Version 2024 has some great new features to check out!
Tabs3 Platinum Software Highlights
- Added the ability to link your Tabs3 User ID to your Windows user account. Once you log into Windows, you can launch Tabs3 Software without having to enter another password. This allows you to use the Windows login security to ensure that only the associated user can access Tabs3 Software. (Requires Platinum SQL and an Active Directory Domain Server)
- Improved performance when refreshing or rebuilding PracticeMaster search indexes.
- Added the ability to schedule PracticeMaster search index rebuilds.
- Added the option to send an email notification when a search index rebuild fails or succeeds.
- Added the ability in PracticeMaster to rebuild the Conflict/Contact index file (used for Conflict of Interest Searching) while other users are in the software.
- Simplified the process of managing SQL ODBC access rights for users.
Tabs3 Billing Highlights
- Added new configuration options for Tabs3Pay payment links and request trust deposit links:
- Added the ability to specify if overpayments are allowed.
- Added the ability to specify if payments can be made by Credit Cards and/or eChecks/ACH.
- Made multiple improvements to the Tabs3 Billing Matter Manager:
- A final statement can now be updated by clicking the “1” badge in the Work-in-Process tile.
- Added a Perform Split Billing link to the Take Action pane. This link is only displayed when viewing the main Split Billing client.
- Added an Adjust Flat Fee Amount link to the Take Action pane. This link is only displayed when viewing a Flat Fee client.
- Added NetDocuments integration, allowing client information to be pushed to NetDocuments. This feature requires PracticeMaster Basic.
PracticeMaster Highlights
- Added the ability to synchronize event attendees from Outlook to PracticeMaster (when using the Microsoft 365 Exchange Connector).
- The Document Search index no longer needs to be rebuilt when a Renumber Client or Change Key Type is performed.
- Added the ability to select specific Journal record types when running a Conflict of Interest Search.
Tabs3 Trust Accounting Highlights
- Added new Positive Pay configuration options to support Wells Fargo Bank.
- Added new configuration options for Tabs3Pay payment links and request trust deposit links:
- Added the ability to specify if overpayments are allowed.
- Added the ability to specify if payments can be made by Credit Cards and/or eChecks/ACH.
Tabs3 Accounts Payable Highlights
- Added new Positive Pay configuration options to support Wells Fargo Bank.
Tabs3 Taskbill
- Added an option to export invoice attachments from Tabs3 Accounts Payable (AP) for costs included on a statement.
For in-depth information on all of the new Version 2024 features, including screenshots, refer to Knowledge Base Article R11947, “Version 2024 Introduction to New Features.” A list with links to all Version 2024 information can be found in R11949, “Version 2024 Information and Resources.”
To download Version 2024, check for updates via the Quick Launch by searching for and selecting “Check for Updates” or via the Help | Check for Updates menu option, or contact your local consultant.
Taskbill is used to export Tabs3 Billing information for electronic submission. Many companies require firms to submit billed fees and costs in a specific format for online electronic billing. Taskbill makes this simple by exporting your existing Tabs3 Billing data into over 100 different predetermined file formats and subformats including LEDES 1998B, Legalgard Parsed Format, LitigationAdvisor, and TyMetrix.
Taskbill also provides flexibility! Information required by some electronic formats is not found in normal Tabs3 Billing fields. You can, however, set up Taskbill to use general text fields such as Custom Fields, Client Notes, and Miscellaneous Lines that are already in Tabs3 Billing to store this information. Exporting the data is as easy as selecting the format you have set up, selecting a client or range of clients, and selecting the statement date. The exported file can then be sent electronically!
To see if Taskbill will work for you, or to purchase a license for your firm, contact your local consultant, or call our Sales Department at (402) 419-2200. Information about Taskbill is also provided in Knowledge Base Article R10435, “Tabs3 Taskbill Product Information.”
Certain productivity reports use the current reporting month and year to return data. If your report does not show the desired time frame, you may need to change the current reporting month and year. The following reports use the current reporting month and year:
- Timekeeper Productivity Report
- Category Productivity Report
- Timekeeper Profitability Report
- Productivity Report by Category for Each Timekeeper
- Productivity Report by Transaction Code for Each Timekeeper
The current reporting month and year are used to determine report values in the following ways:
- Default dates in report windows: When displaying dates or months in various reports, Tabs3 Billing will default the date or month to the current reporting month unless a report definition is in use. For example, the Ending Reporting Month in the Timekeeper Productivity Report will default to the current reporting month unless a report definition is loaded for the report.
- Period Selection in report windows: The Time Period Selector includes several options for report generation based on the current reporting month and year, such as the Current Reporting Month Prior Year. The values used when these options are selected are dependent on the current reporting month and year selected in the Set Current Reporting Month window.
- Report Definitions: When saving report definitions, Tabs3 Billing can save either a variable or a specific date. The option saved is determined by comparing the date entered and the current reporting month.
To change the current reporting month and year
- In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Set Current Reporting Month.”
- Select the desired month and/or year.
- Click OK.
Did you know that law firms who accept credit cards get paid sooner and collect on more billable work than firms that don’t?
With Tabs3Pay, accepting and managing electronic payments has never been easier for your law practice! Not only can you accept credit cards and electronic checks, but you can manage separate trust and operating accounts, and securely store payment information for future use. Additionally, by including a payment link in email statements, your clients can easily enter payment information through the secure Tabs3Pay portal.
Watch this six-minute video here:
Training Videos can be accessed at Tabs3.com/videos. You can also access the videos in the Quick Launch by searching for and selecting “Training Videos.”
Filtering is a powerful feature that lets you see only certain records, allowing you to trim your lists down to find information more easily. There are multiple ways to filter lists in Tabs3 Billing and PracticeMaster.
Search Box
The Search Box allows you to search all fields in the current column layout of the following windows:
- Tabs3 Billing and PracticeMaster Lists
- Statement Manager in Tabs3 Billing
- Matter Manager in PracticeMaster
- Graphical Calendar in PracticeMaster
You can optionally narrow your search to specific fields by clicking the 
to the right of the Search box.
Filters Automatically Included in Quick Clicks
In Tabs3 Billing, the Quick Clicks pane in the Client List and Contact List automatically includes the options
to show all records for the file or only records that have not been marked Inactive. For example, in the Client List, you have the option to show All Clients or Active Only. Additionally, the Fees, Costs, Payments, and Client Funds Lists include the options to show either Work-in-Process or Archived records.
In PracticeMaster, the Quick Clicks pane in the Client List, Contact List, and Timekeeper List automatically includes the options to show all records for the file or only records that have not been marked Inactive. For example, in the Client List, you have the option to show All Clients or Active Only.
In addition, many Lists include some common filters in the Manage Filters group of the Quick Clicks pane.
These filters vary based on the List you have open. For example, in the Tabs3 Billing Statement Manager, there are filters for All Unpaid, Unpaid 91+, and My Clients Unpaid.
Building Custom Filters
The Filter Builder can be used to create custom filters. For example, you can create a simple filter to show clients opened within a certain date range, or statements ran for a specific matter within a certain date range.
To filter clients opened in the last month
- In the Tabs3 Billing Quick Launch, search for and select “Clients.”
…or…
In the PracticeMaster Quick Launch, search for and select “Client File.” - In the Filter group of the Quick Clicks pane, click Manage Filters.
- Press Ctrl+N.
- Enter a Filter Name.
- In the Filter Builder section, click New Row.
- In the Select Field from the Client window, in the Name column, select Date_Open and then click Select.
- Select a Test Condition of in the last.
- Select a Test Value of 1 months and click OK.
- Click Save and close the Manage Quick Clicks window.
Your filter is now available to select in the Filters group of the Quick Clicks pane.
To filter the Statement Manager for statements older than 30 days on a specific matter
- In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Statement Manager.”
- In the Filter group of the Quick Clicks pane, click Manage Filters.
- Press Ctrl+N.
- Enter a Filter Name.
- In the Filter Builder section, click New Row.
- In the Select Field from the Ledger window, in the Name column, select Client_ID and then click Select.
- Select a Test Condition of equal to.
- In the Test Value column, select the Client ID.
- Click New Row.
- In the Select Field from the Ledger window, in the Name column, select Date and then click Select.
- Select a Test Condition of older than.
- In the Test Value column, select 30 days.
- Click Save and close the Manage Quick Clicks window.
Your filter is now available to select in the Filters group of the Quick Clicks pane.
Custom filters can also be more complex, using expressions. For examples of expressions used in filters, see Knowledge Base Article R11515, “Filter Expression Examples.”
The Advanced Client Costs Report makes it easier to verify that advanced client costs are in balance between Tabs3 Billing, Tabs3 Accounts Payable (AP), and Tabs3 General Ledger (GL). This report compares advanced client costs in Tabs3 Billing, checks and invoices in AP, and account balances of advanced client cost accounts in GL to ensure the balances in each program are accurate.
Setting up a new system to track advanced client costs between Tabs3 Billing, AP, and GL requires certain configuration settings in each application. If a firm has been using the applications for a while, it is possible that the accounts are not in sync and will show discrepancies on the Advanced Client Costs Report. Knowledge Base Article R11757, “Using and Troubleshooting Advanced Client Costs Integration,” will assist you with configuring the software to properly integrate advanced client costs, as well as troubleshoot the “reconciliation” when there is a discrepancy.
You can also check out this video on Tracking Advanced Client Costs in Tabs3 Software:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_oRC3CJFBQ
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base in the Quick Launch by searching for and selecting “Knowledge Base.”
Your clients use credit cards, and accepting payments from them has never been easier for your law practice. With Tabs3Pay features such as easy invoicing, next day funding, scheduled payments, surcharging*, and more, all within Tabs3 Software, you can make payments effortless for your clients and get paid faster. Tabs3Pay setup is quick and hassle-free. And because credit card processing fees can impact your firm’s profitability, we offer surcharging as a cost-saving solution.
With Tabs3Pay you can:
- Accept credit cards and electronic checks within Tabs3 Software.
- Reduce credit card expenses with optional surcharging – process unlimited credit cards for as low as $50.
- Manage separate trust and operating accounts from Tabs3 Software.
- Securely store payment information for future use.
- Email an invoice with a secure payment link.
- Schedule future and recurring Tabs3Pay payments.
- Request Trust replenishment.
Other Benefits Include:
- Get paid faster.
- Eliminate manual errors.
- Save time and collection hassles.
- Certified PCI compliant and secure.
To sign up for Tabs3Pay
- In the Tabs3 Billing or Trust Quick Launch, search for and select “Tabs3Pay Web Portal.”
- Click the Let’s Get Started button.
For more information on signing up for and configuring Tabs3Pay, see Knowledge Base Article R11869, “Configuring Tabs3Pay.”
*Surcharging laws vary by state and are subject to change. Always check with your local bar association for the most updated information.
Tabs3 Cloud is a cloud-based legal billing and financial software solution designed specifically for the way
today’s fast-paced, multifaceted law firms operate. It includes all the benefits of the Platinum edition of our Tabs3 Billing and Financials software so you can manage your time, billing, and finances more effectively.
The following are just some of the benefits of Tabs3 Cloud:
- Managed by Tabs3 – With Tabs3 Cloud, the Tabs3 Software is installed and managed by the Tabs3 Team. You don’t need to purchase and maintain a server computer. If your firm has IT staff or network administrators, they will not be responsible for managing Tabs3 Cloud beyond ensuring you can access the software via the internet.
- Automatic Backups – With Tabs3 Cloud, the Tabs3 Software is automatically backed up throughout the workday, along with a daily archival backup that is stored offsite. In the event you need to restore from a prior backup, Tabs3 Support will handle the restore process and notify you when Tabs3 Cloud is available again.
- Simple Pricing – Tabs3 Cloud is offered on a per user basis.
- Data Privacy – Tabs3 Cloud secure login uses multi-factor authentication to control access to your firm’s data.
- Software updates are handled by the Tabs3 Team – The Tabs3 Team will keep Tabs3 Cloud up to date.
Propel your firm toward higher profits with reliable software that’s designed specifically for law firms like yours.
Tabs3 Cloud includes all of the features you trust from Tabs3 Billing and Financials and puts them on your browser in the same easy-to-navigate interface you’re familiar with.
Whether you’re a longtime Tabs3 Software user or switching from another billing tool, Tabs3 Cloud is the perfect solution to keep operating accounts and client funds organized and accounted for.
Discover what the most dependable software solution for billing and financials on the market can do for your legal practice.
To learn more about Tabs3 Cloud, visit Tabs3.com/Cloud or Knowledge Base Article R11941, “All About Tabs3 Cloud,” or watch the Introducing Tabs3 Cloud video. To get pricing or to purchase a Tabs3 Cloud subscription, contact your local consultant or contact our Sales department at 402-419-2200.
There are several ways to adjust work-in-process (WIP) transactions, but which way is best for your situation? If you’re not sure which method is best, or you’re not sure of what your options are, check out Knowledge Base Article R10772, “Adjusting Work-In-Process.” This article provides the advantages and disadvantages of the various methods to adjust WIP including editing individual transactions, writing transactions up/down, using the Change WIP Transaction feature, entering a courtesy discount, adjusting flat fee client, and entering credits.
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base in the Quick Launch by searching for and selecting “Knowledge Base.”
Did you know that you can run your accounts receivable (A/R) reports for historical data? The Platinum edition of Tabs3 Billing provides the ability to print A/R balances as of a specific date. This option calculates the A/R based on records present in Tabs3 Billing, effectively showing what the A/R would have been on the given date.
To run a historic Accounts Receivable Report
- In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Detail A/R Report” or “Summary A/R Report.”
- On the Client tab, select the desired Client ID range.
- On the Options tab, in the A/R Period section:
- Select the Print Historic A/R (Platinum Only) option.
- In the Show A/R as of field, enter the date for which you want to see A/R information.
- Select any other desired options.
- Click OK.
Note: Although the calculated A/R will be correct based on records currently in the software, it is possible that it may not match an A/R report run on the original date if any transactions have since been deleted, statements unbilled, payments reversed, or any write offs reversed.
For more information about Platinum features, see Knowledge Base Article R11379, “Platinum Overview.” If you have any questions regarding Platinum features, contact your local consultant, or contact Technical Support at (402) 419-2210.
Did you know that you can do more with Entry Lists than see current work-in-process transactions? The Fee, Cost, Payment, and Client Funds Entry Lists can be printed, filtered, and set to include archived records.
Entry Lists can be toggled to be hidden or displayed using the 
(Toggle List) button or Alt+G. Once the Entry List is displayed, the following additional buttons are available:
- Print List – Click the
(Print List) button to print a list of all transactions currently displayed in the Entry List. - Select Date – Click the
(Select Date) button, or press Alt+L, to select a date for which transactions will be displayed. This button is only available when filtering by Transaction Date or Entry Date via View Options. - View Options – Click the
(View Options) button, or press Alt+O, to filter the Entry List by Client ID, Transaction Date, or Entry Date; select to include only those records for a certain Timekeeper or User ID, or select to Include Archived Records; or select a List Location of Right or Bottom.
You enter data regularly; make sure you are getting the most out of your Entry List by showing the information you want to see and quickly printing lists when needed.
Did you know that you can apply payments to multiple matters for the same client? Payments can be allocated by statement date, proportionally, or manually.
Note: The split payments will make individual journal entries in Tabs3 General Ledger that will be linked together and shown as one item on the Reconciliation and Deposit Slip Report.
To apply a payment to multiple matters
- In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Payment Entry.”
- Select the desired Client ID.
- Enter the payment as you would normally. The information entered in each field will be automatically replicated for each matter’s payment.
- Click the
(Apply Payment to Multiple Matters) button or press Alt+A. - In the Payment Amount for Multiple Matters window:
- Click the Apply by Date button.
–or–
Click the Apply Proportionately button.
–or–
In the Apply column, enter the amount you want to apply to each matter. - Click Finalize.
- Click the Apply by Date button.
The Apply Payments to Multiple Matters option is also available when entering or importing Tabs3Pay payments. (Note: To use the Apply Payments to Multiple Matters option when importing Tabs3Pay payments, you must select the View each Payment record before creating option in the Import Online Payments window.)
Are you looking for a report with certain criteria, but not sure how to find it? Knowledge Base Article R11697, “Report Finder: Info in Tabs3 Billing Reports,” provides a checklist of options that, when selected, displays a list of reports that will show the desired information. For example, let’s say you need a report that shows Billed Hours, Write-Ups/Downs, Write Offs, and the Amount Due. Select those check boxes, and you can see that there are two reports that have all of those options included. Additionally, you can easily access more information on the resulting reports by clicking on the View Report button, which opens the report pack to the page of the report.
Stop running random reports trying to find the perfect one; instead, use the Report Finder and get what you need without the guesswork.
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base in the Quick Launch by searching for and selecting “Knowledge Base.”
Did you know that Tabs3Pay can help you get paid faster? Accepting credit cards helps make it easier for clients to pay their bills. Sign up directly from Tabs3 Billing or Tabs3 Trust Accounting; in the Quick Launch, search for and select “Tabs3Pay Web Portal.”
With Tabs3Pay, you can:
- Manage separate trust and operating accounts.
- Securely store payment information for future use.
- Accept credit cards and electronic checks, all from within Tabs3 Software.
- Include a payment link in email statements, allowing your clients to easily enter payment information through the secure Tabs3Pay portal.
- Include trust replenishment request links with email statements or generate email requests directly from the Tabs3 Billing Matter Manager using Request Trust Deposit.
- Schedule future or recurring payments for clients.
- Take advantage of the Surcharging feature, allowing you to minimize the expense of processing fees.
To learn more about Tabs3Pay, visit Knowledge Base Article R11871, “Tabs3Pay Frequently Asked Questions,” or R11869, “Configuring Tabs3Pay.”
With 2023 coming to a close, year-end tasks are also swiftly approaching. Get a jump on 2024 by reviewing the recommended year-end procedures! As always, look no further than our Knowledge Base and Help topics to guide you through the process.
Knowledge Base Article R10429, “Year-End Overviews for Tabs3 Software Products,” includes links to KB articles that provide checklists and frequently asked questions. The types of questions found in each year-end article are outlined below:
Tabs3 Billing – R11693
- Retaining Previous Year’s Information
- Next Year’s Entries
- GL Integration
Tabs3 Trust Accounting – R10433
- Bank Account Reconciliation
- Reports
- 1099s, including E-file
- GL Integration
Tabs3 Accounts Payable – R11278
- Checks
- Void Posted Checks
- Reports
- 1099s, including E-file
- Deleting Vendors
- GL Integration
Tabs3 General Ledger – R11600
- Advancing the Year
- Reports
Lists of basic year-end procedures are also available in Help for each Tabs3 Software application. Simply enter the keyword “year-end” on the Index tab to display the year-end procedures Help topic.
We will start assessing clients a finance charge on unpaid work at the end of the year. How can we configure this?
In order to apply a finance charge, you must first enable finance charges in Customization, and then configure the clients.
To enable finance charge in Customization
- In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Customization.”
- On the Rates tab, in the Finance Charge section:
- Select the Assess Finance Charge check box.
- Select the Subject to Finance Charge check box if you will also be charging a finance charge on any unpaid finance charge (compounding).
- In the Rate 1 – Rate 5 fields, enter the desired annual percentage rate(s).
- Press Ctrl+S.
To configure clients to be assessed a finance charge
- In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Change Client Options.”
- On the Client tab, enter the range of clients that you want to assess a finance charge. Alternatively, click the Multiple button to enter multiple Client IDs or multiple client ranges.
- On the Billing tab, click the Select button, select Assess Finance Charge, Finance Charge Rate, Finance Charge Days, and Apply Payment to Finance Charge, and click OK.
- Select the Assess Finance Charge check box.
- Select the appropriate Finance Charge Rate, Finance Charge Days, and Apply Payment to Finance Charge options.
- Click OK.
Note: Alternatively, you can configure clients individually on the Billing Options tab of Client Information.
For more information, check out Knowledge Base Article R10850, “All About Tabs3 Finance Charges.”
The Tabs3 Billing Matter Manager acts as a central hub for matter-related information and activities in Tabs3 Billing. The Matter Manager allows you to view relevant information for each matter at a glance, perform common tasks, and run reports.
The following sections are available in the Tabs3 Billing Matter Manager:
Matter Information – Quickly view and edit matter information and notes. You can change the amount of information displayed in this section by using the arrow at the bottom.
Accounts Receivable tile – Displays the matter’s current accounts receivable balance and the last payment received.
Work-in-Process tile – Displays the total unbilled fees and costs and the last statement sent.
Client Funds/Trust Balance tile – Displays either the current client funds or trust account balance and the last activity for the account. You can toggle between these views by clicking the (Display Options) icon in the upper-right corner of the tile and selecting your preferred view.
List Content – Transactions and statements can be viewed in a combined Recent Activity list or by type with additional detail. Click a work-in-process transaction from the list to open it in the appropriate editor. Click a statement from the list to view it in the Statement Information window.
Take Action pane – Click the 
(Take Action) icon to perform matter related tasks such as adding transactions (including payments), generating and managing statements, and opening the matter in PracticeMaster or the trust account in Tabs3 Trust Accounting (Trust).
Reports pane – Click the 
(Reports) icon to run reports for the current matter from a customizable list. Click the (Customize Reports) icon in the upper-right corner of the pane to open the Customize Reports window. From this window, you can add or remove reports from the reports pane and update the report definition assigned to each report for use with the Matter Manager.
Besides the many reports included in Tabs3 Software, you have several options for creating your own custom reports.
PracticeMaster
PracticeMaster comes with several built-in reports that will provide insight into the details of your clients, appointments, to-do lists, and pending assignments (e.g., calendar reports, client reports, and task lists). One of PracticeMaster’s most powerful features is a comprehensive Report Writer with the ability to create customized reports based on any information stored in PracticeMaster. You can create basic or complex reports using the Report Wizard or the Report Writer Editor. Furthermore, PracticeMaster comes with a collection of pre-defined reports that can be customized as needed.
Haven’t purchased a license of PracticeMaster yet? Not a problem! You can access the Report Writer using the free license of PracticeMaster that comes with Tabs3 Billing.
