Not trying to be funny, but if you pick up an excel for dummy's or idiots book, you can make the program do just about anything you want. Try google and use words like farm software, excel, free, etc. Maybe a State or County office has something that they'd share and you just taylor it to your needs.
If you want something simple you can send me an email with about what you'd like to see and I'll try something. Got a banged up soldier setting across from me that likes to play with programs.

Dave

 

[HeyPigFarmer]

I just use regular old excel. Spend a little time setting up one spread sheet then I just use the same one over and over. It's been working so far.

 

[super99]

All I really want is to keep track of income and expense. My tax man does all the depreciation, so I don't need that. Income; corn, beans, gov't payments, misc income. Expense: repairs, fertilizer and Herbicide, seed, misc., information, utilities,insurance,fuel and oil, interest, etc., could use a column for capitol purchases. Not sure if I need monthly reports, but need end of year report. If your banged up soldier wants to play around and comes up with something useable, I'd be happy to pay something for it. My thanks to him/her for serving our country and I'll keep them in my prayers. Thanks for your time, e-mail me if you have questions. Chris

 

[Weldon K]

I use FARMBIZ by Specialized Data Systems. Designed for agriculture. I found it easy to learn and use. Got six month free trial usage , then bought it for $249.
link to farmbiz

 

[Anonymous-0]

(quoted from post at 15:57:01 02/06/08) All I really want is to keep track of income and expense. My tax man does all the depreciation, so I don't need that. Income; corn, beans, gov't payments, misc income. Expense: repairs, fertilizer and Herbicide, seed, misc., information, utilities,insurance,fuel and oil, interest, etc., could use a column for capitol purchases. Not sure if I need monthly reports, but need end of year report. If your banged up soldier wants to play around and comes up with something useable, I'd be happy to pay something for it. My thanks to him/her for serving our country and I'll keep them in my prayers. Thanks for your time, e-mail me if you have questions. Chris

You're already paying us . He get's tired of hearing my storie and jokes, so will appreciate a distraction. I'll pass on your appreciation.

Dave

 

[Anonymous-0]

shoot me an email so I will have your address.

Dave

 

[T_Bone]

Hi Cris,

With quicken 2008 H&B premium is a vast improvement over past versions. It's not perfect but it will give you what your wanting.

You'll need to spend some time getting to know any software accounting program as they all have there quirks.

To get the info out to a useable form you want then play with the report until it provides that info, then save the report settings ;ie just name the report that's different than what Quicken uses so Quicken doesn't get confused.

Example: If you save a report named "Investment" Then Quicken goes banana's as Investment is a catagory account listing so quicken gets confused.

You now have the option of turning off graphs on any report.

T_Bone