Maplewood Covenant Uncategorized VoIP Vs. LandLine: The Pros And Cons

VoIP Vs. LandLine: The Pros And Cons

Many small businesses will consider skipping over having a phone system and cite the cost of having one or not being big enough to justify clunky hardware. These are understandable reasons, though they misrepresent where small business phone systems are Technology impacts every aspect of life and has in recent years has transformed communication from the bottom up, especially in the business world. Due to the advent of the internet and how it has radically changed the way companies do business and how employees communicate, a business owner has several options for communication technology, i.e. a business phone system.

There are two primary business phone systems to choose from, which we’ll compare and contrast below to better enable you to choose which is best for your company.

What is a VoIP?

A VoIP phone is short for Voice over Internet Protocol phone, which is a type of communication technology using both hardware and software that enables the user to make phone calls via an internet connection instead of a landline. A good example of this kind of technology is a smartphone app or programs like Skype, though a VoIP phone can also be used in traditional phones too.

There are several popular features that a VoIP phone typically has, including:

  • Automatic Call Forwarding: a service feature that automatically takes calls to the VoIP phone line and redirects them to another line you’ve chosen. For example, rerouting a call to your cell phone when they’ve dialed your office.
  • Virtual Receptionist: This feature is also known as a virtual assistant and provides the same traditional service a receptionist would. It can deliver recorded messages, direct calls, and answer the phone. You’ve likely interacted with this technology when calling a customer support line. 
  • Voicemail to Email: This is a VoIP service that transcribes voicemails and delivers them to you as an email. Please note that this technology isn’t a voice-to-text feature, but delivers an audio file to your email box rather than text.

How Does a VoIP Phone Work?

VoIP phones don’t use the traditional cables and wires as a traditional phone system does. Instead, they are connected using a broadband internet connection, the same as your computer. The VoIP phone converts calls into digital signals within the phone instead of relying on physical signal exchanges, like a traditional phone.

There are numerous methods a VoIP phone uses to work:

  • Via a computer, such as Google Voice or FaceTime. Also known as a “softphone”
  • An adapter with a traditional phone, plugging an adapter into a phone outlet, or your router converts a traditional phone into a VoIP.
  • A dedicated VoIP phone, this looks like a traditional phone but it can directly connect to a computer network instead of a phone line.

To use a VoIP system you’ll need a reliable internet connection, as the quality of the call depends on your internet connection. This makes security all the more important as your calls can be hacked without having a secure connection.  

What is a Landline Phone?

A landline phone is the classic telephone that uses a solid core of twisted-pair copper wire and plugs into a two or four-pin wall jack. This technology hasn’t changed much since the late 1800s and is based on the analog technology of physical switch boxes and sending signals through a series of exchanges. 

While the technology is quite old, it is still quite reliable. 

VoIP vs. Landline

To choose the best phone system for your business, it’s important to compare and contrast the available technology. 

VoIP Pros

  1. Lower cost: due to calls taking place over the internet, you cut out additional costs related to traditional phone lines. Instead, you’re only charged for the internet access and you avoid multiple phone line costs. 
  2. Sound quality: A VoIP phone system has a clearer sound than a traditional phone, though it depends on your internet connection. 
  3. Functionality: Due to a VoIP system having additional features outside of just calls, there is enhanced functionality for the user, such as video calls, analytics, and voicemail-to-text transcription.
  4. Location: A VoIP phone system can be used anywhere there is sufficient internet connection while an analog phone requires a direct hardwire connection.

VoIP Cons

  • Emergencies: Due to voice over IP being reliant on an internet connection, it may be difficult to contact an emergency call or be tracked to an accurate location since the call can be made anywhere. Some VoIP service companies have begun offering a 911 emergency auto-service and can detect your location or set by the user, which can be shared, but this depends on the system you’re using. 
  • Internet dependence: A VoIP phone is completely dependent on the internet, which can make calls unreliable when away from a strong connection and dropped calls more likely.

Landline Phone Pros

  • Consistency and Reliability: Due to a landline phone being hardwire connected, the sound quality and call status are far more consistent. Meaning you don’t have to worry about dropped calls or the sound quality bouncing between poor and excellent.
  • Static Infrastructure: The landline phone systems aren’t in danger of transforming or falling by the waist side. While digital communication is becoming the new standard, it’s subject to further transformation and adaptation, which means a business phone system may need to be replaced in the future.