For more information on PracticeMaster Report Writer, refer to Knowledge Base Article R11446, “Working with PracticeMaster Report Writer,” or the PracticeMaster Report Writer Guide.
Output to Excel
Information from Tabs3 Software can be copied or printed to Microsoft® Excel. This allows you to rearrange columns as needed or compile data from several areas into one workbook.
- Copy from a list – When selecting items from any list, you can copy the selected item(s) to the Windows clipboard using Ctrl+C. You can also use the Copy All feature to copy all items from any list to the Windows clipboard using Ctrl+Alt+C. You can then paste the list into Excel.
- Print to File – When printing reports, in the Print Dialog Box, you can select File and then save the report as an Excel file. Although any report can be output to an Excel format, many reports have been specially optimized for Excel output.
For more information on Output to Excel, including a list of reports optimized for Excel output, refer to Knowledge Base Article R11280, “All About Outputting Tabs3 Software Data to Excel.”
Tabs3 Billing Report Writer
Right out of the box, Tabs3 Billing is equipped with more than 50 reports. However, if you need a report that is not already available in Tabs3 Billing, consider purchasing a license of Tabs3 Billing Custom Report Writer. The Tabs3 Billing Report Writer allows users of Tabs3 Billing to define and print reports and forms based on information in Tabs3 Billing. Reports can be saved in a report format or various file formats including fixed or variable length field format, Microsoft Word mail-merge format, WordPerfect merge format, and more. The Forms Writer portion of the software is ideal for printing mailing labels, client file labels, and much more.
For more information on Tabs3 Billing Report Writer, refer to Knowledge Base Article R10394, “Tabs3 Billing Custom Report Writer Product Information.”
GLS Report Writer
Tabs3 General Ledger (GL) automatically includes necessary financial reports such as General Ledger, Trial Balance, Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Statement of Cash Flows, Budget Report, and more. However, if you need a report that is not already in GL, consider purchasing a license of General Ledger Custom Report Writer. General Ledger Custom Report Writer is an application that interfaces with GL. It allows users of GL to define and print customized reports based on user defined formulas. Easily create and modify reports such as Current Ratio, Working Capital, Return on Owner’s Equity Ratio, Current Liability, and more. Balances from any balance sheet account (both detail and total accounts) can be used in formulas. Budget Figures, as well as Month-to-Date, Quarter-to-Date, and Year-to-Date balances from income statement accounts (both detail and total accounts) can also be used.
For more information on General Ledger Report Writer, refer to Knowledge Base Article R10395, “Tabs3 General Ledger Custom Report Writer Product Information.”
ODBC Driver
Data files for the Tabs3 Software are ODBC capable. Purchasing a license of the ODBC Driver lets you export data from Tabs3 Billing, PracticeMaster, and Tabs3 Financial software using various third-party ODBC compliant applications such as Crystal Reports Pro Report Writer, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Query. The ODBC driver is written by FairCom Corporation, the manufacturer of the c-tree file storage method used by Tabs3 Software.
For accelerated server-side ODBC performance, consider upgrading to the Platinum SQL edition of Tabs3 Software. Platinum SQL provides detailed access rights for ODBC users and a license of the ODBC driver for each user. For example, one user can have rights to the Tabs3 Billing data files without having access rights to the Tabs3 General Ledger data files. Both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of the SQL ODBC driver are included with the Platinum SQL software.
For more information on ODBC, refer to Knowledge Base Article R10017, “Working with ODBC,” or R11397, “Working with Platinum SQL ODBC Drivers.”
More Info
For more information or to purchase a license of PracticeMaster, Tabs3 Report Writer, General Ledger Report Writer, or an ODBC driver, contact your consultant or Sales at (402) 419-2200.
When using Print Checks, if the Select Invoices to Print check box is selected on the Options tab, the number of invoices selected and the total amount to pay for all selected invoices are displayed at the bottom of the Select Invoices window. Additionally, a Tabs3 column shows a cost status of Paid, Unpaid, or a dash, which indicates no linked cost transaction.
You can also select to Exclude Invoices with Unpaid Tabs3 Cost Transactions from the Options tab. When this option is selected, only invoices with the entire cost amount paid will be printed. This allows firms to opt not to pay invoices until a client pays them for the associated cost.
We have a client we need to bill a fixed fee amount every month, but we still need to keep track of our hours and productivity. Does Tabs3 Billing have a solution for this?
Tabs3 Billing includes a Flat Fee Billing feature, which allows you to enter your time for a matter normally throughout the billing period, and then write the amount of the fees proportionally up or down to a predetermined amount prior to running statements.
To configure a matter for flat fee billing
- In the Tabs3 Billing Quick Launch, search for and select “Client Information.”
- In the Client ID field, select the matter you want to configure.
- Click the Rates tab and select 0 – Flat Fee Amount in the Billing Rate Code field.
- Enter the amount you want to bill the client on each statement in the Flat Amount field.
- Press Ctrl+S.
Once you have configured the matter for flat fee billing, you can enter time in Tabs3 Billing normally.
To adjust flat fee clients prior to running statements
- Run any reports or draft statements that you need to include the original fee amounts for review or reference.
- In the Tabs3 Billing Quick Launch, search for and select “Adjust Flat Fee Clients.”
- On the Client tab, select the range of matters you want to adjust. (Note: Only matters configured for flat fee billing will be adjusted.)
- On the Transactions tab, select the range of fees you want to adjust. We recommend selecting the end date of the billing cycle as the Thru date of the Fee Date field.
- Click OK to adjust the fees for the selected matters.
Once the fees have been adjusted, you can run your statements normally.
Want a quick and easy way to review your clients’ statements, and take action if necessary? Check out the Statement Manager!
The Statement Manager allows you to see a list of statements to determine what has been billed and paid. This makes it easy to quickly locate statements that have been final billed and updated. You can work with statements here using the actions in the Quick Clicks pane, or drill down to the Statement Information window for additional information. A Search box is available to quickly locate information anywhere in the list, such as finding a specific statement number when you receive a check.
Using the Quick Clicks on the right-hand side, you can:
- Take Action on one or more selected statement(s), such as reprinting a statement, making payments, writing off balances, or undoing updated statements.
- Utilize a QuickView, which combines a Filter, Column Layout, and default sort into a customized view that you can easily switch to at any time.
- Create a Filter to narrow down which records are displayed. Save filters for the whole firm to use, or just for your own use.
- Change the Column Layout used, which modifies the columns shown in the statement list.
- Customize your List Preferences to change how the list is displayed, and Manage Quick Clicks to customize the contents of the Quick Clicks pane. Customization is saved for each user.
Click here to view the “Using the Statement Manager” training video.
Want to learn more about lists in Tabs3 Billing? Working with lists can save you time by utilizing customizable filters, QuickViews, and column layouts!
In the Working with Lists in Tabs3 Billing video, see how you can easily view your clients, contacts, fees, costs, payments, client funds, and write offs without having to run a report! Lists can be filtered to only show information that is important to you and makes performing actions on those records simple.
Watch this three-minute video here:
Training Videos can be accessed at Tabs3.com/videos. You can also access the videos from the Quick Launch by searching for and selecting “Training Videos.”
We have a client with many matters that we want to mark as inactive, so that when we run reports or statements it will only include the matters we are working on. Is there a way I can make all of them inactive at once instead of going into each individual matter?
To make changes for multiple client matters all at once, you can use Change Client Options. Because Change Client Options is a powerful feature that can make changes to all of your clients at once, we recommend making a backup when prompted.
To mark multiple matters as Inactive via Change Client Options
- In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Change Client Options.”
- On the Client tab, enter the range of client matters that you want to mark inactive. Alternatively, click the Multiple button to enter multiple Client IDs or multiple client ranges.
- On the Setup tab, click the Select button, select Inactive and Archive Matter Address, and click OK.
- Select the Inactive check box.
- Optionally select the Archive Matter Address check box.
- Click OK.
The Tabs3 Software provides a wide range of reports, as well as documentation resources to help you get the most out of reports. Information on reports can be found in many places, so where should you look first?
Knowledge Base Article R11793, “Reports Information & Resources,” provides a list of resources with information regarding reports in the Tabs3 Software, making it easy to find what you are looking for. This article includes links to Knowledge Base Articles, Report Packs, Guides, and Videos. You can find information on comparing report information, report analyzation, specialty reports, and more!
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base in the Quick Launch by searching for and selecting “Knowledge Base.”
Firm information can change for many reasons, such as when you move, add partners, or the firm splits. Updating the software with your new information is important so that your firm is accurately represented on statements, checks, and more. Informing Tabs3 Software is also important so that information regarding changes to the software reaches you in a timely manner.
The main changes to firm information are made in System Configuration; however, other changes may also be necessary depending on your use of the software and are outlined below.
System Configuration
You can change your firm’s name, address, phone, website, and Federal ID # in System Configuration’s Firm Information window (File | Open | Firm). Changes to the firm’s name, address, Federal ID #, or phone will prompt you to print and send us a form with the changes. This is so that we can update our records.
Making changes to the Firm Information will automatically change the following information in the software:
- Heading of all reports in Tabs3 Billing, PracticeMaster, Trust Accounting (Trust), and Accounts Payable (AP).
- Firm name displayed on Trust and AP 1099 Forms.
- Firm name printed on Trust checks to your firm.
- Statement Designer layouts that use a variable for any of the fields that have changed.
- Document Assembly templates and report definitions that use any of the fields that have changed.
Note: When a change to the firm name is made in the Platinum edition, all users must exit the Tabs3 Software before the change will apply to the Tabs3 Software report headings or Trust checks to your firm.
Tabs3 Billing
The following changes to statement information may need to be made in Tabs3 Billing for changes to your firm’s information.
- If your firm uses the Headings tab in Statement Customization (In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Statement Customization”) to enter up to nine lines to be printed as a heading on each statement, these lines may need to be updated.
- If your firm uses Statement Designer layouts that provide firm information manually entered, instead of using variables, these layouts may need to be updated.
- If your firm uses bitmaps on statements that include the changed firm information, the bitmaps will need to be recreated.
General Ledger (GL)
In GL, the Client Name field in the Edit GLS Client utility (In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Edit GLS Client”) prints as a heading on all GL reports.
Tabs3 Remote
In Tabs3 Remote, the firm name is saved in Customization (Utilities | Customization) and is printed as a heading on all Tabs3 Remote reports.
If your firm information changes, make sure you update all of the necessary areas to help make the transition smooth.
Did you know that some activities are logged in the software, such as when the software is backed up or restored? This information can come in handy when you want to determine when something happened and who initiated it.
A Support Log is available for viewing or printing in every application, but provides different information based on the application. Not all activities are logged, but those that have a high impact are typically included.
To print a Support Log
- In the Quick Launch, search for and select “View the Support Log.”
- Optionally enter a Date range.
- Optionally select the Specific option next to Users, and then select the desired users for whom you want the report to run.
- Optionally select the Specific option next to Features, and then select the desired features for which you want the report to run.
- Click the Print button.
There are many helpful features in the Support Log. For example, let’s say you are sure that you updated statements last week, but now those transactions are showing as work-in-process again. In Tabs3 Billing, you can print the Support Log and include the Undo Updated Statements feature. When reviewing the report, you will see a list that includes every time the Undo Updated Statements has been run. The following information for each time will also be included: Date, Time, User, Statement, Cnt (Count), Client Range, and Reporting Month. Now you can see who undid the statements and talk to them to find out why.
To view a complete list of what features are included in the Support Log for each application, visit Knowledge Base Article R11288, “Support Log Information.”
Is it possible to change the order in which fees appear on a statement?
Fees are always displayed in date order on statements. However, Tabs3 Billing does include a utility to change the order in which fees that share the same date will appear.
To change the order of fees on a statement
- In the Tabs3 Quick Launch, search for and select “Reorder Fees.”
- In the Client ID field, select the matter whose fee order you want to change.
- In the Group fees by field, select the option that matches your statement grouping.
- Select each fee you want to reorder and click the Move Up or Move Down button to change the fee’s position within the date group.
- When you are finished, close the Reorder Fees window.
Note: The Reorder Fees utility works by editing the reference numbers assigned to the updated fees. Reference numbers on previously generated reports and verification lists may no longer refer to the original fees.
We have added a Client Portal to Tabs3 Billing Version 2023 that allows you to invite clients and contacts you select to access an online client portal! This allows those customers to view their current balance and billing history. When combined with Tabs3Pay, clients can submit electronic payments that automatically apply towards their current balance due.
Setting up a client portal for the firm is performed in the Tabs3 Connect Administration window of System Configuration. Once a manager enables the portal and configures the web address, invitations can be sent to the firm’s clients. (Note: Tabs3 Connect must show “Connected” to enable the client portal; see KB Article R11480, “All About Tabs3 Connect,” for more information on configuring and using Tabs3 Connect.)
Configuring access to the client portal is done in the Client Portal Settings window, which can be accessed from the Tabs3 Billing Matter Manager, Client Information window, Contacts list, or Contact Information window. When starting from a client, you can select contacts to access that specific matter; when starting from a contact, you can select which matters the contact has access to.
A new access right for Client Portal Settings has been added. For additional information, see KB Article R11818, “Access Rights.”
For more information about the Client Portal, see KB Articles R11919, “Configuring the Tabs3 Client Portal,” and R11920, “Using the Tabs3 Client Portal.”
Did you know that you can quickly and easily change certain fields for a range of transactions that have not been billed yet? Change WIP Transactions (In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Change WIP Transactions”) provides the ability to make changes to many transactions at once instead of spending hours making changes transaction by transaction.
Change WIP Transactions can be run for all of the same ranges you can run reports and statements; the Client and Transactions tabs are the same. This helps narrow down the range of transactions you want to change. The following options can be changed using this process:
- Set Status (Print or Hold)
- Date
- Convert Tcode to Task Code
- Phase/Task, Activity/Expense
- Sales Tax
- Bill Code
- Fee Category
- Rate
Some of the most common reasons for using Change WIP Transactions include when a timekeeper has changed their rates and transactions were entered with the old rate, changing transactions from a print to hold status (or vice versa), and converting tcodes to task codes when an existing client becomes a task based billing client.
The next time you find yourself needing to change a large number of transactions, stay on schedule by using Change WIP Transactions.
Tip: Due to the number of records that could be changed using this process, we highly recommend backing up your data before running Change WIP Transactions.
I created a new client a few weeks ago and have since added fees and costs. However, I was recently informed that this client should have been made as a matter to an existing client instead. I would prefer to not have to delete and recreate this activity. Is there a way to change the Client ID so that it becomes a matter for the other existing client?
You can change any existing Client ID to another by using the Renumber Client utility. When renumbering a client, any records associated to the original client will be renumbered to the new Client ID as well.
To renumber a client
- In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Renumber Client.” We recommend making the backup when prompted.
- In the Old Client ID field, select the Client ID that needs to be renumbered.
- In the New Client ID field, enter an unused Client ID that you want the matter to use.
- Click OK.
There are several methods for crediting a client’s account: write offs, write-downs, courtesy discounts, payment adjustments, credit transactions, or editing or deleting the original transaction. Knowledge Base Article R11760, “Best Practices When Applying Credits,” provides information on how each method affects reports, statements, GL integration, and more to help you decide how best to credit your client.
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base in the Quick Launch by searching for and selecting “Knowledge Base.”
Is there a way to customize which reports are available from the Tabs3 Billing Matter Manager?
The Matter Manager allows you to customize which reports are shown in the Reports pane.
To customize the Reports pane
- In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Matter Manager.”
- In the pane on the right side of the Matter Manager, click the
(Reports) icon. - Click the three vertical dots to the right of the word “Reports” to open the Customize reports window.
- Double-click each report you want to include in the Reports pane, indicated by a check mark
- Click OK when you are finished customizing the reports shown.
- Close the Matter Manager.
Version 2023 has some great new features to check out!
Tabs3 Platinum Software Highlights
- Client Portal – We’ve added a client portal to Tabs3 Billing that allows selected clients to access their current balance and billing history with any web browser. When combined with Tab3Pay, clients can submit electronic payments that automatically apply towards their current balance due.
- Check Requests – A check request feature has been added to the software allowing you to enter, track, and review requests for reimbursements via PracticeMaster. Those check requests can then be used to create an invoice and generate a check or electronic funds transfer (EFT) in Tabs3 Accounts Payable or Trust Accounting.
- Outlook Recurring Event Synchronization – Enhanced the Microsoft 365 Exchange Connector so recurring events created in Outlook will synchronize with the PracticeMaster calendar.
PracticeMaster Highlights
- Tabs3 CRM – Easily track and manage potential client leads with Tabs3 CRM (client relationship management). Tabs3 CRM is an add-on service that will help your firm build your business with customized intake forms and marketing automation. Once your firm is ready to take on the client, you can easily create a client in PracticeMaster using an import process. Additionally, the PracticeMaster Conflict of Interest Search can optionally check leads in Tabs3 CRM for conflicts.
- Contact Categories – A new access right has been added allowing you to control who can add new Contact Categories. Contact Categories are used in the Contact file to classify contacts by type such as attorney, judge, opposing counsel, etc.
Tabs3 Software Highlights
- Simplified Update – Beginning with Version 2023, any necessary data conversions are done automatically during the installation. This means you don’t need to perform additional steps prior to using the software, greatly simplifying the update process. Furthermore, if you are currently on Version 2020 or later, updating to the latest version can be done with a single installation.
For in-depth information on all of the new Version 2023 features, including screenshots, refer to Knowledge Base Article R11925, “Version 2023 Introduction to New Features.” A list with links to all Version 2023 information can be found in R11927, “Version 2023 Information and Resources.”
To download Version 2023, visit Tabs3.com/update or contact your local consultant.
Dashboards are an easy way to get a quick overview of important data. Dashboards can be accessed via the Dashboard tab of the Home Page and provide the following information:
Tabs3 Billing Dashboard – Displays Accounts Receivable and Work-in-Process for each aging period, as well as a Cash Receipts and a Billing History billing widget to compare figures for the past two years. The dashboard can optionally be filtered in Platinum edition applications for one or more timekeepers, categories, or locations.
PracticeMaster Dashboard – Displays the current month’s Calendar, a list of upcoming events, a My Task list that allows you to easily check off completed items, and a Recap of Hours graph. Additionally, buttons to Add Event, Add Task, and Add Fee are included.
Trust Accounting Dashboard – Displays a summary of your firm’s active Bank Accounts and a list of Recent Trust Transactions. Additionally, buttons to Import Bank Transactions, Print Checks, and Add Transactions are included.
Accounts Payable Dashboard – Displays a list of Unpaid Invoices. Additionally, buttons to quickly Print Checks, Post Checks, print a Check Register, and Add Invoices are included.
General Ledger Dashboard – Displays a summary of your firm’s Bank Accounts and a list of Recent Bank Transactions. Additionally, buttons to Import Bank Transactions and Add Journal Entries are included.
Did you know that you can choose whether or not to print the initials of the user who runs a report on the left side of the footer?
To print the user initials in the report footer
- In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Print Setup.”
- Select the desired Printer.
- Click the Advanced Printing Features button.
- In the Footer section, select the Print User Initials check box.
- Click OK.
- Click OK.
I’m sending out email statements to my clients, but I also need to include a cost schedule from a vendor showing their charges. How can I attach an additional file to my email statements?
When sending out email statements from Tabs3 Billing, you can edit the text and add additional files via the Email Preview window while reviewing your email statements.
To attach a file to an email statement
- In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Email Statements.”
- Select the statement to which you want to attach a file.
- Click View/Edit Email.
- Drag the file into the attachments section of the email.
Alternatively, there’s an Insert File button in the toolbar at the top of the window that allows you to browse and select files as attachments.
Note: Email attachments must comply with file size limitations in Outlook and your outgoing email server.
Do you have a new pro bono client, or need to enter a fee or cost at no charge for a regular client? Clients and transactions can be marked as non-billable so that you can still track your time without charging your client.
Non-billable Clients
If you have a client for which there will be no billable time, you may want to mark the client as non-billable. Marking the client as non-billable prevents the accidental entering of billable transactions for the client. Transactions can still be entered, but they will default to a non-billable Bill Code.
To mark a client as non-billable
- From Tabs3 Billing Quick Launch, search for and select “Client Information.”
- From the Setup tab, in the Status section, select the Non-billable check box.
- Press Ctrl+S.
Non-billable Transactions
When fees (or costs) are entered, the transaction’s Bill Code can be specified as 1 – Non-Billable / Non-Printable if you do not want the transaction to be printed on a statement or 2 – Non-Billable / Printable if you want the transaction to be printed on a statement.
When using a Bill Code of 2 – Non-Billable / Printable, transactions will be printed on the statement, but the amount will display “n/c” to indicate that there is no charge for the transaction. If desired, this text can be changed via Statement Customization.
To change the “n/c” terminology
- From the Quick Launch, search for and select “Statement Customization.”
- On the Terminology tab, select Line 8 from the list.
- In the Line 8 field, change the text as desired up to 60 characters.
- Press Ctrl+S.
You can optionally configure transaction codes (tcodes) to default to a non-billable Bill Code. This means that when you select the tcode on a transaction, the Bill Code will already be set as non-billable.
To specify a Bill Code for a tcode
- In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Transaction Code Information.”
- On the Tcode tab, select the desired Tcode.
- Select the desired Bill Code.
- Press Ctrl+S.
In summary, there are three different ways to track non-billable transactions: mark the client as non-billable, specify a non-billable Bill Code when entering individual transactions, and/or configure tcodes to be non-billable. Take a look at these options and see which option is right for you the next time you need transactions to be non-billable.
We have matters for which we only want to charge up to a set amount or set a limit for the total hours worked. Is there a way for Tabs3 Billing to notify us if we will exceed these limits?
Tabs3 Billing includes a Budget feature that allows you to set a maximum amount and/or hours per matter. Additionally, with matters configured for Task Based Billing, you can specify separate budgets by phase for both activity (fees) and expenses (costs). When you are entering fees or costs in Tabs3 Billing, PracticeMaster, or Tabs3 Accounts Payable, you will be notified before saving if the transaction will exceed the matter’s budget.
