Business Checks - Getting it Right

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Author: Alan Plastin

Article source: http://www.articledeshboard.com/. Used with author's permission.

When it comes time to order business checks, to simply say you have options is a gross understatement. What might seem like a simple task, ordering business checks, can easily turn into a confusing ordeal when faced with the myriad of styles and formats that all fall under the category of "business checks."

There are a lot of different business check terms out there: voucher, 3-per-page, payroll, laser, draft, manual, etc. You might be asking yourself: What style of checks do I actually need? You may have started off knowing you simply needed business checks, but now the waters have become muddied. We will delineate some of the more commonplace formats of business checks to make your check buying experience a more painless one.

* 3-Per-Page Checks: 3-per-page checks are immediately identifiable (and aptly named) due to there being 3 checks on one sheet of paper. They probably serve as the most common type of business checks. But, there are different types of 3-per-page checks. For example, some might be checks you write by hand while others are supposed to be printed on your inkjet or laser printer. 3-per-page checks also may have further options, including Payroll and Voucher, mentioned below

* Voucher Checks: There are two different types of voucher checks. One is of the 3-per-page variety and has a printed table of sorts on the check allowing you to make additional notes, typically used in paying invoices. These vouchers would allow you to put the date and dollar amount of the account being paid, and possibly allow for discount calculations as well. The second type of voucher check is similar to a 3-per-page design, but there is only one actual check on the page (usually on the top, but sometimes in the middle) along two almost-blank panels where your business name and dollar amount get printed.

* Laser Checks: There's nothing tricky with laser checks: they are simply checks that you can load into your laser printer and print them from your computer. You can order laser checks in your standard 3-per-page format as well as the single voucher type described previously. You will also need some type of accounting software on your computer in order to print laser checks.

* Payroll Checks: There's nothing difficult to understand about payroll checks: they are used to pay employees. You can use payroll checks to record standard (and not so standard) deductions, such as Medicare, F.I.C.A. and State Income Tax. These items are recorded on a detachable stub. There are traditionally two different options for the stubs: salary or hourly.

Many businesses need checks that are compatible with whatever accounting software they are using. The most popular software programs are QuickBooks, Quicken and Microsoft Money. Any business check printers worth their salt will have business checks in stock for all of these 3 programs. Many check printers will also have numerous other software programs from which to choose.

So it comes down to this: if you are searching for "business checks" you have a lot to choose from, so make sure you know exactly what type you need. Keep in mind what type of accounting program (if any) you use as well. Knowing these things ahead of time will contribute towards an quick and painless check buying experience.

Before you purchase business checks online, check out the business checks at CheapBankChecks.net to learn how you can save nearly 50% off.