Landline Phone Cons

  • Cost: Landline phones are more expensive than a VoIP system as landlines are subject to taxes and additional fees from features added on. 
  • Spam: A VoIP phone system usually has a feature that can detect spam phone calls while an analog landline does not. You’re far more susceptible to telemarketers with a landline phone, even if it’s a business phone. 
  • Scaling: A landline phone system has many odds and ends to it, from wires to hardware. This makes it difficult to scale a small business phone system in any meaningful way without costing a lot. VoIP systems are much easier to upgrade and maintain when growing a business.

What’s Best for a Business Phone System?

This question greatly depends on the goals and function of your business. Knowing the key points discussing VoIP vs Landline phones can help you come to a greater understanding of what your business needs from a phone system and help avoid expensive experimentation.

We at F2F Telecommunications understand the needs of a small business phone system and can consult on what makes sense for your company. We encourage you to reach out to us and explore a business phone system that makes sense in today’s business world.

You can contact us by phone or send us a message using the link below:

Contact Us | Face-2-Face Telecommunications Tech | Telecommunications Service Provider

 

 

 

 

To Learn More, Check Out F2F

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What Is The Employee Retention Credit? Examples, Questions, And MoreWhat Is The Employee Retention Credit? Examples, Questions, And More

Ashley Hogsette serves as general counsel to Synergi Partners. She is knowledgeable in tax planning, law, corporate transactions, tax controversy and tax planning. She applies her expertise to help clients understand and interpret legislation to maximize tax credit benefits. Employer’s headcount classification as large or small has no effect on eligibility. Only the type of wages included into the ERC calculation will be affected.

What is the tax return reporting for employee retention credit?

Gross receipts declined significantly during the calendar quarter.

You must ensure that you are using the correct accounting method to calculate the reduction in gross receipts. Also, make sure you have included all items as required by tax legislation. However, a spreadsheet or calculator cannot complete this task, so you most likely are missing some information. The ERC also faces many issues, such documentation of qualifying methods, collaboration with PPP loan, restricted group requirements, health expenditures, and documentation of qualifying techniques. You must continue your trade or business between 2020 and 2021 if you want to be eligible for the ERC. Trade was immediately halted due to a government edict.

Wages and health insurance benefits claimed to generate the ERC cannot be claimed to generate certain other credits. A partial suspension of business operations may occur when a court order restricts the hours a business can be open or if some business operations were closed and work cannot be done remotely. For example, a restaurant that had to close its dining room due to a local government order but could continue to offer carry-out or delivery service was considered to have partially suspended operations. The most difficult aspect of the ERC program is the requirement that separate businesses with common ownership meet IRS Controlled Group criteria be evaluated together for eligibility. If all the tests pass, then all entities are considered eligible. If not, no entity is eligible.

Square Payroll will file with ERC your annual Form 944 or Q Form 941 if you opt-in for credit. The purpose of the ERC was to encourage employers to keep employees on the payroll, even if they were not working during the covered, COVID-19, period. As mentioned above, if your employer qualifies as a small one, qualified wages are the wages and compensation paid to employees for the quarter. Large employers can pay qualified wages to employees for wages and compensation, as long as they are not used for services.

employee retention tax credit 2023

Businesses can actually conduct a lookback to determine whether wages paid after March 12, 2020, or the end of this program are eligible. Qualified wages are now limited to $10,000 per quarter per employee, which allows up to $20,000 of qualified wages for the first six months of 2021 per employee. If the employer does not have sufficient employment tax deposits to cover the credit amount, certain employers may receive an IRS advance payment. Submit Form 7200, Advance payment of Employer Credits Due TO COVID-19. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, a law that was passed in March 2020, created ERTC, also known to be called the Employee Retention Credit. It is intended to encourage businesses and employees to stay on their payroll.

What Are Qualified Wages For The Employee Retention Credit?

Your average annual gross receipts may have dropped significantly. For enterprises that were founded prior to February 15, 2020, Employee Retention Credit was offered throughout the fourth quarter in 2021. You may still be eligible for the 2020 and 2021 payroll tax credits if your firm was founded before February 15, 2020.

What is the Employee Retention Credit (ERC)

  • The Employee Retention Credit program has officially ended, but this does not affect a business’s ability to claim ERTC retroactively.
  • It’s not a program offered by the City and County San Francisco. This page contains general information.
  • Your company’s net income in 2020 or 2021 could have been affected or decreased compared to 2019. You may be eligible for the Employee Rewards Credit.
  • Employers who are eligible because of governmental orders that have partially or completely suspended their business are only eligible employers during the quarters where the orders were in force.

If an employer has more then 100 employees, the ERC only applies to wages paid to employees who are in economic hardship and cannot provide services to the employer. Employers who are members of an affiliated group are eligible only if they meet these criteria and the group as a whole has experienced either a shutdown or a significant decrease in gross receipts. For example, credit is not available to all companies that are part of the same parent organization if only one company meets the eligibility criteria.

