Mandatory to have payroll subscription?

[sitewolf]

I've been using Quickbooks for 5 years now...upgraded to 2001 Pro last year. I'm the business manager of a pub with around 20 employees. I don't have any complaints or problems with using the software...or didn't until today!

I just went to process my W-2s and was told I needed a payroll update. I never saw the need or reason to have subscribed before...and to be honest don't now either. I could be persuaded, of course, to "see the error of my ways"...........but...

Am I gathering correctly? Is there NO way around spending the same amount every year for payroll updates I may not even need as I did on the software in the first place? Is this even LEGAL for Intuit to do? I mean....they aren't the ones facing any tax liability if I'm doing the payroll myself, right?

If someone has an answer to this dilemna PLEASE respond here...or if you'd prefer or think your response doesn't belong here, email me at webmaster@skinnerspub.com

THANK YOU! :o)

[SunSoft]

the reason that you need the payroll update is for changes in the W-2 format - or so Intuit says anyway. I do believe this years forms are slightly different than last as far as placement of items.
Also , it seems like the last few years the FICA limit has risen, which only affects those making the big bucks - but it is a change.
I know it's a major pain - but well-whattya gonna do?
the way around it, run a payroll report and issue your W-2's manually I guess.

[Joey]

First I do not work for Intuit. Next, you are not required to subscribe to the payroll service to use the program. You are free to calculate your deductions yourself and do your own returns and forms by hand if you wish. If you want the luxury of the program doing the calculations and printing the quarterly and year end forms, then you need to subscribe. The payroll service is not only the tax tables. It also contains limits for various other deductions and proper placement and tax reporting for them. You just can't have part of this and not pay the fee. It's your choice. They don't make you do anything.