Xero Payroll

Image via CrunchBase

Earlier today, Xero unveiled their much-anticipated, integrated payroll system. And standing up to its bill, Xero really is the easiest accounting system! After tweaking my user settings to include payroll administration, I found myself digging in their Help Center and learning some necessary items to complete the payroll.

We have a client-organization operating in two countries and while encoding for each country differently, payroll was such a breezy walk in the park. Pay items are pretty straight-forward to fill out. Technically, Philippines settings segregate payroll deductions to their own payable accounts. But in Xero they are all in Accounts Payable , which I see as okay since we really have to pay them out next month anyway.

Subsequent payroll will be easier and faster, thanks to Copy Pay Run function. This will really help especially if your payroll doesn’t change much from period to period. Or if it doesn’t change at all!

Your BIR Forms

I recently joined a forum for entrepreneurs and I found out that many still have a lot of questions about taxation in the Philippines. As an overview, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is the government agency tasked to collect all taxes from income generating companies and individuals within its territories. To categorize each kind of tax, different forms/returns were formulated according to information necessary to accurately report income and compute taxes as well.

Here is a list of commonly reported tax and BIR returns used for each. For registered businesses, please refer to your Certificate of Registration (BIR Form 2303) for taxes required for government reporting.

• Income Tax – For self-employed individuals, estate and trusts, use Form 1701 for your annual income tax and 1701Q for quarterly reporting. For partnerships and corporations, use Form 1702 for annual and 1702Q for the first three quarters of your taxable year. It is now required that succeeding quarters include summary of your income from the start of your taxable year.
• Value-Added Tax – For VAT registered businesses only, use Form 2550M for the first two months of each taxable quarter and 2550Q for each quarter. Take note that the quarterly return is a summary of the three months of the taxable quarter reported.
• Percentage Tax – For Non-VAT registered companies only, use Form 2551M to report your monthly income. There is a 2551Q but this is applicable to specific industries only.
• Compensation Withholding Tax – All businesses with taxable salaries are required to remit using Form 1601C for each taxable month and report its annual alpha list with Form 1604CF (including Final Withholding Tax).
• Expanded Withholding Tax – Also known as Creditable Income Tax Withheld for various transactions, use Form 1601E monthly and report its annual alpha list with Form 1604E
• Final Tax Withheld – This is the tax on passive (not the main) income earned by taxpayers, use Form 1601F monthly and 1604CF for its alpha list.

There are other forms required but is specific only to transactions or industries they are in. Some forms are used for requesting authorization to transact a particular matter, whether with them or with third-parties. Whatever your business is, the government wants to know it. So, what BIR return do you need?

A Good Payroll System

For a few months now, I have looked at various payroll systems and softwares that would cater to Philippine settings. What do I get? A lot of commercial systems, online and offline alike, popped and I get to review them before finally settling to something that didn’t quite get my attention in the first place!

I almost got frustrated because all are localized support for the countries or region in which the software developer came from. Until I came across SerBIZyo, an online payroll system made specially for the Philippine business. I tried what this service can do and I find it amazingly easy and straight-forward in meeting what it intends to do. A good payroll system, that’s what it is!  Government contributions are automatically computed, leaves and allowances can be allocated and delinquencies (tardiness, etc.) and pay premiums are accurate. You wouldn’t worry about setting pay levels and frequencies, generating and printing pay slips and even integrating to your bio-metrics system (currently supports one model).

And here’s the great news. Users will be able to explore SerBIZyo thoroughly since they are offering two (2) months of free service before charging you. They have an innovative pricing scheme which is really cost efficient. Companies will be charged according to number of users enrolled and per application used. IT support will never be a problem to users. Live chatting is available and a discussion forum is in the works.

Personally, I would love if this service will have an API integration with Xero.com’s online accounting software. This a great welcome since we are geared towards implementing cloud-based applications for businesses. For more information, visit their website and be really amazed to Zero Initial Cost! – SerBIZyo!.

How To Meet New Clients

I have been doing freelance accounting since passing the Philippine CPA Licensure Examination in 2007. Having a regular employment and doing this on the side, opens me to opportunities and experience to improve my knowledge and skills in the profession. I learned the basic rudiments of business incorporation and its processes, financial reporting and exerting all efforts to inform entrepreneurs how accounting standards and tax regulations affect their missions and goals. It also broadens my knowledge of different industries up to the very detail of how they do their products and services. I took every obstacle and criticism as a stepping stone in re-inventing myself for my current and potential clients.

Early in 2010, I decided to do freelancing as my main job. I got a little push when peers always say freelancing is more enjoyable than employment. I say, that’s a big understatement! It’s like I wanted to shout, “Bring it on!” to any one who needs assistance in handling their finances. Although I have to follow different owners and their desires, I know that experience and knowledge will assist them create better decisions not only for themselves but to the society as well.

Work-life balance is achieved by making good time management, which is essential in freelancing. I get to answer a client inquiry after a sumptuous dinner with my fiancée. A never-ending battle to get the latest updates whether accounting standards or tax regulations (I really need a better internet provider!). Perks will always be like beauty, it is in the eyes of the beholder. Business owners achieve revenue and expense targets, accountants get to build integrity and respect to meet new clients!

Got interested? Michael is offering free consultation for business owners! Contact him any way possible.

The New Season

The year 2010 is a thing of the past now. People have already thought about their New Year’s resolutions. After the festivities and body-altering foods, accountants and auditors will still be busy for the next big thing — closing of books and annual tax filing! Also making our task list will be renewing business permits and registrations. Which reminds me, I have to check my calendar to jam all these!