Intuit finally noticed that less and less people are using the Microsoft office suite. Sending forms via email is quite cool and a nice time saver, but you had to have outlook installed on your computer to send forms (or send it through QB email which required a subscription). Now in all the 2011 versions, you can setup different kind of email accounts in the send forms preference. Just pick the type of email that you are using, enter your smtp server and away you go. One drawback to this email client is that you will have to provide your password each time you send forms (unlike Outlook). Perhaps that will be fixed in subsequent versions.

The Intuit Payroll service has added a new check-signing feature in QuickBooks by allowing the user to scan a check signature. Instead of signing each check, you can now scan your signature once, save the image, and then use it in QuickBooks when you print checks on your preprinted check stock. You will still need QuickBooks checks stock, but you won't have to sign each check.

The signature works for all check transaction types, including paychecks, liability checks, bill payment checks, sales tax payment checks, and standard banking checks. Please make sure that if you go the route of scanned signature, your company has the correct checks and balances. Most small companies use the check signing as the final validity check. This feature is best used for a larger company with many payroll checks to sign each week.