To configure a budget for a non-Task Based Billing matter
- In the Tabs3 Billing Quick Launch, search for and select “Client Information.”
- Select the Client ID for which you are creating a budget.
- Click the Budget tab.
- In the Hours to Bill field, specify the maximum total hours you want to bill the client for this matter.
- In the Amount field, specify the maximum amount you want to bill the client for this matter.
- Select the Warn if Budget Exceeded check box.
- Press Ctrl+S.
To configure phase-level budgets for a Task Based Billing matter
- In the Tabs3 Billing Quick Launch, search for and select “Client Information.”
- Select the Client ID for which you are creating a budget.
- Click the Budget tab and then click the Budget button.
- In the Phase/Task field, select the phase for which you are creating a budget.
- In the Activity Amount field, specify the maximum fee amount you want to bill for the selected phase.
- In the Expense Amount field, specify the maximum cost amount you want to bill for the selected phase.
- Click Save Record.
- Repeat steps a-d for each phase you want to budget.
- Click OK.
- Select the Warn if Budget Exceeded check box.
- Press Ctrl+S.
There are several ways you might handle billing for a contingency case, but in the end you must adjust the amount owed based on the outcome. So what options does Tabs3 Billing provide?
Contingency billing occurs when a firm performs work for a client and gets paid contingent upon a settlement. There are many variations for this type of arrangement, such as whether or not costs will be billed, percentage amounts of the settlement, etc. When billing contingency clients using Tabs3 Billing, you typically bill them after the matter is settled; however, you may also want to bill them during the course of the matter. When billing during the course of the matter, you may want to bill only expenses or advances. You may also want the client to see the services rendered for a particular period without actually billing the fees. Then, once the matter is settled, you can write the fees/costs up or down and send the client a final bill.
For example, let’s say that you have a contingency client and you want to bill them monthly for all costs incurred, but not include fees on the statement. You must first create a statement template that includes the desired information on the statement, and then assign it to the contingency client.
To create a statement template for costs only
- In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Statement Templates.”
- In the Template ID field, enter a name for your template.
- On the Fee Format tab, select a Fee Format of No Fees.
- On the Cost/Payment Format tab, select the desired Expense Format and Advance Format.
- Select any other settings as desired.
- Press Ctrl+S.
To assign a statement template to a client>
- In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Client Information.”
- Select the desired Client ID.
- On the Statement Options tab, select the desired Draft Template and Final Template (e.g., the template we created in the previous set of steps).
- Press Ctrl+S.
Using our example, let’s say that the matter has been resolved with a particularly good outcome. You determine that you need to write-up the client’s fees by $5,000 in order to meet the agreed upon percentage of the settlement that your firm will receive.
To write-up fees by an amount
- In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Write-Up/Write-Down Fees & Costs.”
- Select the desired Client ID.
- In the Transaction Type section, select Fees.
- Click the Calculate Client Total button.
- In the Amount Adjustment Type section
- Select Amount.
- In the New Total field, enter the total amount in fees you want to bill the client.
- Click OK.
You can now change the matter’s Final Template to a statement template that has a Fee Format of Standard and generate a final statement for your client. (As an alternative, you can select the statement template via Generate Statements.)
As more law firms switch to paperless environments, emailing statements can be a great solution for reducing your office paper needs while adding convenience for your clients!
The Email Statements Overview video walks you through the process of setting up email templates, changing statement delivery options for your clients, and reviewing emails before they are sent. If you use Tabs3Pay, you can also see how to include payment and trust request links in your emails, which makes it easy for your clients to pay.
Watch this four-minute video here:
Training Videos can be accessed at Tabs3.com/videos. You can also access the videos in the Quick Launch by searching for and selecting “Training Videos.”
We wrote off an amount for a client that contained fees, costs, and tax amounts. How can we see how the write off applied?
You can view detailed information on a write off via the Tabs3 Billing Matter Manager. This allows you to see the original billed amount as well as the fees, expenses, and/or advances written off. Each timekeeper, cost type, tax amount, and/or finance charge that was written off is also shown, along with statement information.
To view detailed write off information
- In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Matter Manager.”
- Select the client’s matter.
- In the List Content section, click Write Offs.
- Select the write off you want to view.
How do you handle overpayments, checks that don’t clear the bank, or checks entered for the wrong account? Make a payment adjustment! Payment adjustments can be used to refund or reverse payments.
When a client pays more than is due, you may want to refund part of the payment. In order to refund a payment, the payment must have been final billed and updated. Additionally, only the unapplied portion of a payment can be refunded.
In some situations, you may need to reverse the entire payment. Typically, this is because either a check didn’t clear the bank or a payment was entered to the wrong account. Like refunds, a payment can only be reversed if it has already been final billed and updated. However, payments can be reversed regardless of whether a portion is currently unapplied or not.
When refunding or reversing payments, the following integration options are available, when applicable:
- When you are set up to process credit cards, and the payment was originally processed via credit card, you will be prompted whether or not to process the adjustment through the processor.
- You will have the option to write a check for the amount (when integrating with AP), create a payment to another client, deposit the amount into client funds, or just record the adjustment.
- When integrating with GL, you will have the option of specifying a date for automatic journal entries.
To reverse or refund a payment
- In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Payment Adjustment.”
- Select the Client ID.
- In the Reference field, select the payment you are adjusting.
- In the Adjustment Information section, select Reversal or Refund.
- Enter the desired Adjustment Date. This date will be used for reports.
- If you selected Refund, enter the desired Adjustment Amount.
- Click OK.
- Click Yes to continue.
- In the Payment Adjustment Options window, select whether you will be writing a check for the adjustment, just recording the adjustment, creating a payment for another client, or depositing the adjustment into Client Funds.
- Click OK.
- If you are integrating with GL, and did not select the option to write a check, an Adjusting Journal Entries window will be displayed. Select the date to use for adjusting GL journal entries.
- Click OK.
- In the Payment Adjustment Description window:
- If you want a transaction to be saved to the Fee file, enter a Description and click OK.
- If you do not want a transaction saved to the Fee file, click Cancel.
Payment adjustments provide an easy way to refund an amount back to your clients, or to reverse payments when a mistake was made.
Did you know that the language used on statements can be customized? The Terminology tab of Statement Customization provides 77 terms that can be changed.
To change the terminology used on statements
- In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Statement Customization.”
- From the Terminology tab, select the line you want to change.
- Press F2 or click to place focus in the Line field, and make any desired changes.
In addition to changing the terminology, in many fields you can also specify to bold, italicize, or underline text. Furthermore, you can add special codes in some fields to add additional text to the statement. For example, you can enter the “+” character in the first position of Line 2, to display the Attn line before the client’s name.
To see a complete list of terminology line items, and the special codes that can be used, press F1 while in the software and enter “terminology” on the Index tab. Click a line item to see what special options are available.
We’ve been reviewing our billing categories and noticed that a few of them are redundant. Is there a way to combine these categories and their associated matters?
Tabs3 Billing includes a Renumber Category utility that allows you to renumber your billing categories. You can use this process to combine up to five existing billing categories into a new billing category.
To merge billing categories
- In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Renumber Category.”
- In the first row of the Old Number column, select the first billing category you want to merge into a new billing category.
- In the first row of the New Number column, enter the number of the new billing category you want to create.
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 in each row for each billing category you want to merge into the new category.
- Once you have configured the rows, click OK to begin the renumber process.
Note: When combining categories, the new category cannot exist prior to combining.
The difference between Timekeepers and Users is often confused. So what exactly is the distinction between how timekeepers and users are used in the software?
Users represent anyone who uses the software, or a resource that needs to be scheduled, such as a conference room. Timekeepers represent any person whose time is entered or billed, such as attorneys and paralegals.
You work with timekeepers and users every day, possibly in ways you don’t even realize. Let’s take a look at some different ways timekeepers and users are used in the software below.
Timekeepers can be used to:
- Track time
- Assign billing rates
- Specify which timekeeper is primary, secondary, and originating for a matter
- Track billing and productivity
- Specify reporting ranges
- Specify fee compensation rules (Tabs3 Billing only)
- …and more
Users can be used to:
- Log in to the software
- Specify access rights
- Track who enters data in Tabs3 Billing, PracticeMaster, Trust Accounting (Trust), Accounts Payable (AP), and General Ledger (GL)
- Add to groups to make entering calendar records easier
- …and more
Because there are such different uses for timekeepers and users, when, how, and why you should add or delete them vary. When adding or deleting timekeepers and users, keep the following in mind:
- You can only add as many timekeepers as your license allows. Because of this, it may be necessary to renumber or delete timekeepers or add timekeepers to your license.
- There is no limit to the number of users you can add; you are instead limited by how many users can be logged in to the software at the same time. Because of this, there is never a need to delete users. In fact, deleting users can cause Data File Integrity Check Errors.
It is important to note that Tabs3 Billing and Trust are licensed by Timekeeper whereas PracticeMaster, AP, and GL are licensed by User. For more information on timekeeper and user limits, refer to Knowledge Base Article R10788, “Active User Limits.”
Not sure what your timekeeper or user login limits are? These can be found in the About window (in the Quick Launch, search for and select “About”). The About window displays the Active User Limit in each of the applications. In Tabs3 Billing, you can also see the Maximum Timekeeper Limit, and in Trust you can see the Maximum Attorney Limit. For more information about what is contained in the About window, refer to Knowledge Base Article R11865, “Information in the About Window.”
For more information on deleting timekeepers and users, refer to Knowledge Base Articles R10969, “Renumbering vs. Deleting Inactive Timekeepers,” and R10840, “Deleting User IDs.”
Knowing the difference between timekeepers and users can help you know which settings may need to be changed when necessary, as well as when you should add or delete them, or update your license. For more information on timekeeper and users, refer to the Help by pressing F1 from any window.
Ethics are an integral part of any business, but in the field of law they are especially important. Tabs3 Software works to ensure that your firm has the tools to maintain ethical walls in order to protect your clients and cases.
Knowledge Base Article R11459, “Ethical Walls in Tabs3 Software,” discusses how to use Tabs3 Software to create ethical walls in your firm. The Tabs3 Software provides Conflict of Interest searching, the option to make clients secure and accessible by only certain users, the ability to control who sees work by assigning timekeepers, and the ability to set up access profiles to control who can access specific functions of the software.
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base in the Quick Launch by searching for and selecting “Knowledge Base.”
In Tabs3 Billing, PracticeMaster, and Tabs3 Connect, the Recap of Hours contains a graph that provides billable and non-billable hours and amounts at-a-glance, with the added ability to also see unprocessed time in PracticeMaster. By default, the bar graph will display the current week, and you can scroll forward and backward in time using the arrows at the top of the graph. Want to review and/or edit fees for a certain day? Simply click on the billable or non-billable time to open the Fee Recap Lookup window, where you can view the fee records or add new records on the fly! In PracticeMaster, click on the unprocessed time to open the Process Timer Records window so you can convert that time into billable fees.
The Recap of Hours can be accessed several ways.
- In Tabs3 Billing, the Recap of Hours can be accessed via the Quick Launch by searching for and selecting “Recap of Hours” or by clicking the
button in the Fee Entry window. Additionally, you can run the Recap of Hours Report via the Quick Launch by searching for and selecting “Recap of Hours Report.” - In PracticeMaster, you can access the Recap of Hours on the Dashboard or via the Quick Launch by searching for and selecting “Recap of Hours.”
- In Tabs3 Connect, you can access the Recap of Hours by clicking on the
icon.
To specify the Default Timekeeper, include a daily target comparison line, and, in PracticeMaster, to include unprocessed timer records, click the 
icon in the Recap of Hours window.
Although the Recap of Hours will always open to the Default Timekeeper selected, you can also select a different timekeeper for the current session.
Reviewing your time has never been easier!
Skip the hassle of collections this year by scheduling your matter’s one-time and recurring payments with Tabs3Pay!
The Scheduling Payments with Tabs3Pay video walks you through how to schedule a future-dated payment or series of payments, right from the Tabs3 Billing Matter Manager. This feature makes it easy to provide payment plans for your clients and allows you to get paid on a specific date, even when you’re not in the office.
Watch this three-minute video here:
Training Videos can be accessed at Tabs3.com/videos. You can also access the videos in the Quick Launch by searching for and selecting “Training Videos.”
Can I add explanatory notes to my fees that will be shown on draft statements but not final statements?
Statement comments allow you to include additional information on transaction descriptions that will be shown on draft statements or reports, but not final statements. This makes it easy to provide information to the person reviewing pre-bills without making it visible to the client.
To enter a statement comment
- In the Description field of a fee, cost, payment, or client funds transaction, place your cursor where you want the statement comment to appear.
- Right-click in the Description field and select Statement Comment or press Ctrl+H to enable Statement Comment mode.
- Type your statement comment.
- Right-click in the Description field and select Statement Comment or press Ctrl+H again to disable Statement Comment mode.
Statement comments are identified in the entry window with red text, are shown on reports and draft statements with a strikethrough line, and are excluded from final statements.
Verification lists are optional and can make it easy to confirm what activities have been done by whom in the software. Many firms review these on a regular basis, verifying which transactions have been added, changed, and deleted by the users in the firm. Verification Lists can be generated for much more than fees; there are more than 15 different verification lists in Tabs3 Billing, Trust Accounting (Trust), Accounts Payable (AP), and General Ledger (GL).
Knowledge Base Article R10793, “All About Verification Lists,” provides detailed information about the various verification lists available in the software including a breakdown of verification lists, how to enable or disable optional verification lists, which verification lists are temporary, how to delete verification lists, a complete list of all verification lists, and much more.
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base in the Quick Launch by searching for and selecting “Knowledge Base.”
Did you know that you can reprint client statements whenever needed? It’s easy to reprint statements when you’re required to provide them by the client or the court. You can reprint a single statement for a single client as well as multiple statements at one time. When printing multiple statements, you can print a range of clients, statement dates, and more.
To reprint a single updated statement
- In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Matter Manager.”
- Select the desired Client ID.
- In the List Content section, select the Statements heading.
- Click the statement you want to reprint to open a preview.
- Click the Print button.
Note: You can also reprint statements via the Quick Launch by searching for and selecting “Reprint Single Updated Statement.”
To reprint multiple updated statements
- In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Reprint Multiple Updated Statements.”
- Select the desired Statement Criteria (e.g., Statement Date, Client ID, etc.).
- Select the desired Reprint Options.
- Click OK.
Tip: Alternatively, you can run a Transaction File List (In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Transaction File List”) to show all transactions or a range of transactions for a client. Because the report uses a list format, printing a Transaction File List can significantly save paper depending on how many statements the client has had.
QuickViews provide a powerful way of organizing and finding information. QuickViews combine a filter, column layout, and sort option into a tab at the top of the window. When you change from one QuickView to another, you quickly change which records you see, the columns that are displayed, and the order in which records appear. In PracticeMaster, QuickViews can also include Smart tabs at the bottom of the list to further sort records into groups based on the selected indexed field. You can customize the colors used for QuickViews and Smart tabs. You can share QuickViews for all users as needed or define them for yourself. Once created, you can select a QuickView at the top of the window, or via the Quick Clicks pane.
QuickViews are available for both Platinum and non-Platinum editions of the software; however, they run faster in the Platinum edition of Tabs3 Billing and PracticeMaster.
Why are QuickViews faster in Platinum? Filters are processed at the server computer, similar to how the Accelerator processes reports. Rather than having to filter the records once they have been received from the server, the workstation receives only the records that have been pre-filtered by the server. This reduces network traffic and allows filtered lists to display considerably faster. Additionally, column sorting is processed at the server, which also improves the speed at which lists are displayed.
For more information about Platinum features, see Knowledge Base Article R11379, “Platinum Overview.” If you have any questions regarding Platinum features, contact your Tabs3 Software consultant, or call Support at (402) 419-2210.
Did you know that you can save reports generated from Tabs3 Software as PDFs? Instead of maintaining folders and/or boxes of paper, store your reports digitally instead!
When printing your reports, there are two ways to save the file as a PDF:
- Select an Output of Tabs3 DropBox. Tabs3 Software’s DropBox is a good option if you want to review the PDF report(s) before saving them to their final location. You can then save multiple files in the DropBox to another location simultaneously. Once all your reports are saved to the DropBox, simply drag them to the desired location.
- Select an Output of File, and then save the file as a PDF to the desired location. This is a good option if you’re ready to save the report and be done.
Once you start saving your reports as PDFs, think about saving them as document management records in PracticeMaster. When saved to PracticeMaster, your reports become easily searchable. Worried about security? Assigning documents to a secure client will limit the information available to users. When running a conflict search, any hits belonging to a secure client will display “This is a secure record.”
Tip: Use the Send to PracticeMaster option while in File Explorer to automatically create document management records in PracticeMaster for multiple reports. For more information on the Send to PracticeMaster feature, see Knowledge Base Article R11571, “Document Management Frequently Asked Questions.”
We are starting to use the Email Statements feature but want to protect our client’s sensitive information. Is there a way to add more security to the statements that are sent?
Tabs3 Billing allows you to specify a password for the PDF statements sent via Email Statements for added security. The password can be unique for each matter and client.
To password protect PDF email statements
- In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Client Information.”
- Select the desired Client ID.
- On the Billing Preferences tab, in the Statement Delivery Options section, select the Use a password to protect PDF statements when emailed check box.
- Enter the desired password.
- Press Ctrl+S.
The next time you send an Email Statement, the client will be prompted to enter the password to open the PDF. For additional information about Email Statements and password security, see Knowledge Base Article R11913, “Emailing Tabs3 Billing Statements.”
How can I change the terminology used in the trust section of my statements?
The terminology for trust information on statements is stored in Tabs3 Trust Accounting, and is specific to each bank you have configured.
To change the trust account terminology
- In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Bank Account.”
- Select the bank you want to modify in the Bank Account field.
- Click the Integration Settings button.
- In the Tabs3 Billing Statement/WIP Terminology section, enter the text you want to use in each field.
- Click on the OK button.
- Press Ctrl+S.
You can now schedule a future-dated payment or series of payments from within Tabs3 Billing and a future-dated trust deposit or series of trust deposits from within Trust Accounting that will automatically process via Tabs3Pay. This allows you to get paid on a specific date, even when you’re not in the office. Additionally, recurring payments are a convenient way of providing a simple payment plan for your clients. Once the payment is processed, it will be displayed in the Tabs3 Billing Import Online Payments window for import.
In Tabs3 Billing, the Schedule Payments window can be accessed via the Quick Clicks pane in Matter Manager or Statement Manager, a toolbar button in Payment Entry, or in the Quick Launch pane by searching for and selecting “Schedule Payment.”
In Trust, the Schedule Payments window can be accessed via a toolbar button in Trust Transaction Entry, 
or in the Quick Launch pane by searching for and selecting “Schedule Payment.”
Note: Managing scheduled payments is performed in the Tabs3Pay Web Portal.
Did you know that you can select multiple ranges of clients when running reports or generating Statements? Located on the Client tab, the Multiple button can be used to select multiple ranges of Client IDs. After clicking the Multiple button, the Ranges window will be displayed. From here, you can enter multiple beginning and ending Client IDs. Up to 50 client ranges can be specified.
Is there an easy way to provide a discount to a client without directly adjusting my fees or entering a credit?
The Courtesy Discount feature in the Client Information window allows you to provide individual or ongoing discounts by amount or percentage. These discounts show as a separate line item on the client’s statement.
To add a courtesy discount for a matter
- In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Client Information.”
- In the Client ID field, select the matter you want to discount.
- On the Billing Options tab, in the Courtesy Discount section:
- In the Discount Type field, select whether you want to discount by Amount or Percentage.
- Specify the Amount or Percentage of the discount.
- If this is a one-time discount, select the Change Discount Type to None after statement updated check box.
- Press Ctrl+S.
Are you planning on purchasing a new server, or moving from one computer to another? Sometimes it becomes necessary to move the Tabs3 Software from one location on the network to another location. Knowledge Base Article R11895, “Moving Tabs3 Software,” and Knowledge Base Article R11896, “Moving Tabs3 Platinum Software,” walk you through the steps to move the software to a different computer.
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base in the Quick Launch by searching for and selecting “Knowledge Base.”
Are there additional notes that you want to add to statements for one or more clients? There are multiple areas in Tabs3 Billing to enter notes that can then be shown on statements for a single client, a group of clients, or all clients. A graphic is provided at the end of this article that represents each of the following elements.
Statement Notes for a Single Client
If you want to add notes to a single client’s statement, this can be set up in the Client file using the Beginning and Ending Statement Notes fields, located on the Statement Options tab, or the Miscellaneous lines 1-3, located on the Custom Fields tab.
Beginning and Ending Statement Notes
The Beginning Statement Notes will print following the Work Description and Miscellaneous Lines 1-3. The Ending Statement Notes will print at the end of the statement, but before any statement notes included in a statement template or ending text defined on the Headings tab of Statement Customization. Each of these fields has a maximum of 250 characters.
You can optionally select to Change Notes to blank after Statement updated if you want the note to only be included on the next statement.
Tip: You can optionally use Change Client Options (in the Quick Launch, search for and select “Change Client Options”) to set Beginning and Ending Statement Notes for multiple clients.
Miscellaneous Lines 1-3
The Miscellaneous Lines 1-3 will print following the Work Description. Each of these fields has a maximum of 255 characters.
Statement Notes for a Group of Clients
To add notes to multiple clients’ statements, you can use Statement Notes (in the Quick Launch, search for and select “Statement Notes”). Statement Notes can be up to 511 characters. Once Statement Notes have been created, they can be assigned to a statement template (in the Quick Launch, search for and select “Statement Templates”).
Statement templates provide the ability to include a Beginning Note that is shown below the Client’s Beginning Statement Notes, and an Ending Note that is shown below the Client’s Ending Statement Notes. Statement templates are assigned to each client via the Statement Options tab in the Client file.
