This Quicken self-study manual has been developed out of the demand from Ohio producers seeking assistance on using an inexpensive, easy to use program for farm record keeping. The objective of this manual is for Quicken users to begin keeping farm records on their home computer by following the step by step procedures outlined in each chapter. The manual will also be useful to the experienced Quicken users as they upgrade to a newer version and continue to improve their recordkeeping skills.
This manual is written for Quicken 2003 Basic. We will make every attempt to keep the manual updated with each new version. Future manuals and updates will be available in OSU Extension offices and on the OSU Extension Ohioline web site [http://ohioline.osu.edu]. In most cases the basics needed to begin your farm record keeping will not change with a newer version.
A commonly asked question is, "Which version of Quicken should I get for my farm records?" Within Quicken 2003 there are four different products available, Quicken 2003 Basic, Quicken 2003 Deluxe, Quicken 2003 Premier and Quicken 2003 Premier Home and Business. While each product has different features, our experience is that the basic program, Quicken 2003 Basic, will perform most farm record keeping tasks adequately.
We also receive questions about the use of the Quicken Home & Business version versus the use of basic Quicken for farm record keeping. If your farm business requires you to create customer invoices and statements and have accounts for payables and receivables, you need to be using the Home & Business version of Quicken. The Home & Business version can also generate accrual-based profit and loss statements if the program is set up and used properly throughout the year. However, for the majority of cash-basis farm record keepers, the basic version of Quicken will provide more than enough information for management decisions and income tax planning.
We would also like to acknowledge Lee Ann Johnson, OSU Extension - East District Office, for her invaluable help and assistance in typing this manual.
John Barker
David Miller
Barry Ward
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All educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or Vietnam-era veteran status.
Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Ag. Adm. and Director, OSU Extension.
TDD No. 800-589-8292 (Ohio only) or 614-292-1868