Erc Faq – What Is The Employee Retention Credit?

Get a free consultation about employee retention credits to find out how much your company is eligible. Qualified companies must file the required tax filings, including their Employee per-quarter Form 941 tax filings, by July 31, 2020 and October 31, 2020. Business taxpayers will need additional payroll data as well as other papers in order to file for the ERTC together with their quarterly returns. IRC Section 280C states that employer government subsidies reduce salaries by the amount ERC.

Significant decline in gross receipts after March 13, 2020 (50%+ decline for 2020 and 20%+ decline 2021), compared to the employer’s 2019 gross receptions for the same quarter. Our TechnologyExplore ReV REV makes it simpler, easier, more accurate, and allows you to focus on the next step. Employee Retention Credit FAQsGet answers to common employee retention credit questions on topics such as shareholder/related-party wages, PPP impacts and aggregation rules. The COVID-19 relief legislation is important for small businesses because it includes the employee retention credit.

The team has dedicated ERC advisors on the forefront of educating the public and leading clients towards maximum COVID relief benefits. According to the IRS’ most recent information, forms that have been filed previously home.treasury.gov ERC tax credit PDF should result in a reimbursement within 6-10 months of the date of filing. People and businesses are prone to second-guess the rare opportunities and government-funded support avenues that do exist.

How do you claim the employee retention credit?

According to section 448(c), gross receipts refers to the total sales of the taxable year, net of any returns or allowances, and any amounts received for services. Gross receipts also include any income from investments or from other sources.

Credits And Deductions

A business doesn’t have to struggle right now to qualify. The IRS allows new business owners to use gross revenue for the quarter they founded to refer to other quarters. This is your ERC claim total. If calculated correctly, it reflects your final ERC refund amount.

And if you fill out the IRS forms incorrectly, this can delay the entire process. The CARES Act does prohibit self-employed individuals from claiming the ERC for their own wages. You cannot also claim wages on behalf of individuals that are not related to you. However you can claim credit for wages received by employees.

Infrastructure Investment And Jobs Act 2021

There are two types of paid family leave credits: a refundable paid sick credit and a non-refundable paid family leave credit. Both leave credits pay employers for paid leave. IRS Form7200 – This is the form used to claim an advanced payment of employee retention credit, up until January 31, 20,22. 2020 was the year that the ERTC non-refundable part was claimed against Social Security taxes. However, the ARP Act made this change, stating that non-refundable ERTC components should be claimed against Medicare taxes for wages paid after 30 June 2021.

The truth of the reality is that people have now become accustomed to working from home, working whenever they want and wherever they want. These working conditions are difficult to overcome for those who have lived through them. Employees are now more aware of possible opportunities and are more likely to resign to improve their circumstances. Square Payroll Support must receive your email by January 7, 2022, for either Q or annual 2021 filings, in order to opt-in to Square Payroll reporting and claiming the ERC on you behalf.

employee retention tax credit

Businesses can still apply for the ERC by filing an amended Form 941X for the quarters during which the company was an Eligible Employer. The Employee Retention Credit can be claimed by amending a company’s quarterly IRS payroll tax returns. It is based upon the wages paid to employees in 2020 and 2021. A business may be eligible for the credit if a government order limited its operations by forcing the business to close, required capacity restrictions, or otherwise restricted its business functions. A business could also be eligible for ERC if its revenue has declined significantly in any quarter from the start of the pandemic until the third quarter in 2021.

An Insider’s Introduction To The Catering IndustryAn Insider’s Introduction To The Catering Industry

The Catering Business is a moneymaking lucrative service to be in. It has a high capacity for the enhancement and development of your earnings. This service usually offers a high return on investment.

It is not just an interesting but also a difficult one. You must meet your Client’s aspirations concerning their catered events whether it is a birthday party for kids or Individual’s breakfast in bed or candlelight suppers for the loved ones or a huge celebration for persons of 50 and above or a wedding reception. Whether your business is on a full-time or part-time basis, your devotion in it matters the most. This commitment value is due to the demanding work requiring endurance, capability to work under duress and your exceptional social abilities. This will contribute to your reputation in this field. And this credibility will form the basis for your success in the Catering Business.

Ubiquitous and Exorbitant Demand for Catering:

Every year the need for the Catering Business will be ever increasing. Social Caterers are among the fastest-growing sectors of the Restaurant Industry. Expert Caterer, Personal Chef or Both will be the key personnel in the Food Services. While recruiting, you ought to go for a Professional, Organizational & Interpersonal Skilled Personnel for your Business. As world economies increase, the higher-income householders and strong economy people such as people having businesses, corporations, charities, civic groups, event organizers and people are trying to find the Catering Industry to host, on and off premises occasions. So whatever your size of your service will be, your Catering Business ought to have catered lunches, mixers and supper conferences, to build your image and increase the sales. Here, you will need to face the competitors in your field and you ought to not forget this.