Statement Notes for All Clients
If you want to show the same note on every statement for every client, then you can use Statement Customization (in the Quick Launch, search for and select “Statement Customization”). On the Headings tab, you can add up to 9 lines of text to the top of the statement (60 characters each), or 250 characters of text at the bottom. When adding Lines of text to be printed as a heading on the first page of each billing statement, this text will be the first text shown on the statement. When adding Lines of text to be printed as a message at the end of each billing statement, this text will be the last text shown on the statement.
Being able to access information about your client’s fees, costs, and payments in one report can be helpful for running your law firm. Tabs3 Billing has just the report you need for your firm to succeed!
Using the Transaction File List, you can easily track work-in-process and archived transactions for any client, over any time period. The Transaction File List video walks you through the options available when running this versatile report, ensuring that your report includes as little or as much detail as you need.
Watch this three-minute video here:
Training Videos can be accessed at Tabs3.com/videos. You can also access the videos in the Quick Launch by searching for and selecting “Training Videos.”
I’d like to see a list of the top 20 clients for hours worked in 2022. Is there a report for that?
Tabs3 Billing has a Top Client Report, which provides the ability to rank clients or matters based on different criteria. This report shows the top hours worked, WIP figures, billed figures, paid figures, and more.
To print the top 20 clients for billed fees
- In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Top Client Report.”
- Leave the Client ID range blank.
- On the Options tab:
- In the Print section, in the Top field, enter “20” and then select Clients.
- In the Ranked by field, select All Hours Worked.
- In the Period section, in the Date field, select Current Calendar Year.
- Click OK.
Did you know that you can have certain software features automatically run as soon as a Tabs3 Software application is opened? You can use startup options to help automate tasks by entering command line options in the Target field of the desktop shortcut icon.
For example, in Tabs3 Billing you can have the Fee Entry window automatically open, and in PracticeMaster you can have the Matter Manager window automatically open. Other popular startup options include opening the Calendar and the Timer window. Some startup options, such as the Data File Integrity Check, can be automatically started in every application. You can even use a startup option to automatically enter your User ID. If you do not use a password, the Logon window will be bypassed and you will automatically be logged into the software. However, if a password has been set up for the user, the User ID will be filled in and a password will be required.
To add a startup option to PracticeMaster
- Right-click the desktop icon used to start PracticeMaster and select Properties.
- From the Properties window, click the Shortcut tab. The startup option can be entered following the program file name in the Target field. An example of the Target field when using the User ID startup option is:”C:\Program Files\Tabs3\CM.EXE” ALICEAn example of the Target field when using the option to start the Data File Integrity Check at a specified time is:”C:\Program Files\Tabs3\CM.EXE” /DFIC /T 11:30p
Multiple startup options can be specified in the Target field if desired. Options must be separated by a space. An example of multiple startup options is:
“C:\Program Files\Tabs3\CM.EXE” /TIMER /CALENDAR /WEEKLY
- Click OK.
You can find a complete list of startup options applicable to the application you are working in by searching for “Help Topics” in the Quick Launch. On the Index tab, simply type “Startup Options”. For more information on automating tasks, including startup options, refer to Knowledge Base Article R11034, “Automating Tabs3 Software Maintenance Tasks.”
Did you know that you can email statements to your clients? Emailing statements saves on postage and delivers statements to your clients immediately. You can also optionally include a Tabs3Pay payment link along with the email statement, allowing your clients to pay online.
Once you decide to email statements to a client, you must complete certain steps to ensure that the client, as well as the email, is configured properly. Knowledge Base Article R11913, “Emailing Tabs3 Billing Statements,” walks you through setting up and using the Email Statements feature.
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base in the Quick Launch by searching for and selecting “Knowledge Base.”
Did you know that you can quickly start other Tabs3 Software applications from within any application? Once you have opened one of the Tabs3 Software applications, simply click on the desired application button in the application toolbar! The application toolbar is located at the bottom of the Quick Launch pane.
When starting any application from the application toolbar, the new software will use the same User ID as the current application. An application’s button will not be displayed on the application toolbar if you do not have access rights to that application or if it is not installed on your workstation.
We have some clients with multiple matters that pay with a credit card. Can we apply a single electronic payment to multiple matters or statements for a client?
Both Tabs3Pay and LawPay can be used with the Apply Payments to Multiple Matters feature. This feature allows you to enter a single payment and apply it to specific matters and statements associated with the client. Apply Payment to Multiple Matters can be used when entering new payments as well as when using the Import Online Payments feature.
To apply a payment to multiple matters or statements when entering a payment
- From the Quick Launch, search for and select “Payment Entry.”
- Enter all information for the payment record, including the Tabs3Pay or LawPay payment method.
- Click the (Apply Payment to Multiple Matters) button or press Alt+A to open the Apply Payment to Multiple Matters window.
- A list of matters and their statements will be displayed. Specify the amount to apply to each statement. When you are finished, click Finalize. (Note: For more information on using this window, press F1.)
To apply a payment to multiple matters or statement when importing a payment
- From the Quick Launch, search for and select “Import Online Payments.”
- Double-click the payment you want to import to open the Payment Entry window.
- Click the (Apply Payment to Multiple Matters) button or press Alt+A to open the Apply Payments to Multiple Matters window.
- A list of matters and their statements will be displayed. Specify the amount to apply to each statement. When you are finished, click Finalize. (Note: For more information on using this window, press F1.)
Note: LexCharge (formerly ProPay) integration does not support the Apply Payments to Multiple Matters feature. If you are interested in using this feature, visit Tabs3Pay.com for information on signing up for Tabs3Pay.
One of the most frequently asked questions our Support Department receives is, “Why isn’t my statement printing?” Whether due to client transactions that have a Status of Hold, client settings, printer drivers, or printer settings, you may have had statements that did not print at one time or another.
Knowledge Base Article R10004, “My Statement Doesn’t Print,” offers the most common reasons a statement doesn’t print and includes easy troubleshooting steps to follow. When your statements aren’t printing, use this article as a checklist to help you get back on track for your month-end activities.
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base in the Quick Launch by searching for and selecting “Knowledge Base.”
With a 72-year record of providing smart, creative, and effective legal guidance to their Washington community, the time was right for the firm’s billing and payment processing solution to evolve once more.
Hanson Baker wanted to create an effortless billing experience for clients by emailing invoices to clients and accepting online credit card payments. Finding a processor with transparent rates that integrated easily with their current software and workflows proved challenging, so the firm turned to Tabs3 Software.
As long-time Tabs3 Software users, they enjoyed Tabs3’s excellent software support and the many features available to them through PracticeMaster, such as the matter manager and dashboard. With affordable fees, transparent pricing, and the ability to attach payment links directly to their emailed invoices, Tabs3Pay was a natural choice.
To help with implementation, Hanson Baker worked with software consultant Christina Cline of C.R. Cline and Company. As a certified Tabs3 consultant, Cline was able to guide Hanson Baker through the implementation process and address potential hang-ups. With her oversight, adopting Tabs3Pay went off without a hitch.
Now, Hanson Baker’s clients enjoy a modernized, reliable payment process – and the firm saves time with smoother invoicing workflows. Not only has Hanson Baker seen improved cash flow due to shorter payment processing times with Tabs3Pay, but the need for collections has also declined.
Hanson Baker appreciates Tabs3Pay’s straightforward pricing and low processing fees, as well as usability features like the ability to print receipts after the fact. They’ve also benefited from Tabs3Pay’s integration with Tabs3 Software, reducing errors from manual input and wasted time from double data entry.
Cline reports that Tabs3 Software’s long record of excellent service is another reason Tabs3Pay was the right choice for Hanson Baker. “Tabs3 has been around for a long time,” Cline says, “Their support is in Lincoln, NE. You’re going to have your problem resolved. When you purchase Tabs3 and get it up and running, you’re not left to flounder.”
If you’re a current Tabs3 Software user and want to improve your firm’s billing and payment workflows, Tabs3Pay could be the solution. Tabs3Pay is designed to offer streamlined, trust accounting-compliant payment processing for law firms while integrating seamlessly with other Tabs3 Software applications. For more information, call (402) 419-2200, email sales@tabs3.com, or visit Tabs3.com.
Did you know that you can change your view to see either more fields or fewer fields in certain files?
By clicking the 
(Detail/Rapid) button, or pressing Alt+I, you can specify whether you see all of the fields in a file or only key fields. This option is available in the Tabs3 Billing Fee, Cost, Payment, and Client Funds Entry windows, as well as the AP Invoice/Manual Check Entry window. Detail mode includes all of the fields, whereas Rapid mode simplifies the data entry process by only showing the most pertinent fields.
The following fields are not shown when in Rapid Mode:
Tabs3 Billing Fee Entry – Hours to Bill, Rate, Amount, Category, Bill Code, Rate Code, Status, User ID, Date Entered, Sales Tax
Tabs3 Billing Cost Entry – Timekeeper, Bill Code, Rate Code, Status, User ID, Date Entered, Sales Tax
Tabs3 Billing Payment Entry – Status, User ID, Date Entered
Tabs3 Billing Client Funds Entry – User ID, Date Entered
Accounts Payable Invoice/Manual Check Entry – Due Date, Voucher #, Amount to Pay, Discount Amount, Discount Date, Net Amount, Take Discount, Hold/Pay, User ID, Date Entered
Take a moment to look at these options and see if you can help streamline data entry for your office!
Is there a way to force the descriptions for all transactions on our statements to display in uppercase text?
A Display all Transaction Descriptions in Uppercase check box was added to the Statement Templates window in Tabs3 Billing Version 2022. When this check box is selected, all text in a transaction’s Description field is automatically converted to uppercase when included on a statement.
To display all transaction descriptions in uppercase for a statement template
- From the Quick Launch, search for and select “Statement Templates.”
- In the Template ID field, select the statement template you want to edit.
- Select the Display all Transaction Descriptions in Uppercase check box.
- Press Ctrl+S.
- Repeat steps 2-4 for each template you want to edit.
- Close the Statement Templates window.
To display all transaction descriptions for a single batch of statements
- From the Quick Launch, search for and select “Generate Statements.”
- On the Options tab, in the Statement Options section, click the Statement Template button.
- Click the Select Option button.
- Select Display all Transaction Descriptions in Uppercase from the list and click OK.
- Select the Display all Transaction Descriptions in Uppercase check box.
- Click OK.
- Make any additional changes to the Generate Statements window and then click OK.
Creating a new user is now performed via a wizard. Managers can create users in the User Configuration window of System Configuration, or in the Timekeeper Information window of Tabs3 Billing or PracticeMaster.
The Add New User wizard allows you to specify the User ID and optionally enter contact information, specify login credentials, create a timekeeper, configure Tabs3 Connect access, and set additional user rights.
To add a new user in System Configuration
- From the File menu, select Open, and then click Users.
- Press Ctrl+N.
- Enter the user’s name and other information on the Contact Information panel, and then click Next.
- Enter the User ID, Password, and assign the appropriate access profiles on the Login Credentials panel, and then click Next.
- Optionally specify timekeeper information on the Billing Information panel, and then click Next.
- If using Tabs3 Connect, optionally allow access on the Tabs3 Connect Access panel, and then click Next.
- If integrating with PracticeMaster, optionally add the user to groups, assign calendar rights, and assign Tabs3/PracticeMaster timekeepers on the Additional Setup panel.
- Click Finish to save the new user record.
The Add New User wizard is available in Version 2022 (Build 22.2.7) or later.
Tabs3 Billing includes the ability to insert a personalized link or button to Tabs3Pay in your email templates used for emailing statements and sending trust deposit requests. These links can then be used by your clients to pay their bills or make trust deposits directly via credit/debit card or electronic check. Those payments and trust deposits can then be imported into Tabs3 Billing using the Import Online Payments program.
Knowledge Base Article R11905, “Requesting and Importing Tabs3Pay Online Payments and Trust Deposits,” guides you through the steps necessary to include payment links in your Email Statements and import any payments you receive.
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base in the Quick Launch by searching for and selecting “Knowledge Base.”
Tabs3 Billing includes the flexibility to create rules that designate how payments are allocated to various timekeepers and to the firm. With Fee Compensation Rules, you have the ability to allocate payments for fees to the firm as well as to multiple originating, primary, and secondary timekeepers. Additionally, reporting features in Tabs3 Billing let you see allocations based on your pre-defined compensation rules.
- When creating Fee Compensation Rules, rules can be based on a percentage of receipts from:
- All working timekeepers
- Selected working timekeepers
- All working timekeepers assigned to a specific timekeeper level (i.e., partners, paralegals, etc.)
- Statements within a specified date range
- Accumulated receipts within an amount range
Once a payment has been allocated based on the defined rules, any remainder is distributed amongst the working timekeepers on a pro-rated basis.
Each matter can have a unique Fee Compensation Rules Table or can share a table with other matters. A shared table makes it easier to update multiple matters that all use the same allocation rules.
The Receipt Allocation Report and the Allocated Payments Report can include fee compensation information. Additionally, the Top Client Report can optionally use fee compensation amounts for fees paid.
To learn more about how Fee Compensation Rules can improve your receipt allocation reporting, open the Tabs3 Billing Help (press F1) and enter “Fee Compensation” on the Index tab.
Securely sharing documents and requesting eSignatures from your clients just got easier using LexShare!
LexShare is a cloud-based service that allows users to share files with your clients and request signatures from them over email, as well as import the signed documents back into the PracticeMaster Document Management file. LexShare’s features are designed with security at its core, which is essential for keeping client information confidential and for staying compliant.
Watch this one-minute video here:
LexShare Integration is available in PracticeMaster Version 2022 (Build 22.2.7) and later.
Training Videos can be accessed at Tabs3.com/videos. You can also access the videos in the Quick Launch by searching for and selecting “Training Videos.”
We have two Statement Designer layouts that we want to combine into one layout. One is a header we used on Page 1, and one is a footer we used on Page 2. Is there a way to merge layouts?
You can include one statement designer layout in the background of another layout, allowing you to easily reuse templates. In this example, you can modify the statement designer layout with your heading to include the layout with the footer.
To add a statement designer layout to another statement designer layout
- In the Tabs3 Quick Launch, search for and select “Statement Designer.”
- In the Layout Tree, select the statement designer layout with your header.
- Click the
button (Figure 1, below) at the top left corner of the Page Layout pane to open the Properties dialog box. - In the Background 1 or Background 2 field, select the layout with the footer.
- Adjust the position of the End Statement Body line to just above the footer:
- Mouse over the blue End Statement Body line until you see
. - Click and drag the line up or down as needed.
- Mouse over the blue End Statement Body line until you see
- Press Ctrl+S.
The background elements will appear as dimmed on the form layout, but will print normally on the next statement.
Figure 1
When it is time for a client to replenish a trust account, use the new Request Trust Deposit feature! Enter the amount requested and select the corresponding IOLTA account. Tabs3 Billing then creates an email message with an embedded payment button. Review the message and send it to your client.
Your client receives the message, clicks the Make Trust Payment button, and funds the trust account by ACH bank transfer or credit/debit card.
Request Trust Deposit is powered by Tabs3Pay, the secure online payments platform built into Tabs3 Billing and Trust Accounting.
Note: The Trust Request feature requires Tabs3 Billing and Trust Accounting Version 2022 (Build 22.2.3) and later. Including a Make a Trust Payment button in a trust request requires a Tabs3Pay merchant account configured in Tabs3 Billing and Trust Accounting. For additional information, see KB Articles R11869, “Configuring Tabs3Pay,” and R11905, “Requesting and Importing Tabs3Pay Online Payments and Trust Deposits.”
When was the last time you backed up your Tabs3 Software data and tested the viability of your backup? If your firm was required to restore from a backup right now, how much data would be lost?
Regular backups are critical to the safety of your data. Tabs3 Software automatically prompts you to run a backup when a function cannot be easily reversed or when interruption of a process can cause errors in the data. When prompted to make a backup, review the date and time of the last backup shown on the prompt, and ask yourself how much data will need to be reentered if a restore is required. If you are not comfortable with the amount of work required after restoring, then you should back up your data before going any further. If you regularly find yourself skipping backups because it’s difficult to get every user to exit the software, consider the Platinum edition of Tabs3 Software. The HotBackup feature allows you to make backups while other users are still working in the software and Tabs3 Platinum Software can automatically recover from interruptions to many functions, including Update Statements.
Tabs3 Software provides the ability to back up and restore data from within the software. If you are using the non-Platinum edition of the software, you can keep up to three internal backups with a size limit of 2GB each. If you are using the Platinum edition of the software, backups are practically unlimited! You can keep up to 198 user-defined HotBackups, each limited in size only by the available hard drive space.
But is that enough? Backups made via the Tabs3 Software are considered temporary backups and only include your data files. These backups do not include executable files to run the programs, nor is every file in the Tabs3 Current Working Directory included. We recommend making regular backups of the entire Tabs3 Current Working Directory via a third-party backup program for purposes of recovering from a catastrophic failure, such as flood, theft, server hard drive failure, etc. If you already have a third-party backup in place, make sure that it is periodically tested to verify it is working correctly.
Now may be the perfect time to take a closer look at your current backup strategy and to verify the procedures you have in place. If you cannot take the time to review procedures now, add a reminder to your calendar to review them as soon as possible. Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security; backups that don’t restore correctly, or not having a backup, can cost you a great deal in both time and data loss.
For a list of resources on backing your data up and restoring, visit Knowledge Base Article R11524, “Backup/Restore Information Resources.”
Network and hardware failure can cause data corruption in any firm, regardless of preventative measures. Auto-Recovery helps provide peace of mind when faced with these issues.
For example, if you are updating statements and you lose network connectivity in the middle of the update, without Platinum you would have to restore your data and potentially lose many hours of work. Not so with Auto-Recovery! Auto-Recovery monitors the software. When it recognizes a transaction has not completed properly, it rolls back the database to its previous state before the database transaction began.
In the case of Update Statements being interrupted, Auto-Recovery means that if the interruption occurs during the update to client 1240.00’s statement, then all statements prior to client 1240.00 will remain updated, while client 1240.00 will be “rolled back” to the state before you started Update Statements. You will simply receive a message indicating that Update Statements needs to be run again.
This is a powerful feature that can save your firm time and money. Power failures, computer crashes, and network failures can occur on even the best networks. Auto-Recovery helps greatly reduce the impact of these issues.
For more information about Platinum features, see Knowledge Base Article R11379, “Platinum Overview.” If you have any questions regarding Platinum features, contact your local consultant, or call Technical Support at (402) 419-2210.
Finding that perfect report can be so satisfying! When it comes to tracking your clients’ billing and payment history, the Client Ledger Report has it all!
Check out the Client Ledger Report video to see how you can easily view detailed information about statements, payments, and write offs for your clients, all in one place. This report also includes drill-down capabilities, which makes it easy to view an updated statement or to find out more about how a payment was allocated.
Watch this three-minute video here:
Training Videos can be accessed at Tabs3.com/videos. You can also access the videos in the Quick Launch by searching for and selecting “Training Videos.”
Did you know that there are several files throughout the software in which you can mark people or accounts as inactive? Selecting the Inactive check box provides the ability to keep the associated history, but removes the ability to accidentally add associated records. You can also typically choose whether or not you want to include inactive people or accounts on lookup windows and reports.
Records in the following files can be marked as inactive:
- System Configuration – User file
- Tabs3 Billing – Client, Contact, and Timekeeper files
- PracticeMaster – Client and Contact files
- General Ledger Software (GLS) – Chart of Accounts file
- Accounts Payable Software (APS) – Vendor Information and Bank Account Entry files
- Trust Accounting Software (TAS) – Contact and Bank Account files (Note: Clients must be marked as inactive in Tabs3 Billing)
For more information on marking files inactive, press F1 to open the Help, enter “inactive” on the Index tab, and select the desired topic.
Is there a way to see a list of matters with Task Based Billing enabled?
You can filter clients in Tabs3 Billing to only show clients with the Task Based Billing check box selected.
To filter clients for Task Based Billing matters
- From the Quick Launch, search for and select “Clients.”
- In the Quick Clicks pane, expand the Filter section and click Manage Filters.
- Press Ctrl+N.
- In the Filter Name field, enter a name for the new filter (e.g., “Task Based Billing Matters”).
- Select the Show for all users check box if you want other Tabs3 Billing users to have access to this filter.
- Click the New Row button.
- In the Name column, select TASK_BASED_BILLING and then click the Select button.
- The Test Condition will automatically default to is TRUE, which is correct.
- Click Save.
- Close the Manage Quick Clicks window.
- Select the new filter in the Filter section of the Quick Clicks pane.
Tabs3 Billing allows you to optionally assess finance charges on your clients’ past due balances, but how does the calculation work?
When a statement is generated for a client whose past due balances are subject to finance charges, Tabs3 Billing examines the statement date for each of the client’s past due statements, and compares each to the current statement date. A finance charge is then calculated for each of the past due statements, and these amounts are added together to determine the total amount of finance charges to be billed on the current statement.
Knowledge Base Article R10850, “All About Finance Charges,” provides a flowchart that breaks down exactly how finance charges work along with examples, and includes frequently asked questions and a finance charge worksheet.
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base in the Quick Launch by searching for and selecting “Knowledge Base.”
Do you need to make a change that affects multiple clients or matters? Do you want to save time by changing clients all at once instead of one at a time? Use the Change Client Options utility! The Change Client Options utility allows you to change options in the Client file for a range of clients.
You can change options for client setup, rates, billing, and statements. This includes changing the timekeepers assigned to a case, client status, payment settings, fee and cost rate table information, billing status, sales tax and finance charges, statement delivery options, statement format settings, statement notes, and more!
For example, let’s say you have created a new Email Template, and you want to change all clients with a specific primary timekeeper to use this new template. You could edit each client to make the change, but with Change Client Options, you can change all clients at once!
To change all clients with a specific primary timekeeper at once
- In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Change Client Options.”
- On the Client tab, specify the Primary Timekeeper of the clients for which you want to add the new template.
- For the Client ID range, clear the Client ID Thru field. This field intentionally defaults to 0.00.
- From the Billing tab, click the Select button.
- Select Email Template from the list and click OK.
- Select the Email Template to use.
- Click OK.
The Change Client Options utility provides several features to help minimize errors. First, you are prompted to back up your data prior to running the program. If you inadvertently change a setting for the wrong clients, or you change the wrong settings, you can restore the backup to undo the changes. Second, the Client ID Thru field is automatically set to 0.00. This prevents an accidental change to all clients across the board. And third, you must click the Select button to specify the exact field(s) to which you want to make changes. Only the fields you select will be available to change; therefore, other fields and settings do not get changed.
The Change Client Options utility simplifies global changes, which means you will have more time for your regular tasks!
When entering information into the software, have you saved an entry only to realize you needed to enter the same description into the next entry as well? If so, there is an easier and quicker way than going back to the last record to copy the information. When you are in Fee, Cost, Payment, or Client Funds, pressing F2 while in the description field will automatically replace the transaction code’s default description with the Description entered for the previous entry saved during the current data entry session.
We need to find a specific statement, but the only reference we received is a statement number. How can we search by statement number?
You can easily locate statements by number using the Statement Manager.
To find the statement number in Statement Manager
- In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Statement Manager.”
- Click the Stmt # column heading to sort by number, then type the statement number to use incremental searching. The list will scroll to the statement number you specified.
…or… - In the Search List field, enter the statement number. The list will be filtered to only the statement number you specified.
- Click the Stmt # column heading to sort by number, then type the statement number to use incremental searching. The list will scroll to the statement number you specified.
When you have located the statement, you can double-click the record to see the statement information, or use the Quick Clicks actions to perform other common tasks such as reprinting, emailing, or making a payment.
Tabs3Pay now offers surcharging! Help your firm save on expenses while still providing clients the option to pay by credit card. While processing fees are normally paid by the firm, with surcharging, credit card fees are passed on to the cardholder instead. Only credit card transactions (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, etc.) are subject to surcharging. Processing fees for debit card and ACH (eCheck) transactions continue to be paid by the firm.
Tabs3Pay surcharging has the following requirements:
- Your firm must have Version 2022 (Build 22.1.8 or later) installed.
- You must verify your state allows surcharging.
- You must notify your clients and credit card company 30 days prior to surcharging.
- You must enable surcharging for all clients.
If you have not yet signed up for Tabs3Pay, simply update to Version 2022 (Build 22.1.8 or later) and sign up (in the Quick Launch, search for and select Tabs3Pay Web Portal). The option of enabling surcharging will be included in the signup process. If you are already using Tabs3Pay, contact Tabs3 Support at 402-419-2210 for assistance with enabling surcharging on your existing account.
For more information on Surcharging, see the Surcharging section of Knowledge Base Article R11871, “Tabs3Pay Frequently Asked Questions.”
When your firm prints the same set of reports every year, quarter, month, week, or semi-regularly, report suites offer a one-step option to print out a predefined set of reports using the report definitions you have set up. Creating report definitions in Tabs3 Billing for each of the reports your firm runs can help save time, and taking advantage of report suites can save even more. Knowledge Base Article R11908, “Setting Up and Running Report Suites,” provides the steps needed to create a report definition, a report suite, and to run a report suite.
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base in the Quick Launch by searching for and selecting “Knowledge Base.”
Looking for a quick way to apply a discount to your client’s bill? Including a Courtesy Discount in your statements may be the solution you are looking for!
In the Using Courtesy Discounts video, see how easy it is to apply discounts to your clients based on a specified percentage or amount. Additionally, you can view how the discount will appear on your statements and how to customize the terminology and placement based on your needs.
Watch this two-minute video here:
Training Videos can be accessed at Tabs3.com/videos. You can also access the videos in the Quick Launch by searching for and selecting “Training Videos.”
One of the matters in Tabs3 Billing requires me to select the Release To Bill check box every time I want to print a statement for them. Why does this check box keep getting cleared?
The matter is most likely configured to Bill On Demand. Bill On Demand is a feature that enables you to only bill a client when needed, rather than every billing cycle. When the Bill On Demand check box is selected, each time a statement is final billed and updated for the matter, the Release to Bill check box is automatically cleared to prevent unauthorized statements from being sent in the future. When you are ready to send another statement, simply select the Release to Bill check box again.
If you want a statement to print for the matter whenever they have a balance, simply clear the Bill on Demand check box and select the Release to Bill check box. The matter will then be included in all future billing cycles.
To enable the Bill On Demand feature
- In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Client Information.”
- Select the Client ID you want to configure.
- On the Billing Preferences tab:
- Select the Bill On Demand check box.
- Select the Release To Bill check box if you want to include this matter in the next batch of statements. Clear the Release To Bill check box to prevent statements from printing until you select it again.
- Press Ctrl+S.
To disable the Bill On Demand feature
- In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Client Information.”
- In the Client ID field, select the matter you want to configure.
- On the Billing Preferences tab:
- Clear the Bill On Demand check box.
- Select the Release To Bill check box.
- Press Ctrl+S.
What if you had a place in each Tabs3 Software application that allowed you to add your most frequently used icons, and then group them together? With My Actions, you can!
The My Actions page view of the Home Page can be customized to display the features you use most, including reports. You can even create groups of features for easy categorization! My Actions can be customized in Tabs3 Billing, PracticeMaster, Trust Accounting (Trust), Accounts Payable (AP), and General Ledger (GL).
Customizing Actions
Add your favorite features for quick access.
To add an action
- Click the
(Customize My Actions) icon. - Click the Add Actions button.
- Select the desired features in the Available Actions column.
- Click the Add button to move them to the Actions to Add column.
- Click Finish on the Add Actions window.
- Click Finish on the My Actions tab.
You can also add actions by right-clicking an item in Quick Launch and selecting Add to My Actions, or by hovering over an action on the All Actions tab and clicking the 
star.
To remove an action, click the 
minus sign on the action you want to remove.
Groups
Groups can be created to help categorize your favorite programs. For example, you could create groups for Daily Tasks, Monthly Reports, or Year-End just to name a few! Assign a color to the folder to make identification easier.
To create a group
- Click the (Customize My Actions) icon.
- Click the Add Group button.
- Enter the desired group Name.
- Optionally enter a Description.
- Select the desired Color.
- Click Next.
- Select the desired features in the Available Actions column, click the Add button to move them to the Actions to Add column, and then click Finish.
You can add actions to an existing group by dragging and dropping an action onto the group icon, or by clicking the group and then clicking the Add Actions button.
To remove a group, click the 
(Edit Group Properties) icon and click the Delete button.
Data entry lists now have a setting to position the list either below or to the right of the data entry fields. This allows you to take advantage of available space on widescreen monitors, and reduces the amount of scrolling necessary. Entry lists are available in the Fee, Cost, Payment, and Client Funds entry windows in Tabs3 Billing; the Trust Transaction entry window in Trust; and the Invoice/Manual Check entry window in AP.
The data entry list position can be toggled by pressing Alt+O in the data entry window and selecting either Right or Bottom in the List Location section.
This feature is available in Version 2022 (Build 22.1.4) and later.
I would like to send my client’s statement not only to my client, but to an additional party as well. Is there a way to have two different email addresses for the same statement?
You can have up to two Bill To records for each client, allowing you to send statements to up to two parties.
To add a Bill To Record
- In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Client Information.”
- Select the desired Client ID.
- From the Billing Preferences tab, in the Statement Delivery Options section, click the Add button.
- In the Bill To Name field, select an existing contact or enter a new name to create a new contact.
- In the Statement Delivery Options section, select the Mail Statement and/or Email Statement check box.
- Click the OK button.
- Press Ctrl+S.
In Version 2022, all contact information has been consolidated for all Tabs3 Software applications.
The Contact file now includes information for Trust payees, AP vendors, and users, making it easy to update address information in one place, including clients, billing contacts, related parties, vendors, payees, and logon users.
The Contact Information window is available in Tabs3 Billing, PracticeMaster, Trust Accounting, Accounts Payable, and System Configuration. This window now includes a Details button next to the Full Name field for individual contacts, which provides access to separate First Name, Middle Name, Last Name, and Initials fields. To select a contact, the Contact Lookup window has been enhanced for each of these applications, including a SnapShot pane, as well as check boxes at the top making it easy to quickly filter the list to just clients, AP vendors, Trust Payees, etc.
You can update to Version 2022 by going to Tabs3.com/update.
Do you make manual adjustments for flat fee clients when you’re ready to bill them? If so, you may be making billing more difficult than it needs to be. Tabs3 Billing provides a way to streamline billing for flat fee clients.
To set a client up to be billed a flat amount, specify that they are a flat fee billing client and assign them to a statement template that does not bill fees. You can then enter your time normally. Once you are ready to bill the client for the flat amount, run the Adjust Flat Fee Clients utility, and then bill them using a statement template that does bill fees.
To set up a client for Flat Fee Billing
- In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Client Information.”
- Select the desired Client ID.
- From the Rates tab, select a Billing Rate Code of 0 – Flat Fee Amount.
- Enter the desired Flat Amount. This is the amount that will be billed to the client when you run the Adjust Flat Fee Clients utility.
- From the Statement Options tab, in the Statement Format section, select a Final Template that has a Fee Format of No Fees or Info Only. Optionally select a Draft Template that uses the same setting.
- Press Ctrl+S.
If desired, you can bill interim statements to show the client progress on the matter. Using a Final Template with a Fee Format of Info Only will show the fees, but not bill for them.
To process a final bill for the flat fee amount
- In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Adjust Flat Fee Clients.”
- Select the desired Client ID.
- Click OK.
- In the Client file, change the Final Template (step 5 above) to a statement template that has a Fee Format of Standard. (As an alternative, you can select the statement template via Generate Statements.)
- Generate a statement for your client.
Note: Due to the number of transactions that may be changed, we recommend making a backup of your data prior to running the Adjust Flat Fee Clients utility.
When the Adjust Flat Fee Clients utility is run, all of the client’s fees are automatically adjusted to equal the client’s specified Flat Amount, making billing a breeze and leaving you time to work on other projects.
Being able to easily enter and track write offs is essential. With Tabs3 Billing, you can quickly enter write offs and apply them to a matter’s accounts receivable with just a few clicks!
In the Working with Write Offs video, see how easy it is to write off all or a portion of a client’s accounts receivable from the Statement Manager. When it comes to tracking Write Offs, use the convenient Write Off tab in the Matter Manager or use the Write Off Report to access detailed information about multiple write offs at the same time.
Watch this three-minute video here:
Training Videos can be accessed at Tabs3.com/videos. You can also access the videos in the Quick Launch by searching for and selecting “Training Videos.”
Did you know there is a calculator built into number and amount fields? When your cursor is in any 
number or amount field, you can use the math operators (+, -, *, /, or =) to add, subtract, multiply, and divide values just as you would on a calculator. When you press Enter, the total of your calculations will be displayed in the field that you are currently in. This feature can be used to easily perform calculations without using a separate calculator. The popup calculator can be accessed from a number or amount field by pressing M or one of the math operators.
Is there a way to keep users from logging into the software while I run maintenance tasks?
The Lock Out All Users feature was designed for exactly this reason. This option allows a user with manager rights to lock out all other users in the Tabs3 Software applications. In addition, users will be able to finish the task they are working on when the Lock Out is initiated, but will receive a Conflicting Activities window if they try to do anything else before they exit.
To initiate Lock Out All Users
- In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Lock Out All Users.”
- Enter a Reason.
- In the Keep users locked out for field, select the desired amount of time.
- Click OK.
The lockout will automatically end at the designated time. Alternatively, you can click Unlock to unlock the software sooner or click the Reset lockout time link to extend the lockout.
Version 2022 has some great new features to check out!
Unified Contacts
- Consolidated contact information throughout the Tabs3 Software into a single Contact file, including clients, billing contacts, related parties, vendors, payees, and logon users. This makes it easy to update address information in one place.
- The Contacts list in Tabs3 Billing and PracticeMaster as well as in the Contact lookup window in Tabs3 Billing, Trust Accounting, Accounts Payable, and System Configuration include check boxes at the top making it easy to quickly filter the list to just clients, AP vendors, Trust payees, etc.
- The Contact Information window is now available across Tabs3 Billing, PracticeMaster, Trust Accounting, Accounts Payable, and System Configuration. When working with an individual, a Details button next to the Full Name field allows you to access fields for First Name, Middle Name, Last Name, and Initials.
- The Rename Contact utility is now available across Tabs3 Billing, PracticeMaster, Trust Accounting, and Accounts Payable. This utility has been enhanced to update the First Name, Middle Name, Last Name, and Initials fields. Because information is now stored in the Contact file, this utility replaces the Rename Payee utility in Trust.
Enhanced Lists
- Totals can now be displayed on the Fees, Costs, Payments, Client Funds, Write Offs, and Statement Manager lists in Tabs3 Billing and the Fees and Costs lists in PracticeMaster.
- Added a setting to position data entry lists either below or to the right of the data entry fields. Entry lists are available in the Fee, Cost, Payment, and Client Funds entry windows in Tabs3 Billing, the Trust Transaction entry window in Trust, and the Invoice/Manual Check entry window in AP.
New Filters and QuickViews
- New default filters and QuickViews have been added to the Clients, Fees, Costs, Payments, Client Funds, and Statement Manager lists. These allow timekeepers to easily see records for their own matters. These new QuickViews use a new function to determine the timekeeper assigned to the currently logged in user.
- Added a “My Clients Unpaid” QuickView to the Tabs3 Billing Statement Manager.
- Added the ability to easily filter the PracticeMaster Journal file list to include just Note, Email, Phone, Timer, Research, or Billing Notes by simply selecting the corresponding check box at the top of the list. Previously these check boxes were only available on the Journal tab of the Client file.
1099-NEC Forms
- Updated printing of Form 1099-NEC to utilize the 3-forms-per-page format required by the IRS for Tax Year 2021.
Updated Calendar Code File
- Added Phase/Task and Activity code fields to the Calendar Code file so you can specify which default codes need to be used when converting calendar records to fees for task based billing clients.
Exchange Online Integration
- Updated the PracticeMaster Exchange Connector with a new synchronization option for Exchange Online / Microsoft 365.
Updated Installer
- Updated to a Microsoft Installer. This change requires the first installation to be performed at the server, but will reduce the need to directly access the file server when installing future updates.
For in-depth information on all of the new Version 2022 features, including screenshots, refer to Knowledge Base Article R11880, “Version 2022 Introduction to New Features.” A list with links to all Version 2022 information can be found in R11885, “Version 2022 Information and Resources.”
To download Version 2022, visit Tabs3.com/update or contact your local consultant.
All Tabs3 Software applications include navigation features, such as the Home page, Quick Launch pane, and tabbed interface, in addition to the typical menus. Knowledge Base Article R11877, “How to Navigate Through the Tabs3 Software,” discusses these navigation elements, provides information for those updating from prior versions, and answers some frequently asked questions. Information on All Actions, My Actions, the Dashboard, Guided Tour, and the Getting Started Checklist is included.
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base in the Quick Launch by searching for and selecting “Knowledge Base.”
Do you ever wonder how figures on reports are calculated? Report Packs take the mystery out of reporting. Sample reports are available for every Tabs3 application and each report is broken down field by field to explain exactly how the information is represented.
Each report consists of three sections: a sample report, the description of the report, and field definitions.
Sample Reports
At least one example is provided for each report so you can see how the report looks. More than one example is shown if there are significant differences in the formatting when different options are selected.
Description
An overview of each report briefly explains the purpose of the report and provides a summary of available options. You can use the overview to help determine if the report suits your current reporting needs.
Definitions
The Definitions section for each report provides a detailed breakdown of every field available on the report. This may be as simple as a Report Date field on a report representing “The date the report was printed,” or a calculation based on multiple fields. For example, on the Client Analysis Report, the Effective Rate field shows that it is calculated as “Hourly billing rate based on original hours. (Fees Billed minus Fee Write Offs) divided by Original Hours.”
To access the Report Packs
- Open the report for which you want to view the Report Pack.
- Press F1.
- Click the
icon at the top of the Help topic (Report pack in PDF format).
When this icon is clicked, the Report Pack is opened. Alternatively, the Tabs3 Report Packs can be accessed from the Quick Launch by searching for and selecting “Documentation,” or Tabs3.com/docs.
When it comes to managing your contacts, Tabs3 Software makes it easy to compare and combine two contacts when duplicate data entry occurs.
Whether the contact records exist for a client, payee, vendor, or user, you can use the Merge Contacts Utility in PracticeMaster to combine two contact records into one. The Using the Merge Contacts Utility video walks you through the process of merging two contacts and provides additional resources for other ways to manage your contacts.
Watch this three-minute video here:
Training Videos can be accessed at Tabs3.com/videos. You can also access the videos in the Quick Launch by searching for and selecting “Training Videos.”
It’s officially a new year! In the fuss of all your regular year-end tasks, don’t forget to review these sometimes overlooked items: Timekeeper Rates, Timekeeper Profitability Figures, Client and Task Based Billing Budgets, and General Ledger Budgets!
Timekeeper Rates
It’s a new year and you want to increase your timekeeper rates, but how can you make the change happen for all applicable timekeepers on a specific date?
Tabs3 Billing makes it easy to seamlessly update timekeeper rates. You can specify the new rates and the effective date for the change, and the software will then automatically use the new rates for any applicable fees saved for that date or later. Transactions entered for a prior date will use the old rates.
To easily determine current timekeeper rates, run the Timekeeper List (From the Quick Launch, search for and select “Timekeeper List”).
To update rates and set an effective date for the new rates
- In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Timekeeper Information.”
- Select the desired Timekeeper.
- In the Effective Date of New Rates field, enter the date when you want the new rates to take effect.
- In the New Rate 1-6 fields, enter the new rate(s).
- Press Ctrl+S.
Tip: Once you are certain fees will not be entered for dates prior to the new rates, use the Move Rates button in the Timekeeper file to easily move rates from the New Rate 1-6 fields to the Hourly Rate 1-6 fields.
If any time was entered with old timekeeper rates prior to updating the Effective Date of New Rates and New Rate fields, and the transactions are still in work-in-process, you can use Change WIP Transactions (In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Change WIP Transactions”) to change transactions all at once. (Note: Because Change WIP Transactions can make changes to a large number of transactions in the software at one time, we strongly recommend making a backup prior to using this program.)
Timekeeper Overhead
If you run the Timekeeper Profitability Report, or you plan to start, you may want to review and update the profitability figures (overhead) set up for each timekeeper. Firms typically update a timekeeper’s overhead when their salary or benefits, such as insurance, change. These figures can be used by the Timekeeper Profitability Report to determine a timekeeper’s realized profit.
To easily determine current timekeeper overhead, run the Timekeeper List (From the Quick Launch, search for and select “Timekeeper List”), making sure to select the Overhead Amounts check box.
To update a timekeeper’s overhead
- In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Timekeeper Information.”
- Select the desired Timekeeper.
- Click the Profitability button.
- From here, you can manually enter each month’s Overhead figures, or click the Allocate button to open the Overhead Allocation Window and allocate the timekeeper’s overhead amounts to all 12 months at once.
- Click OK.
- Press Ctrl+S.
Tabs3 Budgets
Now that your firm’s timekeepers are squared away, consider reevaluating any budgets you currently have set up for your clients and adjust as necessary.
Client Budgets
Setting up client budgets, and keeping them updated, helps ensure you are not spending more time than desired on a client’s matter. You can optionally select to display a warning when a fee or cost transaction is added if the budgeted hours or amount for the client has been exceeded.
To easily determine current budgets set up for each client, run the Client Budget Report (In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Client Budget Report”).
To update a client’s budget
- In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Client Information.”
- Select the desired client.
- On the Budget tab, make any desired changes to the Budget section.
- Press Ctrl+S.
Task Based Billing Budgets
Like client budgets, it is a good idea to review how much you have budgeted for task based billing clients’ activities and expenses. You can optionally display a budget exceeded warning when more than the amount entered for the phase or task is saved.
To easily determine current task based billing budgets for each client, run the Task Code Budget Report (From the Quick Launch, search for and select “Task Code Budget Report”).
To update a client’s task based billing budget
- In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Client Information.”
- Select the desired client.
- On the Budget tab, in the Task Based Billing section, click the Budget button.
- Make any desired changes and click OK.
- Press Ctrl+S.
General Ledger Budgets
Budgets for your general ledger expense accounts are a must, and Tabs3 General Ledger (GL) makes it easy to set up budgets for a new year!
To easily determine current budgets for each account, run the Budget Report (In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Budget Report”).
To update budgets in GL
- In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Account Information.”
- From the Budgets tab, select the desired Account #.
- Click the Set Budgets button.
- Enter or select the desired Year.
- From here, you can manually enter each month’s budget figures, or click the Allocate button to open the Create New Budget window (for a new year) or the Budget Allocation window (for previously set up years), and allocate budget amounts to all 12 months at once.
- Click Save.
It’s easy to overlook these periodic maintenance items. Be sure to schedule some time to make sure rates, overhead figures, and budgets are all current!
Do you have a question about the software? Any questions that you want to ask have likely been asked by others as well. Because of this, we have created several Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) articles, and made it easy to access them all in one place.
Knowledge Base Article R11567, “Frequently Asked Questions for All Products,” provides a list of articles answering FAQs. Articles are grouped by general, software features, and version specific questions.
- General FAQs include year-end and software specific articles, such as Platinum, Tabs3 Billing, PracticeMaster, and more.
- FAQs for software features include articles on printing, credit card processing, Tabs3 Connect, and more.
- Version specific FAQs include articles geared toward questions about new features in each version.
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base in the Quick Launch by searching for and selecting “Knowledge Base.”
Prior to running final statements, each timekeeper typically reviews pre-bills for accuracy. Tabs3 Billing’s Pre-Bill Tracking (in the Quick Launch, search for and select Pre-Bill Tracking) can be used to track whether a pre-bill is on hold, has been reviewed, is ready to be printed as a final statement, or has already been printed as a final statement. This feature makes it easy to always know where a bill is at and what steps must be taken in order to complete the current billing cycle.