Present way of life likewise plays a major function for the boost in demand of this business. The bulk of working mothers, who do not have time for cooking, always go after the Catered people for their birthday, graduation celebrations and wedding receptions. Organization Catering likewise altered the consuming concept of the individual.

Startup Costs:

When compared to beginning a traditional dining establishment, the financial investment made for beginning a Catering Food Service is very low. Even with $1000, you can begin a Catering company. An optimum of $80,000 likewise can be invested. All of it depends on the size of the cooking area you prepare to put in beginning this business. Most do the cooking on-site and use either their own equipment or the one offered by their Client. You should have your own because you have to do pre-work in your cooking area such as cutting veggies and so on. Here is one that has been very successful:

 

You can likewise start your industry by renting products which are important for your service. When your service had actually ended up being steady, you can go for acquiring your own items.

Earnings Potential:

Unless you try to acquire an exceptional management and organizational skills for this industry, you run the risk of stopping working in this service. There are also effective Caterers who started with simply $500 and competed with people who invested as much as $15,000 as initial start-up expense. From the experience, one will comprehend that much profit comes in the food and beverage market.

The Catering Business is a moneymaking rewarding business to be in. Whatever your size of your service will be, your Catering Business need to have catered lunches, cocktail celebrations and dinner conferences, to construct your brand and increase the sales. You can likewise start your service by renting products which are vital for your service. Unless you attempt to acquire an exceptional management and organizational abilities for this business, you risk stopping working in this industry.

3 Essential Components for SEO3 Essential Components for SEO

Make SEO Easier by Doing These 3 Things

Search engine optimization can be rather tough for some people. But it can be so much simpler. There are so many people trying to teach SEO that it often seems there is no definitive guide or course on how to do it. One may depend on one way of ranking, and someone else may have much better results with another. Some methods give the complete picture of ranking, others are just basic guidelines on how to be search engine friendly. Some are search engine safe, others are user-unfriendly and considered to be web-spam.

Regardless, SEO is not just one strategy. It is a much larger system of strategies. In order for you to really win at SEO, you must have various pieces in place to build a strong foundation. Here are just some of the essential elements of a solid search engine optimization strategy:

Have a Strong On-Page Structure

This cannot be emphasized enough. A lot of the people will give you many tips to make the site indexable by Google – develop on WordPress, install an XML sitemap, submit it in Search Console, and the likes – but if your website has no real categorized page structure, you have no chance of ranking optimally. It is better to set it up right the first time than to have to repair it later on.

So do it right the first time. Split pages into different categories and organize them as such, make sure the URL is not padded, and make sure the URL, title and H1 tag are strongly focused on the main topic of the page. The site will be much more crawlable, due to its organized structure. It will mean less time and money spent later if you have to fix something.

SEO companies, for example Triple Agent SEO Mississauga, will also have a much easier time growing your site’s keyword search authority.

Bad Website Tech

Did you know that your website builder could be hurting your SEO? You read that right. Whether it’s failing to follow web design best practices, having an abundance of convoluted code (high ratio of HTML to text), or too heavy on the server, there are many different things about your website that could be bogging down performance, and you don’t know about it.

The first step is identify potentially damaging tech areas. You can use a speed testing softwaresuch as Google PageSpeed Insights, GTMetrix or WebPageTest to get a detailed overview of website performance. Ideally, you want to have the page loading in a total of less than 3 seconds; or even less than 2 seconds.

Tune up the page, and with the heaviest, most harmful assets out of the way, next you find out if your page builder is still causing problems. It could be – you just have to check on an empty page.

Have Meaningful, Non-Spammy Content

You don’t want your SEO content to be spam. It is more likely to be flagged by manual reviewers, and it is bad for the customer experience. While you do need to make your content keyword-rich, you must weave it in such that the content still does for the reader what it’s supposed to.

A good key to this is to compare your content against the scientific data of the competition. Many business owners do their own SEO, though some really don’t have free time on their hands for it. If you value your business time, we recommend hiring a good Triple Agent SEO Mississauga.

Hire an SEO Consultant

These are just some of the things you need to have in place for a great SEO-friendly website, which will save you time, money and effort in your ability to present yourself to more searchers online. Work on these tips, and you’ll be much better prepared, spending less time and money when you hire an agency such as Triple Agent SEO Mississauga for the rest of your search engine optimization.