Using the Pre-Bill Tracking program to track the billing status of statements is quite simple. Pre-Bill Tracking records are added to the Pre-Bill Tracking window when a draft statement or a Detail Work-In-Process Report is run for a client (provided the Update Pre-Bill Tracking check box is selected on the Options tab). Once the records are displayed in the Pre-Bill Tracking window, you can track the status of each pre-bill.
When the reviewing timekeeper returns pre-bills to you, individual statements can be marked as “Reviewed” or on “Hold.” Once statement records are marked as reviewed, final statements can be printed directly from the Pre-Bill Tracking window by clicking the Final Statements button (provided they are not on hold and a final statement has not already been run). The records in the Pre-Bill Tracking window can easily be sorted by Client ID, Client Name, Description, Timekeeper, Pre-Bill Date, Hold Status, Reviewed Status, Final Date, or Batch by clicking the applicable column heading.
Click the Options button to select whether to view clients that are on hold or not on hold, clients that have been reviewed or not reviewed, clients that have had a final statement processed, or a combination of these selections. Additionally, you can select to view pre-bills for specific timekeepers, or a specific batch.
If you haven’t been using Pre-Bill Tracking, try it out the next time you run your pre-bills.
Want to quickly see how many records are selected in a Tabs3 Billing list or on the List tab of a PracticeMaster file? In Tabs3 Billing and PracticeMaster, a Record Count indicator is shown on the status bar at the bottom of the window. When multiple records are selected, this area will display the text “Selected:” followed by the number of records currently selected. You can use Ctrl+A to select all records, use Shift+click to select a range of records, or use Ctrl+click to select records one by one.
When it comes to tracking your advances, Tabs3 Software provides the tools you need to accurately manage your advanced client costs from start to finish.
See how the integration between Tabs3 Billing, Accounts Payable, and General Ledger makes it easy to enter and track your advances. The Tracking Advanced Client Costs in Tabs3 Software video covers how to set up integration, enter an invoice, and track your advances using the Advanced Client Costs Report.
Watch this five-minute video here:
Training Videos can be accessed at Tabs3.com/videos. You can also access the videos while in the software by selecting Help | Training Videos.
The Write Off Report is here! View all write off information in a single, dedicated report. The Write Off Report can include the following options:
- Date Range
- All timekeepers or select timekeepers
- All transaction codes or select transaction codes
- Detail information for each write off
- Allocation breakdown
- Statement information
- Reversed write offs
Additionally, this report can be sorted by working timekeeper.
To run a Write Off Report
- In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Write Off Report.”
- Optionally select a Client ID
- Select any other settings as desired.
- Click OK.
This report is available in Version 2021 (Build 20.6.2) and later.
Did you know that Tabs3 Billing provides several ways to customize your statements?
Statement Designer
Statement Designer lets you create customized layouts for your Tabs3 Billing statements. You can control the placement of various fields from the Tabs3 Client data file, and add customized text, images and other layout elements to the statement. Once a page layout has been designed, it can be applied to one or more statement templates. In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Statement Designer.”
Statement Customization
Statement Customization allows you to define terminology and formatting options used for all billing statements. Optionally enter heading information that can be printed at the top of the first page of the statement (the statement heading) or at the end of the statement. Optionally adjust terminology, such as column headings. Changes made to statement customization affect all clients. In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Statement Customization.”
Statement Templates
The Statement Templates window allows you to define statement templates. A statement template consists of the many formatting options used for a particular style of statement. The same statement template can be used for multiple clients. Changes made to a statement template affect all clients who use that template. There is no limit to the number of statement templates that can be defined. In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Statement Templates.”
Statement Notes
The Statement Notes program is used to create messages that can print on a client’s statement, cover statement or both. Statement notes created in the statement notes file can be designated as a beginning statement note or an ending statement note in a statement template. Each note can be used by any number of statement templates. In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Statement Notes.”
For detailed information on customizing your statements, check out the Statement Formatting Guide.
We added a new way to view clients, contacts, fees, costs, payments, client funds, and write offs without having to run a report! When accessing the new Tabs3 Billing lists, you can work with entries using the actions in the Quick Clicks pane, or drill down for additional details. Lists are available via the File | Open menu in Tabs3 Billing or by searching the Quick Launch for “clients,” “contacts,” “client funds,” “fees,” “costs,” “payments,” and “write offs.” The data entry windows for these record types are now available via File | Data Entry or by searching the Quick Launch for “client information,” “contact information,” “client funds entry,” “fee entry,” “cost entry,” and payment entry.”
Filtering
Filtering is a powerful feature. For example, you could filter the Client file to only show clients for which you’re the primary timekeeper. As another example, you could filter the Fee file to only show fees entered in the last week. There are a few ways to filter in the lists.
- The Search Box allows on-the-fly filtering capabilities and can be used to filter data based on keywords included in any column shown in the current column layout.
- The List group in the Quick Clicks pane provides different filtering options for each list. For example, the Contacts List provides the option to filter for All Contacts or Active Only.
- The Filter group in the Quick Clicks pane can be used to set up easy or complex filters that you can reuse. Filters can be added via Manage Filters.
- The QuickViews group in the Quick Clicks pane can be used to create different views of your data. Each QuickView can include a filter, column layout, and sort. QuickViews can be added via Manage QuickViews.
Quick Clicks
The Quick Clicks pane includes the following additional groups:
- The Take Action group of the Quick Clicks pane includes additional actions you can take. For example, in the Fees List, you can transfer transactions, replicate transactions, set the fee’s status to hold, set the fee’s status to print, change WIP transactions, write-up or write-down fees, generate statements, and add a new fee.
- The Report group of the Quick Clicks pane includes any reports that are relevant to the current list. For example, the Write Offs List includes the Write Off Report and the Client Ledger Report.
- The Column Layout group of the Quick Clicks pane automatically includes the Standard and (default) column layouts. Column layouts can be added via Manage Column Layouts.
- The Customize Current View group of the Quick Clicks pane includes Manage Quick Clicks, Refresh, and List Preferences. Manage Quick Clicks provides the ability to add, edit, or delete filters, QuickViews, and column layouts, as well as to organize the Quick Clicks. List Preferences include row height, row colors, and grid lines for the list.
Download the latest version of the software to get this great new feature!
Increasingly, insurance companies and other organizations are requiring that firms submit their bills electronically using specific formats. Tabs3 Taskbill software allows you to convert your updated statements into electronic bills that meet these requirements. There are multiple formats used for electronic bills, ranging from standardized formats used by multiple companies to formats specific to a single company. The amount of configuration required depends on the format you are using.
In Knowledge Base Article R11737, “Configuring and Using Taskbill,” you can select the Taskbill format instructions you want to view from either a list of known organizations, or by the name of the format. Once a format is selected, tailored step-by-step instructions with screenshots are displayed that walk you through configuring the format in both Taskbill and Tabs3 Billing, entering time in Tabs3 Billing, and exporting statements from Taskbill using the selected format.
For those of you who are not familiar with Taskbill, you can read more about it in R10435, “Tabs3 Taskbill Product Information.” If you submit bills electronically, but don’t have Taskbill, take a look at what we can do for you!
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base while in the software by selecting Help | Internet Resources | Knowledge Base.
Do you sometimes forget where to access programs or reports in the software that you only use occasionally? Use the Quick Launch to find what you need!
The Quick Launch provides a Search Actions field to quickly find actions in the current application. Simply start typing,
and a list of possible choices that contain the characters entered will be displayed, allowing you to easily select an action to launch. For example, searching for “check” will include Check for Updates and Data File Integrity Check in the list of options. In addition to the program names, common acronyms and alternate references are included. For example, searching for “attorney” in Tabs3 Billing will include all references to “timekeeper” in the list such as Timekeeper Information, Timekeeper Productivity Report, etc.
In addition to search capabilities, the Quick Launch displays the most recent actions and matters accessed and provides the ability to pin actions and matters. To pin an action or matter, hover over the item and click the 
icon. Pinned actions or matters are removed from the Recent Actions or Recent Matters sections and added to the Pinned Actions or Pinned Matters sections. Pinned items can be reordered by dragging them to the desired position in the list. To unpin an action or matter, hover over the item and click the 
icon.
Another great feature is the ability to access other applications using the application icons at the bottom of the Quick Launch pane. This provides quick access to all of the Tabs3 Software installed. No need to find the shortcut on your desktop or in the Start menu.
Tip: You can instantly access the Search Actions box by pressing Ctrl+Q.
If you need to report on fees, costs, or payments, the Transaction File List or Task Code Billing Report is your answer. Both reports have great flexibility and options. The Transaction File List and Task Code Billing Report have similar options. The Task Code Billing Report includes task based billing clients only. However, the Transaction File List includes both task based transactions and non-task based transactions.
The following are examples of when you may want to run a Transaction File List or Task Based Billing Report:
- The court needs a copy of all work done on a case thus far. Run the report for only the one client, for fees only, and select both Work-In-Process and Archived.
- The case is closed and you want a list of all costs that were billed. Run the report for only the one client, for costs only, and select Archived.
- You want a list of all billed transactions using a particular transaction code or task code for the current quarter. Run the report for the desired transaction code or task code, enter the desired date range, and select Archived.
- You need to find a payment that was entered for the wrong client. Run the report for payments only, select the desired date range, and then use the Search function in the Preview window to look for the payment amount.
- You want a list of everything that was billed last month by a particular timekeeper. Run the report for the one fee timekeeper, enter the desired date range, select Archived, and use a Date Selection of Statement.
For a closer look at the Transaction File List, including detailed examples and report setup, as well as a comparison to the Task Based Billing Report, visit Knowledge Base Article R11039, “How the Tabs3 Transaction File List Can Work for You.”
Did you know that you can reverse write offs? The Reverse Write Off program allows you to reverse a write off that was created via Write Off Client. The information for the write off will be backed out of the client ledger, accounts receivable, receipt allocation, and productivity files.
To reverse a write off
- From the Maintenance menu, point to Client Related and select Reverse Write Off.
- Select the Client ID.
- In the Reference Number field, select the write off you want to reverse.
- Click OK.
Are you ready to get paid faster? Using Tabs3Pay, accepting credit card payments has never been easier for your law practice!
With Tabs3Pay, you can:
- Manage separate trust and operating accounts.
- Securely store payment information for future use.
- Accept credit cards and electronic checks, all from within Tabs3 Software.
- Include a payment link in email statements, allowing your clients to easily enter payment information through the secure Tabs3Pay portal.
Best of all, Tabs3Pay provides simple pricing for all credit card types, which means that no matter what type of card is used, the same low fixed rate will be applied. There are no monthly fees or other charges.
Ready to take the next step? Tabs3Pay’s hassle-free setup means that you can begin accepting payments on the same day that you sign up. You can sign up and enable Tabs3Pay right from Tabs3 Billing or Tabs3 Trust Accounting (Trust)! Just have your law firm’s EIN number (Tax ID), the account and routing numbers for your bank accounts, and an estimate of your processing amounts ready.
To sign up for Tabs3Pay
- From the Reports tab, point to Credit Card and select Tabs3 Web Portal.
- Click the Let’s Get Started button.
Note: This feature is available in Version 2021 (Build 20.5) and later.
For more information on signing up for and configuring Tabs3Pay, see Knowledge Base Article R11869, “Configuring Tabs3Pay.”
Did you know that the Tabs3 DropBox serves as a temporary holding area for reports and statements that are output as PDF files via the Tabs3 DropBox print option?
To send reports and statements to the Tabs3 DropBox, select Tabs3 DropBox from the Print window and click OK. The 
files sent to Tabs3 DropBox are temporary files that will be removed when all Tabs3 Software is closed. This is perfect for reports that need further action. You can run and review several reports for comparison, or email them to another party for review before printing or saving. This can save you from unnecessary time spent finding, retrieving, and ultimately deleting temporary files.
All of the Tabs3 Software applications use a common Tabs3 DropBox, so all of your files will be accessible from one location. A separate Tabs3 DropBox is maintained for each user. The name of each file is determined by the name of the report. If a report is sent to the Tabs3 DropBox more than once, a number will be appended to the end to differentiate them. For example, if a Client List is run twice, Tabs3 DropBox will display “T3_Client_List.pdf” and “T3_Client_List_1.pdf”. To rename any of the files, right-click on the file and select Rename.
You can also drag and drop files to the Tabs3 DropBox from any Windows folder, as well as drag and drop files from the Tabs3 DropBox to any Windows folder. Items in the Tabs3 DropBox can be opened, saved, printed, emailed, and deleted either individually or in a group. When emailing Tabs3 DropBox items, your default email program is used to create a new email, and the file(s) selected will be attached. All you need to do is add recipients, your message, and then click Send!
Tabs3 DropBox is a great way to group files for easy handling. All of your files will be in one place for quick review, retention, or removal!
Did you know that you can customize the email templates used to email statements from Tabs3 Billing? Not only can you customize your own email templates, but we also provide four sample templates to help you get started.
Knowledge Base Article R11782, “Using and Customizing Sample Email Templates,” includes the contents of the email templates provided with Tabs3 Billing Sample Data, explains how you can make minor modifications so that they can be used to email your firm’s client billing statements, and provides troubleshooting information.
If you’re not already familiar with the Email Statements feature, take a look at KB Article R11338, “Emailing Tabs3 Statements.” Email Statements also allows you to include a link for your clients to pay online. See KB Article R11767,”Using the Tabs3 Payment Link,” for more information.
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base while in the software by selecting Help | Internet Resources | Knowledge Base.
Resetting users incorrectly can be a costly practice in terms of lost time and productivity. It is important to realize the risks involved when users reset other users.
If you are using the Platinum edition of Tabs3 Software, performing any exclusive function when other users are in the software is easy. Use the Log Off Users function to safely close any Tabs3 programs that other users have open, even when users are away from their desks, without worrying about data loss. However, performing those same exclusive tasks in the non-Platinum edition with active users in the software requires that you ask each person to close the software because resetting a user who is in the software can have consequences.
Why is resetting a user not recommended? When the software is used, files are opened, saved, and closed by the server as they are requested by the workstation. When a user exits the software improperly, either by an unexpected computer shutdown, or being reset by another user, files that were opened by the server are not closed. Therefore, errors can occur when another user tries to access the same files. Users should always exit the software properly, and the resetting of users should only be performed for specific scenarios.
When is it ok to reset a user?
- Once you have confirmed that the user is not currently logged into the software on any computer.
- In some situations, such as if the computer shuts down unexpectedly, a “Duplicate User IDs were found. Would you like to reset the User ID?” message is displayed. In this scenario, because the User ID is locked in the software, you must reset the user.
When resetting a user, a Reset Confirmation window will be displayed. You must select each check box before the 
Reset Now button is available. This is intentionally designed to help prevent unnecessary resetting of users.
Manager access rights are required in order to reset other users. Users who are not managers can reset themselves, but cannot reset other users.
If you suspect that users are being reset at your firm without first verifying that they are out of the software, there is an easy way to check. Each time a user is reset, an entry is made to the Reset Log (View | Log Files | Reset Log). We strongly recommend that you periodically review the Reset Log to help ensure best practices are being implemented.
For more information on resetting users, check out Knowledge Base Article R10789, “Resetting Users.”
Taking the time to be prepared and educating your employees about resetting users and how to properly exit the software can prevent future problems and save you time and money.
Did you know that you can split fees and costs between multiple matters in Tabs3 Billing? Split Billing provides the ability to enter fees and costs once, but split the charges between multiple matters. You must first determine which client you will be entering fees and costs for; this is your “main client.” Next, determine which clients/matters will be splitting the bill, and for what percentage each party will be responsible.
To configure clients for split billing
- From the File menu, point to Open and select Client.
- From the Split Billing tab, in the Client ID field, select the desired main client.
- Click the Add button to open the Split Billing Matter window.
- Select the desired Split Matter ID.
- Enter the desired Split Billing Percentages for the split matter.
- Enter the desired Statement Options settings for the split matter.
- Click OK.
- Repeat step 3 for each additional split matter. (Note: This may include the main client.)
- Select the desired Split Fee Options and Split Cost Options.
- Press Ctrl+S.
Fees and costs may be entered before and/or after configuring split billing, but keep in mind that when it comes time to perform the split, only those fees and costs entered for the main client will be split amongst all parties.
When you are ready, you can Perform Split Billing (Statements | Statement Preparation | Perform Split Billing). Transactions that have already been split cannot be split again so this can be run as often as needed. Perform Split Billing should be run prior to generating statements every time in order to make sure that all transactions are billed appropriately.
If, after performing the split, you need to change the way in which transactions should be split, simply Undo Split Billing (Maintenance | Transaction Related | Undo Split Billing). This will revert all split transactions for the selected Main Client ID and Split Billing Ref # that are still work-in-process to their pre-split values. This provides a way to make adjustments as needed.
If you have even one client who splits amounts due with other matters, and you’ve been splitting the fees and costs manually, make your billing easier by using the Split Billing feature in Tabs3.
For more information on split billing features, see Knowledge Base Article R11616, “All About Tabs3 Split Billing,” the Billing Adjustments Guide, and the Split Billing Training Video.
It is important to have a good backup of your data. To ensure that the data from your backup routine is good, you should periodically test your backup system. We recommend that you schedule and perform the testing of your third-party backup procedure periodically throughout the year.
Knowledge Base Article R10456, “Testing Your Backup System,” provides information on different ways to test your backup, including step-by-step instructions to test restoring both a single file and an entire directory, and how to compare restored files using the FC command.
Do you want to be able to back up data throughout the day, helping to ensure you always have a viable backup that requires less reentry of data? HotBackup, a Platinum feature, provides the ability to back up data while users are working! HotBackups can be scheduled, or can be run on demand.
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base while in the software by selecting Help | Internet Resources | Knowledge Base.
When it comes to tracking your matters, accounts receivable, work-in-process, and funds balances at a glance as well as providing quick access to individual entries for fees, costs, payments and more, the Tabs3 Billing Matter Manager can be used to organize your matters all from one place.
See how Tabs3 Billing’s powerful Matter Manager can save you time by making it easy to maintain your clients’ matters.
Watch this three-minute video here:
Training Videos can be accessed at Tabs3.com/videos. You can also access the videos while in the software by selecting Help | Training Videos.
Did you know that there are several keyboard shortcuts you can use to quickly adjust the date in any Date field?
- To quickly set the date to the current system date, press T (Today) or D (Date).
- To open the QuickDate Calculator, which can be used to calculate a past or future date, press Q (QuickDate) or M (Date Math).
- To change the value of the Date field to mm/dd/yyyy, press C (Clear).
- To increase or decrease the month, press PgUp/Page Up or PgDn/Page Down, respectively.
- To increase the day, press one of the following:
- Up-Arrow
- >
- . (period)
- To decrease the day, press one of the following:
- Down-Arrow
- <
- , (comma)
Additionally, if either no portion of the date is highlighted or the entire date is highlighted, pressing + (plus) or – (minus) will increase or decrease the day, respectively. However, keep in mind that if any segment of the date is highlighted, pressing + or – will increase or decrease that segment.
The Knowledge Base is a great resource for more in-depth information on a subject, including overviews, best practices, strategies, troubleshooting, frequently asked questions, and more. To help streamline your research, we have several articles that contain a list of articles related to a particular area of interest. This makes it easy to determine which articles you want to review, and provides a place you can come back to so you can quickly pick up where you left off.
The following articles contain a list of articles on the given subject:
- R11194 – Help Resources
Provides information regarding the various help resources available for using Tabs3 Software including Help, Knowledge Base, Guides, and more. - R11861 – Version 2021 Information & Resources
Includes information about the Version 2021 update and includes a list of information that has been added to the Knowledge Base regarding Version 2021 including What’s New in Version 2021, Version 2021 Introduction to New Features, and more. - R11567 – Frequently Asked Questions for All Products
Includes a list of resources with frequently asked questions, both general and feature-specific, regarding the software. - R11524 – Backup/Restore Information Resources
Includes a list of resources with information regarding backing up and restoring your data including having a good backup strategy, troubleshooting, testing your backup, and more. - R11582 – Statements Information Resources
Includes a list of resources with information regarding Tabs3 Billing statements including printing, emailing statements, customization, and general information. - R11482 – Resources for Integrating PracticeMaster with Outlook
Includes a list of resources with information regarding Microsoft Outlook and its integration with PracticeMaster including Outlook synchronization, the Platinum Exchange Connector, and the Outlook Toolbar Plug-in. - R11715 – Tabs3 Financial Software Resources (Trust, AP, GL)
Includes a list of resources with information regarding Tabs3 Financials including general articles, integration articles, reconciliation articles, and more. - R11638 – Document Management Resource List
Includes a list of resources with information regarding PracticeMaster’s Document Management feature including training videos, the Document Management Guide, a quick reference, troubleshooting, and more. - R11645 – Resources for Filtering Data
Includes a list of resources with information on filtering data in PracticeMaster and Tabs3 Billing including information on indexes, filters, QuickViews, Report Writer, WorkFlows, and more. - R11406 – Tabs3 Platinum/Platinum SQL Resources
Includes a list of resources with information regarding Platinum software and Platinum Server including guides, Platinum information, Platinum SQL information, troubleshooting, and more. - R11506 – Resources for Importing Data into Tabs3 Software
Includes a list of resources with information regarding programs that can be used to import data into Tabs3 Billing, PracticeMaster, and Tabs3 Financials.
When looking for additional information on these subjects, save yourself some time – skip the searching and check out one of the resource lists above.
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base while in the software by selecting Help | Internet Resources | Knowledge Base.
When previewing reports, you always get the best formatted view of the information for reading. However, when saving a report to an .html or .txt file, you may see different formatting or missing text. So how do you get better output? By using the Optimize for Print to File setting.
When selecting to Optimize for Print to File, the software will make adjustments that help with formatting and eliminate clipping problems. This can help significantly when printing to .html or .txt format.
To Optimize for Print to File
- From the File menu, select Print Setup.
- Select the desired Printer.
- Click the Advanced Printing Features button.
- Select the Optimize for Print to File check box.
- Click OK on the Advanced Printing Features window.
- Click OK on the Printer Setup window.
The next time you print a report to a file, try selecting Optimize for Print to File and see the difference it makes.
Note: We do not recommend selecting this option for your normal printing jobs because of adjustments made to avoid clipping problems. When saving output to a file, the best solution is to configure a special printer for print-to-file output.
Did you know that you can easily see a list of write offs for any client, as well as how each write off is applied?
Beginning with Version 2021, you can access write off information via the Tabs3 Billing Matter Manager. When selecting a write off, you can see the date and amount of the write off, statement information, how it was applied, and more.
To access write off information via Tabs3 Billing Matter Manager
- Open Matter Manager from the Quick Launch.
- Select the desired Client.
- Click the Write Offs list.
- Click the write off for which you want more information.
Want to see all of the new features in Version 2021? Check out Knowledge Base Article R11860, “Version 2021 Introduction to New Features!”
This article provides information on each new feature. Features are listed by program and include screenshots and links to additional information when applicable. Each time we add a new feature to Version 2021, this article is updated so that you can get the information you need to begin using the feature.
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base while in the software by selecting Help | Internet Resources | Knowledge Base.
Drill-down capabilities provide the ability to quickly access data while previewing reports. Additionally, drilldown is available in entry lists (WIP only), the Tabs3 Billing Matter Manager, PracticeMaster Matter Manager, and Tabs3 Billing Recap of Hours.
- Reports – While previewing a report, when you mouse over a drill-down field, the field will be highlighted in yellow. Clicking the field will open an information page or a data entry window allowing you to view or edit the record. If an edit is made to a record, clicking the Refresh button (or pressing F5) in the Preview window will update the report to reflect the change made.
- Tabs3 Billing Matter Manager – Drill down to the client or contact as well as fees, costs, payments, client funds, statements, write offs, and Trust entries.
- PracticeMaster Matter Manager – Drill down to the client or contact as well as fee, cost, calendar, journal, and document records.
- Tabs3 Recap of Hours – Click on a day to display transactions for the selected timekeeper, and then double-click the transaction to open it.
For a complete list of reports and features with drill-down capabilities, refer to Knowledge Base Article R10646, “Drill-Down Features in the Software.”
Version 2021 has some great new features we know you’ll want right away!
All Applications
- Simplified Update – Updating from Version 2020 to Version 2021 does not require a conversion. If updating from Version 19 to Version 2021, only a single conversion is required.
- New Look – We’ve updated the icons for all of the actions on the Home page in each Tabs3 Software application to provide a fresh look.
Tabs3 Billing Highlights
- Payment Information – Provides detailed payment allocation information for both archived and work-in-process payments. In addition to payment allocation, this page shows associated Tabs3 General Ledger transactions and payment adjustments (refunds or reversals).
- Write Off Information – Provides detailed information about the selected write off, including a breakdown of how the write off was applied (each timekeeper, cost type, tax amount, or finance charge) across each statement that was written off, and who performed the write off.
- Matter Manager:
- Write Off List – This list provides an easy way to see any write off performed on the matter. Clicking an entry in the list displays the Write Off Information page.
- Statement Status Indicators – The statement list in the Matter Manager now includes color-coded indicators to help you see at a glance which statements are unpaid and for how long.
- Email an Individual Statement – In the Statement Manager or Statement Information window, a new Send Email action is available. This reprints the selected statement, just like using the Reprint Updated Statements feature, and then starts a new email with the statement attached.
- Report Drilldown – We’ve updated numerous Tabs3 Billing reports to support drilling down to statements, payments, and write offs in the Report Preview window.
Tabs3 Trust Accounting and Accounts Payable Highlights
- IRS 1099-MISC and 1099-NEC Changes for Tax Year 2020 – We’ve updated the software to support new requirements from the IRS for tax year 2020.
Updating to Version 2021 is as easy as using Check for Updates (Help | Check for Updates)!
Often, the most common source of unbilled costs are the everyday tasks done in your office. Photocopies, faxes, phone calls, and many other tasks can easily be overlooked when entering costs for a client. Simple cost recovery methods can reclaim these expenses as needed. Many manufacturers offer devices that collect information and create an export file, which can be used in Tabs3 Billing.
The Tabs3 Device Interface software takes the export files from most collection devices and converts them into costs that can be imported to Tabs3 Billing. Additionally, it allows you to customize import settings so any standard text file can be converted, even if it is not already configured in the conversion program. This means it is very likely that you can import your task information, regardless of the device’s manufacturer.
To see if the Tabs3 Device Interface will work for you, or to order a license of the Tabs3 Device Interface for your firm, contact your local consultant or call our Sales Department at (402) 419-2200. Information about the Tabs3 Device Interface can also be found in our Knowledge Base Article R10737, “Tabs3 Device Interface Product Information,” and in R11684, “Tabs3 Device Interface Instructions.”
Tabs3 Software occasionally links to external files that can contain sensitive information, such as contact information, bank balances, or payment information. Some firms will restrict access to those files by setting the access rights on the folders where those files are maintained to prevent access by users who do not require such information.
Knowledge Base Article R11841, “Folders with Special Rights,” discusses the access rights that can be adjusted, and provides some best practices for maintaining these locations.
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base while in the software by selecting Help | Internet Resources | Knowledge Base.
We recently made two new improvements to the Tabs3 Matter Manager feature!
- Added a convenient way to create a new matter from the Matter Manager. Simply click the + to the right of the Edit Matter button.
- Expanded the Type column in the Matter Manager Payments list to include LawPay transaction information.
Update to Version 20.3.6 or later to get these great new additions!
In Version 2020, multiple improvements have been made to the Lock Out All Users feature (File | Lockout All Users). This feature can be useful when you want to keep others from logging in while you perform maintenance.
- When initiating a lockout, you can now exit the software to perform server maintenance tasks, such as external backups, server moves, etc., without worrying about users opening the software. The user performing the lockout will continue to have full access to the Tabs3 Software, including applications that were closed prior to the lockout.
- Lockouts can now be assigned an optional duration. Once the assigned duration has expired, the lockout is automatically lifted and users can begin using the software again. If you need additional time to complete your tasks, the lockout can be extended. In the event a lockout must be ended early and the user who initiated it is unavailable, another user with manager rights can override the lockout.
- If other users are currently in the Tabs3 Software, initiating a lockout now opens a Conflicting Activities window, indicating which users need to exit the software before the lockout can begin. Additionally, with Tabs3 Platinum Software you can use the Request Log Off feature to request that users exit the software and, if necessary, force them to exit the software after a specified time period.
- The Active User List (View | Active User List) now includes two new features:
- A Start Time column to determine when users began their activities.
- A Lock Out All Users button so you can initiate a lockout directly from the Active User List.
Note: These feature enhancements are included in Version 20.3.4.
Have you started using the great new navigation features, or are you still using Task Folders? If you’re using Quick Launch, All Actions, and My Actions, then you already know that we provide several customizable ways to access the features you need whether they’re tasks you perform every day, only once a year, or somewhere in the middle.
Theme Settings
The following options for navigating the software can be turned on or off via View | Theme Settings.
When selected, the Quick Launch can be used to search for a feature, pin frequently accessed actions and matters, or quickly access a recent action or matter.
When selected, the Home Page adds options for quickly accessing features and information:
- The All Actions tab provides a way to access every feature in the application, grouped by like action. For example, client and contact related features are located in the People group.
- The My Actions tab provides the ability to customize your experience. This tab can be used to add frequently accessed features or create your own groups, such as frequently used reports, month-end, and more. (Tip: If you’re still using Task Folders, you’re missing out on customization that can help streamline your processes!)
Other Navigation
The menus in each application provide access to all of the features in the application.
Many keyboard shortcuts are included in the software for power users. Keyboard shortcuts can help save time by keeping your hands on the keyboard more, instead of repeatedly moving to and from the mouse.
For more information on these navigation features and more, check out the Navigating Through Tabs3 Software Video. If you’re not using these navigation features, you’re missing out!
Did you know that the autofill feature allows you to type in certain fields in order to quickly find what you’re looking for?
All fields with lookup windows have autofill capabilities. As you enter characters into a lookup field, the field will autofill based on the information entered. The first available result will be displayed as highlighted text, with additional characters entered replacing the autofill and updating the results.
When an autofill suggestion exists, a list of possible choices matching the characters entered will also be displayed, allowing you to easily select the entry you want to complete the field. For records that use an identifier, such as the Client ID field for Client records (Tabs3 Billing, PracticeMaster, and Tabs3 Trust Accounting) or User/Group field for Calendar records (PracticeMaster), a second column will be shown containing additional information about the record (e.g., the client’s Name and Work Description, or the User Name).
Note: This feature can be disabled by selecting the Disable Autofill for all lookup fields check box in User Configuration (System Configuration | File | Open | Users).
Want to know who backed up the data last and when, or who restored it? You can easily confirm who performed these actions and many more.
The Support Log (View | Log Files | Support Log) can help you determine which processes were run at what time by which user. This log is present for each application, including System Configuration. When running a Support Log, you can optionally specify a date range and/or select specific users. Manager users can access support logs for all applications at the same time via System Configuration (View | Support Log).
Every application includes the options to see when Back Up Data, Data File Integrity Check, and Reindex Files were run, in addition to when data was last restored and updates were last installed, and more. Each application also has information logged that is specific to the application, and although information included can vary, each feature includes who ran it and when it was run. The following are some of the features that are tracked in the Support Log:
Tabs3 Billing
- Customization
- Transfer Transactions
- Update Statements
- Undo Updated Statements
- …and more
PracticeMaster
- File Maintenance
- Form Designer
- Import Data
- …and more.
Trust Accounting
- Finalize Reconciliation
- Positive Pay Export
- Undo Reconciliation
- …and more
Accounts Payable
- Positive Pay Export
- Vendor Changes
General Ledger
- Edit GLS Client
- Finalize Reconciliation
- Undo Reconciliation
- …and more
With these tools in place, it is easy to quickly assess the various software events that occurred while you were out. This allows you to remain up to speed, even after a well-deserved vacation. More information regarding the Support Log is provided in Knowledge Base Article R11288, “Support Log Information,” and in each program’s “Support Log” Help topic.
Beginning with Version 2020, you can now quickly access statement information via the Tabs3 Billing Matter Manager (File | Matter Manager). Simply click on a Statement from the Matter Manager to display a Statement Information window for that statement. The Statement Information window includes the following:
The Statement Information section shows matter information, the Statement Date, Statement #, the total Billed on the statement, and the total Amount still Due.
The Statement Preview displays a reprint of the statement, using the same functionality as the Reprint Updated Statements program. Like any preview window, you can search, zoom, and print directly from this preview.
The Take Action pane allows you to perform tasks related to the statement, such as reprinting or undoing the statement, adding a payment, or writing off the balance.
Note: This feature is available in Tabs3 Version 2020 beginning in Version 20.2.6.
We have just added several new features! Use the Check for Updates feature (Help | Check for Updates) to make sure you are running the most recent release of Version 2020.
Update to Version 20.2.6 to access the following:
- Tabs3 Billing Matter Manager – The Client Manager has been revamped and renamed to the Matter Manager. Like the PracticeMaster Matter Manager, the Tabs3 Matter Manager acts as a central hub for matter-related information and activities in Tabs3 Billing. The Matter Manager allows you to view relevant information for each matter at a glance, perform common tasks, and run reports.
- Statement Information Window – Clicking on a Statement from the Matter Manager in Tabs3 Billing displays a Statement Information window for that statement. The Statement Information window includes matter information, statement totals, a preview of the statement, and the ability to perform common tasks.
- Time Zones – PracticeMaster now allows you to specify a time zone for calendar events and tasks. If you opt to enable the time zone feature, new calendar records will be shown relative to the local time for each user. The PracticeMaster Calendar, PracticeMaster Dashboard, and Tabs3 Connect Calendar will all utilize the time zone setting on the device where records are being accessed. This also provides a more seamless integration of calendar records with Microsoft Outlook.
- Field Length Changes – Increased the field length for several fields in the software, such as the Work Description in the Client file and the Amount field in the Payment file.
For more information on these great new features, as well as a detailed list of all new features in Version 2020, check out Knowledge Base Article R11812, “Version 2020 Introduction to New Features.”
Accepting and managing credit card and eCheck payments from your clients has never been easier!
Starting in Version 2020, Tabs3 Billing and Trust Accounting Software (TAS) supports integration with LawPay, making the process of entering payments, client funds deposits, and trust deposits both easy and secure.
Watch this five-minute video here:
Training Videos can be accessed at Tabs3.com/videos. You can also access the videos while in the software by selecting Help | Training Videos.
What is the Client Inactivity Report, and why should you use it? The Client Inactivity Report can be used to identify clients and matters with no activity in a specified time frame, which can help keep clients from slipping through the cracks. This report allows you to do the following:
- Report on which clients have not had any activity in the last year so you can mark applicable matters as closed.
- Determine which clients you have not received a payment from this month so that you can send a reminder statement or write off amounts.
- Provide each Primary Timekeeper with a report of all active matters with no fees in a certain time frame, such as the last two weeks.
- Plus much more!
A Client Inactivity Report can be run in both Tabs3 Billing and PracticeMaster; however, each program provides unique options to run the report.
- In Tabs3 Billing, you can search for activity in fees, costs, statements, payments, payment adjustments, write offs, and client funds.
- In PracticeMaster, you can search for activity in the Calendar, Journal, Document Management, Fee, Cost, Additional Common Client Related, and Area of Practice Files.
To run a Client Inactivity Report
- In Tabs3 Billing, from the Reports menu, point to Client and select Client Inactivity Report.
…or…
In PracticeMaster, from the Reports menu, select Client Inactivity Report. - On the Client tab, select the desired client range.
- On the Options tab:
- In the No activity in the last field, enter the desired time frame.
- Under Items to Search/Files to Search, select the desired check boxes.
- On the Sort tab, select the desired Primary and/or Secondary Order.
- Click OK.
Note: By default, the Client Inactivity Report is set to only include clients that are currently active and do not have a Date Closed specified. However, this setting can be changed. From the Client tab, click the Select Status button and select the desired option(s).
When was the last time you backed up your Tabs3 and PracticeMaster data and tested the viability of your backup? If your firm had to restore from a backup right now, would any data be lost? Regular backups are critical for your firm to make and maintain properly.
Internal Backups
Tabs3 Software ensures you are provided the opportunity to backup when needed.
- You will be prompted to make a backup in the software when the function cannot be easily reversed or when interruption of the process can cause errors in the data.
- When presented with a prompt to make a backup, ask yourself when the last backup was made and how much data will need to be reentered if a restore is required. If you are not comfortable with the amount of work required after restoring, then you should back up your data before going any further.
- If you regularly opt to not make a backup because it’s difficult to get every user to exit the software, consider the Platinum version. Platinum includes a HotBackup feature that allows you to make backups while other users are still working in the software and doesn’t require backups be made for as many functions, including Update Statements.
- If you are using the standard version of the software, you can keep up to three internal backups with a size limit of 2 GB each.
- If you are using the Platinum version of the software, backups are practically unlimited! You can keep up to 198 user-defined HotBackups, each limited in size only by the available hard drive space.
Third Party Backups
We also recommend making regular backups of the entire Tabs3 program directory via a third-party backup program.
- Third-party backups can help you recover from a catastrophic failure, such as flood, theft, server hard drive failure, etc.
- Backups made via the Tabs3 Software only back up your data files and do not include executable files to run the programs, nor is every file in the Tabs3 Current Working Directory included.
- If you already have a third-party backup in place, make sure that it is periodically tested to verify it is working correctly. For more information on testing your backup, see KB Article R10456, “Testing Your Backup System.”
Now may be the perfect time to take a closer look at your current backup strategy and to verify the procedures you have in place. If you cannot take the time to review procedures now, add a reminder to your calendar to review them as soon as possible. Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security; backups that don’t restore correctly, or not having a backup, can cost you a great deal in both time and data loss.
For a list of resources on backing your data up and restoring, visit Knowledge Base Article R11524, “Backup/Restore Information Resources.”
Did you know that there are many ways in which you can filter your data in order to make it easier to find what you need?
If you aren’t already filtering, you may not know where to begin. Knowledge Base Article R11645, “Resources for Filtering Data,” provides a list of articles for both beginners and advanced users – everything you need to start filtering, create advanced filters, or to troubleshoot unexpected results.
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base while in the software by selecting Help | Internet Resources | Knowledge Base.
As your firm deals with the spread of COVID-19, we want to help you prepare to work from home.
Resources for working from home can be found at Tabs3.com/WorkFromHome.
Tabs3 remains committed to providing top rated customer support, and are available to help. As usual, Technical Support can be reached at (402) 419-2210, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Central Time) Monday through Friday.
Beginning in Version 2020, you can now select whether you want the Newsletter Reminder window to pop up each month or not! Once you have updated to Version 20.1.5 or later, the Newsletter Delivery Options window will be displayed when logging in. You can select to either subscribe to the Email Newsletter, or to have the Newsletter Reminder window continue to open after the 14th of each month.
You can always change your mind later. Newsletter Delivery Options can be accessed via the Delivery Options button on the Newsletter Reminder window as well as via the Help | Internet Resources | Newsletter Delivery Options menu.
Beginning with Version 2020, Tabs3 Billing and Trust Accounting Software (TAS) supports integration with LawPay for electronic processing of payments, client funds deposits, and trust deposits. LawPay supports both credit and debit cards in Tabs3 Billing and TAS, as well as electronic fund transfers (eChecks) from checking or savings accounts in Tabs3 Billing.
Tabs3 Billing allows you to manage the client’s payment methods from either the LawPay tab of the Client file or from the Payment/Client Funds Entry windows. TAS allows you to manage your LawPay payment methods from the Trust Transaction Entry window. You can add or remove payment methods as well as update the email address for each payment method. When an email address is present, the client will automatically be emailed a receipt each time that payment method is used.
Once you have enabled LawPay in Tabs3 Billing, you can include a LawPay payment link in the statements you email to your clients. This allows clients to pay their statement with a credit card or eCheck without anyone at the firm handling sensitive payment information. Once a client has paid their bill via LawPay, you can import the payment into Tabs3 via the Import Online Payments program (Maintenance | Integration | Import Online Payments). See Knowledge Base Article R11767, “Using the Tabs3 Payment Link,” for more information regarding setting up payment links and importing payments. For more information on LawPay integration, see Knowledge Base Articles R11828, “LawPay Integration Frequently Asked Questions,” and R11826, “Configuring LawPay Integration with Tabs3 Software.”
Did you know that you can add your letterhead to statements via the Tabs3 Billing software? If you have an image file of your firm’s letterhead, Statement Designer can insert .png, .jpg, and .bmp files into the header and/or footer of a statement page layout. Alternatively, you can add a .bmp image via Print Setup. These options mean that statements can be printed with your firm’s letterhead on any paper.
Knowledge Base Article R11829, “Adding a Letterhead Image to Tabs3 Billing Statements,” provides information about adding a header image to your Tabs3 Billing statements via Statement Designer or Print Setup.
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base while in the software by selecting Help | Internet Resources | Knowledge Base.
If you haven’t updated to Version 2020 yet, you are missing out on some great new features! The following features are only some of the enhancements we made for this version:
LawPay
- Tabs3 Billing – LawPay integration adds a new option for processing electronic payments and client funds deposits.
- Trust Accounting Software (TAS) – LawPay integration adds a new option for processing electronic Trust deposits.
New Dashboards
- Tabs3 Billing – displays Aged Accounts Receivable, Unbilled work, and graphs comparing the last two years of Cash Receipts and Billing History.
- Accounts Payable Software (APS) – displays Unpaid Invoices, Unposted Checks and EFTs, and the total Paid this Month with shortcuts to Print Checks, Post Checks, and the Check Register report.
- General Ledger Software (GLS) – displays an overview of your Bank Accounts and a list of Recent Bank Transactions.
- Trust Accounting Software (TAS) – displays an overview of your Bank Accounts and a list of Recent Trust Transactions.
Positive Pay
- Positive Pay export from APS and TAS helps provide fraud protection.
APS Bank Balances
- The GLS Account balance is now displayed when adding invoices and printing checks. Additionally, you will now be alerted if the check or EFT you are entering could result in an overdraft.
Updated Help
- The Help files for each program are now opened in your default browser, and have a new look. Find what you’re looking for more quickly using the improved Search and Index features.
For in-depth information on all of the new Version 2020 features, including screenshots, refer to Knowledge Base Article R11812, “Version 2020 Introduction to New Features.” A list with links to all Version 2020 information can be found in R11814, “Version 2020 Information and Resources.”
To download Version 2020, select Check for Updates from the Help menu, visit Tabs3.com/update, or contact your local consultant.
If you have any questions about the update, please contact your consultant, or contact Technical Support at (402) 419-2210.
When a timekeeper’s rate changes, it can be tricky to make sure that all fees are entered correctly before and after the change. Tabs3 takes the stress out by providing the ability to change rates automatically based on the date of the fee.
The Effective Date of New Rates field in the Timekeeper file can be used to automatically switch to a new rate as of a specific date. Fees dated prior to the specified date will use the previous rate, whereas fees dated on or after the specified date will use the new rate. The How Can I Change the Rate for Future Billing video walks you through this process and provides an example of how it works.
Watch this two-minute video here:
Training Videos can be accessed at Tabs3.com/videos. You can also access the videos while in the software by selecting Help | Training Videos.
Want to be able to quickly tell if the software is up to date? Beginning in Version 2020, when an update to the software is available, a badge 
is shown on the Check for Updates icon in the Quick Launch pane. This option is available for users who have rights to check for software updates.
Additionally, a notification banner is displayed on the Home Page when an update has been available for 15 or more days. For additional information about updates, see Knowledge Base Article R11804, “Keeping Tabs3 Software Up To Date.”
Want to see all of the new features in Version 2020? Check out Knowledge Base Article R11812, “Version 2020 Introduction to New Features!”
This article provides information on each new feature, both big and small. Features are listed by program and include screenshots and links to additional information when applicable. Each time we add a new feature to Version 2020, this article is updated so that you can get the information you need to begin using the feature.
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base while in the software by selecting Help | Internet Resources | Knowledge Base.
Have you ever encountered comments in a Client’s file stating that the client was contacted about their past due balance without any reference as to who or when? When adding comments to any Memo type field in PracticeMaster, or to the Client Notes field in the Tabs3 Billing Client file, press F5 to automatically insert the current system date, system time, and User ID for the currently logged in user. When pressing F5, the text will be displayed in the following format:
01/23/2020 01:53pm DAWN
F5 is a quick and easy way to take the guesswork out of determining when information was entered, and who entered it.
Are you familiar with everything the Platinum version of the software offers? Platinum provides many great features including Tabs3 Connect, the ability to back up the software while others are working in the software, accelerated features, auto-recovery if errors occur, eNotes, special report options, and more.
Knowledge Base Article R11379, “Platinum Overview,” provides information on why we recommend everyone be on Platinum, how Platinum works, key features, frequently asked questions, and more.
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base while in the software by selecting Help | Internet Resources | Knowledge Base.
Version 2020 has been released, and there are many great new features! The following features are only some of the enhancements we made for this version:
LawPay
- Tabs3 Billing – LawPay integration adds a new option for processing electronic payments and client funds deposits.
- Trust Accounting Software (TAS) – LawPay integration adds a new option for processing electronic Trust deposits.
New Dashboards
- Tabs3 Billing – displays Aged Accounts Receivable, Unbilled work, and graphs comparing the last two years of Cash Receipts and Billing History.
- Accounts Payable Software (APS) – displays Unpaid Invoices, Unposted Checks and EFTs, and the total Paid this Month with shortcuts to Print Checks, Post Checks, and the Check Register report.
- General Ledger Software (GLS) – displays an overview of your Bank Accounts and a list of Recent Bank Transactions.
- Trust Accounting Software (TAS) – displays an overview of your Bank Accounts and a list of Recent Trust Transactions.
Positive Pay
- Positive Pay export from APS and TAS helps provide fraud protection.
APS Bank Balances
- The GLS Account balance is now displayed when adding invoices and printing checks. Additionally, you will now be alerted if the check or EFT you are entering could result in an overdraft.
Updated Help
- The Help files for each program are now opened in your default browser, and have a new look. Find what you’re looking for more quickly using the improved Search and Index features.
For in-depth information on all of the new Version 2020 features, including screenshots, refer to Knowledge Base Article R11812, “Version 2020 Introduction to New Features.” A list with links to all Version 2020 information can be found in R11814, “Version 2020 Information and Resources.”
To download Version 2020, select Check for Updates from the Help menu, visit Tabs3.com/update, or contact your local consultant.
If you have any questions about the update, please contact your consultant, or contact Technical Support at (402) 419-2210.
You access sensitive client information on a daily basis, and may even have access to information that others in the firm do not. You know that maintaining client confidentiality is crucial, but who might have access to all of that data? The following features are built into the software, helping maintain client security and confidentiality.
- Assign users to Access Profiles. Access Profiles (System Configuration | File | Open | Access Profile) are used to control which users have access to which features in the software. For example, you can set up an Access Profile to allow for browsing clients, but not changing or deleting clients. You can also specify that an Access Profile not allow access to reports, certain utilities, or an entire system, such as General Ledger Software (GLS). Once Access Profiles have been set up, they can be assigned to users via the Users file (System Configuration | File | Open | Users). Each user can be assigned up to five Access Profiles.
- Assign Timekeepers to User IDs. Users who only need to see information for specific timekeepers can be restricted to accessing only those timekeepers. The Assign Tabs3/PracticeMaster Timekeeper option in the Users file (System Configuration | File | Open | Users) provides the ability to specify which timekeepers’ information a user can access. Users can add, change, and delete fee and cost transactions that are work-in-process; access archived transactions; and access productivity figures only for the selected timekeeper(s).
- Use Secure Clients. Access to client information can be specified at the client level. By selecting the Secure Client check box (File | Open | Client | Address tab), you can then select which users in the software have access to the specified client’s information including transactions, reports, and statements. Additionally, when you select the Secure Client check box, you will be prompted to either keep or remove related contacts from the Contact file. This is because only clients can be marked as secure, not contacts.
- Delete the (BLANK) user or assign it a password. The (BLANK) user is meant for initial access to the software when it is first installed. After users are set up in the software, we recommend deleting or assigning a password to this user in order for access to the software to be password protected.
- Platinum SQL Data Encryption. The Platinum SQL Data Encryption utility is used to encrypt Tabs3 and PracticeMaster data files that may contain sensitive information. Once data files are encrypted, they can only be read by the Tabs3 and PracticeMaster Platinum SQL software. Software can be encrypted via the Platinum | Data Encryption menu option in System Configuration.
- Platinum Data Security. Firms running a Platinum system can limit each user’s network access to the data files to the “read only” level, providing protection against the accidental moving or deleting of data files via Windows Explorer. In order to secure the Database folder, your system administrator will need to manually configure the Windows file sharing settings for that folder to ensure that only authorized users have Full Access rights.
For more information on these features, as well as more security features, see Knowledge Base Article R11717, “Security Resources.”
Various log files are maintained by different Tabs3 and PracticeMaster software products. These log files can be used as tools for troubleshooting errors and problems using Tabs3 and PracticeMaster software.
Knowledge Base Article R10013, “Log Files in Tabs3 and PracticeMaster Software,” contains a comprehensive list of the various log files and a brief description of the information contained in each file. Log files track errors encountered when running Tabs3 and PracticeMaster software as well as the date and time when a particular function was performed. Most log files can be accessed using any text editor such as Microsoft Notepad or WordPad.
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base while in the software by selecting Help | Internet Resources | Knowledge Base.
Do you have Access Profiles set up? Access Profiles help with security by controlling what functions each user can access in the software. The Access Profiles training video walks you through creating a new access profile that limits a user to certain Tabs3 Billing functions. Once you know the basics of setting up one Access Profile, you can set up the profiles you need for your firm.
Watch this three-and-a-half-minute video here:
Training Videos can be accessed at Tabs3.com/videos. You can also access the videos while in the software by selecting Help | Training Videos.
Although we strive to provide superior documentation in our Help files, Knowledge Base, and Guides, we know that sometimes you want direct guidance with a human touch. Technical Support can be reached by phone or email! We are here to help, so reach out to us. Here are some examples of items we regularly assist our clients with:
- Are you new to the software and need guidance? We can help!
- Want to update to the most recent version of the software? We can help!
- Not sure how to do a procedure? We can help!
- Receiving a message you’re not sure of? We can help!
- Want to start using a new feature in the software, such as keeping track of client communications within PracticeMaster? We can help!
Phone and email support are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Central Time). We can be reached by phone at (402) 419-2210 or by email via Tabs3.com/support. And don’t forget! Technical Support is included with your maintenance or subscription plan at no additional cost – so give us a call!
We are looking for firms to provide early feedback on Tabs3 version 2020. The following features will be available in Tabs3 Version 2020:
- LawPay
- Tabs3 Billing – LawPay integration adds a new option for processing electronic payments and client funds deposits
- Trust Accounting Software (TAS) – LawPay integration adds a new option for processing electronic Trust deposits
- Dashboards
- Tabs3 Billing – displays Aged Accounts Receivable, Unbilled work, and graphs comparing the last two years of Cash Receipts and Billing History
- Accounts Payable Software (APS) – displays Unpaid Invoices, Unposted Checks and EFTs, and the total Paid this Month with shortcuts to Print Checks, Post Checks, and the Check Register report
- General Ledger Software (GLS) – displays an overview of your Bank Accounts and a list of Recent Bank Transactions
- Trust Accounting Software (TAS) – displays an overview of your Bank Accounts and a list of Recent Trust Transactions
- Positive Pay
- Positive Pay export from APS and TAS helps provide fraud protection
If you are using Version 19 and are on maintenance, you can jump on board early with these new features. To sign up, visit Tabs3.com/prerelease. If you have any questions, please email signup@tabs3.com.
Transferring and replicating fees and costs just got easier in Tabs3 Billing! With the release of Version 19.1.11, two new buttons have been added to the Fee and Cost Entry windows, allowing you to quickly transfer or replicate an entry.
Transfer Fees and Costs
The ability to transfer fees and costs has long been available using the Transfer Transactions program. However, you can now transfer fee and cost transactions to a different matter directly from the Fee and Cost Entry windows using the new Transfer button. Any fees and costs that have not been final billed and/or updated can be transferred to another client. When transferring a fee or cost, you can optionally select to update the rate to use the new client’s rate, and then recalculate the amount.
Replicate Fees and Costs
In addition to the Transfer option, you can now replicate fees and costs using the Replicate button in the Fee and Cost Entry windows. Replicating fees and costs makes a copy of the transaction and saves it to the desired Client ID. Like the Transfer feature, when replicating a fee or cost, you can optionally select to update the rate to use the new client’s rate, and then recalculate the amount.
There are many shortcuts that can be used to help make entering data quicker, easier, and more convenient! In Tabs3 software, we include standard keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl+N to make a new record or Ctrl+S to save a record, as well as program specific commands such as Alt+Home to open the Home page or Ctrl+Q to open the Quick Launch. However, we also have amount calculation shortcuts, date shortcuts, text macros, description field specific shortcuts, a date/time stamp keystroke, and field action buttons.
The Tabs3 Billing Data Entry Shortcuts video shows you these shortcuts in action, providing examples of how to use them and where they can come in handy.
Watch this five-minute video here:
Training Videos can be accessed at Tabs3.com/videos. You can also access the videos while in the software by selecting Help | Training Videos.
Did you know that you can write all matters for a client up or down at the same time?
As of Version 19, when using the Write-Up/Write-Down Fees and Costs program (Statements | Statement Preparation | Write-Up/Write-Down Fees and Costs), an Include All Matters for this Client check box is now available.
Prior to billing, you can use the Write-Up/Write-Down program to write-down unbilled fees, costs, or hours for a client using a range of timekeepers, transaction codes, categories, and/or dates. When writing multiple transactions up or down, each affected transaction’s amount and/or hours is adjusted by an amount proportional to the total adjustment.
When this option is selected, the Write-Up or Write-Down will include transactions for all matters for the specified Client ID. All matters that begin with the same value left of the decimal with work-in-process will be included in the calculated client total based on the criteria selected in the Transaction Selection section.
Did you know that you can configure Tabs3 Billing reports to start each sort on a new page? This means that you can give copies to individual tim
ekeepers without running reports more than once. Simply select the Start Each Sort on a New Page check box on the Sort tab of most reports.
Note: This option was made available for all reports in Version 19.
We routinely use the Accounts Receivable reports to see which of our clients are past due by a given number of days. However, I need to see how much is owed to a specific working timekeeper for that period. Is there a way I can get that?
If you have the Platinum version of the Tabs3 Billing Software, the Accounts Receivable by Timekeeper Report is an additional accounts receivable report that can be run for specific working timekeepers.
To run the Accounts Receivable by Working Timekeeper Report
- From the Reports menu, point to Accounts Receivable and select A/R by Timekeeper Report.
- On the Client tab, select a Client ID range or leave it blank to include all clients.
- On the Options tab:
- Select the Working Timekeeper.
- Select the appropriate Include Clients whose Timekeeper’s fees are more than XX days past due number of days.
- Select any other options as needed.
If you don’t already use the Tabs3 Financial software, you may not realize the power of fully integrated software.
Trust Accounting – Track and reconcile deposits and payments for an unlimited number of client trust accounts. See warnings when an account goes below a minimum balance and prevent negative balances. Payments to your firm from a client’s trust account can automatically create payments in Tabs3 Billing. Trust balances also appear on work-in-process reports and on client statements in Tabs3 Billing. Print checks from your clients’ trust accounts. Use the Three-Way Reconciliation Report to ensure the accuracy of your trust balances.
General Ledger – Create Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Trial Balance, Statements of Cash Flow, and Journal reports for you and your accountant. General Ledger software comes with a chart of accounts for law firms that you can use or modify to fit your current account structure. Reconcile bank statements, print financial statements, and ensure your accounts stay balanced. Track all Advanced Client Costs across Tabs3 Billing, Accounts Payable, and General Ledger.
Accounts Payable – Stay on top of your cash flow by tracking cash requirements, invoice aging, and vendor accounts. Track invoices and keep a list of all vendors in one place. Print a batch of checks or use the Quick Print feature to print a single check. Easily see when cost advances billed in Tabs3 have been paid. See all of your checks in one easy-to-use check register. Save time and avoid having to re-enter payables on a regular basis by using recurring transactions.
To learn more about what you may be missing out on, take a look at Knowledge Base Article R11715, “Tabs3 Financial Software Resources (APS, TAS, GLS).” This article provides a list of resources pertaining to the Tabs3 Financials software, including integration, reconciliation, frequently asked questions, year-end overviews, checks, trust account regulations, troubleshooting, guides, report packs, and more.
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base while in the software by selecting Help | Internet Resources | Knowledge Base.
We are looking for firms to provide early feedback on Tabs3 version 2020. The following features will be available in Tabs3 Version 2020 later this year:
- LawPay
- Tabs3 Billing – LawPay integration adds a new option for processing electronic payments and client funds deposits
- Trust Accounting Software (TAS) – LawPay integration adds a new option for processing electronic Trust deposits
- Dashboards
- Tabs3 Billing – displays Aged Accounts Receivable, Unbilled work, and graphs comparing the last two years of Cash Receipts and Billing History
- Accounts Payable Software (APS) – displays Unpaid Invoices, Unposted Checks and EFTs, and the total Paid this Month with shortcuts to Print Checks, Post Checks, and the Check Register report
- General Ledger Software (GLS) – displays an overview of your Bank Accounts and a list of Recent Bank Transactions
- Trust Accounting Software (TAS) – displays an overview of your Bank Accounts and a list of Recent Trust Transactions
- Positive Pay
- Positive Pay export from APS and TAS helps provide fraud protection
If you are using Version 19 and are on maintenance, you can jump on board early with these new features. To sign up, visit Tabs3.com/prerelease. If you have any questions, please email signup@tabs3.com.
Statement comments provide the ability to add internal notes to fee, cost, client funds, and payment transactions that will be shown on draft statements, but not on final statements. Additionally, statement comments are included on the Fee and Cost Verification Lists, Detail Work-in-Process Report, and optionally on the Transaction File List and Task Code Billing Report (new for Version 19.1.10.1180).
Statement comments entered for individual fee, cost, payment, or client funds transactions are shown in red. When printing reports or draft statements, statement comments will print with a strike-through character (e.g., “Send statement by the 2nd”).
To create a Statement Comment
- Open the desired transaction entry window, such as the Fee file (File | Open | Fee).
- In the Description field, select Statement Comment from the right-click menu. The text that you enter next will display in red, which means it is a statement comment.
- When you are done with the comment, select Statement Comment from the right-click menu again. The text that you enter now will be normal.
Note: Alternatively, you can enter all desired text, highlight the portion you want to have shown as a statement comment, and then select Statement Comment from the right-click menu.
A new look, faster processing time, and better reporting – Data File Integrity Check (DFIC) has been updated for Version 19!
New Look
The Data File Integrity Check window has been updated to include information on the last completed integrity check and provides a link to the last report with errors. You can optionally run a Full Scan or a Limited Scan (previously Read Only). The Full Scan requires exclusive access to the program, providing a complete check of your data and automatically fixing certain errors. The Limited Scan can be run while other users are in the software; however, it is typically slower to complete, may not report all errors, and cannot automatically correct any issues that it identifies.
Faster Processing Time
In the Platinum version of the software, the Tabs3 Billing and PracticeMaster DFIC is now processed at the server using the Platinum accelerators. This reduces network traffic as well as the time it takes to complete.
Better Reporting
When errors are encountered, a PDF of the Data File Integrity Check Error Report is automatically created and stored in the Current Working Directory. The software will maintain the last five reports for each program. The latest report can be accessed from the Data File Integrity Check window, and all five can be accessed from the Support Log (View | Log Files | Support Log). The DFIC Report has been enhanced to be easier to read, and includes information about how long the report took to complete and what options were used. See KB Article R11796, “Data File Integrity Check Error Reports” for additional information about what is included on these updated reports.
Did you know that software updates are included with maintenance at no additional charge? Our maintenance plan is best known for its first class technical support; however, there are more benefits to having maintenance!
The following benefits are included for firms on maintenance:
- You are assured of having access to the most up-to-date software available, including new reports and features, at no additional cost. The cost to receive each major update to the software for those without maintenance will be more than the annual cost of maintenance.
- You have access to free technical support from our trained representatives during business hours. Without maintenance, technical support charges are currently $50 for each 15-minute interval or fraction thereof.
- Maintenance preserves the value of the software license so you may apply the full purchase price toward an upgrade (traditional license).
If you’re considering not renewing your maintenance, consider how losing access to new versions, new features, and technical updates may affect your firm. Staying on maintenance not only ensures that you have someone to call for help, but that you have access to the most up-to-date software.
Not only can you easily search for any actions, file, or report in the software via Search Actions, but you can also customize the Quick Launch pane to always show your most used actions and most accessed client matters!
The Customizing and using Quick Launch video shows you how to make the most out of the Quick Launch pane. Learn how to pin and unpin the Quick Launch pane, use the Search action feature, pin items to the Pinned Actions and matters to the Pinned Matters groups, move items around, and more!
Quick Launch makes it easy to navigate the software, lets each user customize the contents, and is available in all Tabs3 and PracticeMaster programs.
Watch this three-minute video here:
Training Videos can be accessed at Tabs3.com/videos. You can also access the videos while in the software by selecting Help | Training Videos.
People rely on their credit cards more and more to pay for things like clothes, medical procedures, and legal services.
Two reasons law firms decide to accept credit cards are because clients pay faster, which allows firms to spend less time collecting on past due bills and clients are more likely to pay their bill in full, which allows firms to reduce the amount they write off.
If you accept credit cards, there is no better way than with Tabs3. Credit card payments can be entered directly into Tabs3, or a link can be emailed to a client for them to pay online. When a client pays online, their payment information can be imported into Tabs3 so there is no double entry. When a credit card payment is entered directly into Tabs3, it is automatically processed and the funds are deposited into your existing bank account.
If you use Tabs3 Trust Accounting Software, you can have trust account payments deposited into a separate account from where processing fees are deducted. This integration takes the guesswork out of bank account reconciliation and helps you comply with many state bars’ rules regarding commingling funds.
We are partnered with ProPay, a TSYS company, to provide you with credit card processing that is better than ever.
- No more waiting days to start accepting credit cards. With ProPay, you can start accepting credit cards within minutes.
- No more confusing price structures or price negotiations. With ProPay, rates are low and easy to understand.
- No more lengthy SAQ questionnaires to complete. With ProPay, you only have to complete a simplified annual SAQ questionnaire to achieve PCI compliance.
If you’re interested in accepting credit cards, you can sign up in minutes at Tabs3.com/ProPay. If you have any questions regarding processing credit cards in Tabs3, contact your local consultant, or contact Technical Support at (402) 419-2210.
We redesigned the Recap of Hours for Version 19, and included it on the new PracticeMaster Dashboard. Want to see how you can take advantage of this great feature?
The Recap of Hours can be displayed three different ways, and shows both billable and non-billable time, with the option of including unprocessed timer records in PracticeMaster. Check out the Recap of Hours video as it walks you through the new look, new features, and customization options.
Watch this two-minute video here
Training Videos can be accessed at Tabs3.com/videos. You can also access the videos while in the software by selecting Help | Training Videos.
We added a couple of new features to the Print Checks process in Version 19!
When using the Print Checks program (Checks | Print Checks), if the Select Invoices to Print check box is selected on the Options tab, the number of invoices selected and the total amount to pay for all selected invoices are now displayed at the bottom of the Select Invoices window. Additionally, a Tabs3 column has been added that shows the Tabs3 cost status of Paid, Unpaid, or a dash, which indicates no linked cost transaction.
In the print checks program, you can also now select to Exclude Invoices with Unpaid Tabs3 Cost Transactions from the Options tab. When this option is selected, only invoices with the entire cost amount paid will be printed. This allows firms to opt not to pay invoices until a client pays them for the associated cost.
Did you know that if you use ProPay to process credit cards in Tabs3, you can now send a link to your clients so they can make a payment without you needing to get their credit card information? Once the payment is made by your client, you can then import those payment records into Tabs3 Billing.
This works by configuring your Email Statement template to automatically generate a personalized link to the ProPay website. The link can be used by your clients to pay their bills directly via credit/debit card or electronic check. Those payments can then be imported into Tabs3 using the new Import Online Payments feature.
Note: Each time an email is generated via the Email Statements program, a new and unique link is also generated specific to that client.
Knowledge Base Article R11767, “Using the Tabs3 Payment Link,” provides more information on how the Tabs3 Payment Link and Import Online Payments features work. Check out this article to learn how to modify your email template, process and email your statements, import online payments, and read frequently asked questions.
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base while in the software by selecting Help | Internet Resources | Knowledge Base.
Fees can occasionally be entered in an order that may be confusing on a statement. For example, when the statement is printed out, it might look like you reviewed a document before writing the first draft! In Version 19, you can use the Reorder Fees utility to change the order in which fees with the same date are displayed on a single statement.
The order in which fee transactions are printed on a statement is based on three levels:
- First, transactions are sorted by the Subtotal selected on the Fee Format tab of the Statement Template being used (i.e., No Subtotal, Timekeeper, Transaction Code, Category, or Date).
- Next, transactions are sorted by the Date of the transaction.
- Finally, transactions with the same date are sorted by the Reference number of the transaction. This is the order that can be modified using the Reorder Fees utility.
The Reorder Fees utility (Statements | Statement Preparation | Reorder Fees) lists all work-in-process fees for the selected client. Fees can be moved using the Move Up and Move Down buttons. Moving fees up and down changes the reference number of the fee immediately.
However, keep in mind that fees can only be moved up or down within the same date. For example, if there are three fees dated 2/15, and one fee dated 2/16, only the fees dated 2/15 can be moved.
You can use the Group fees by drop-down option to see what order fees would be listed on a client’s statement based on the Subtotal selected in the Statement Template. When selecting Draft or Final, the fees will be grouped as specified in the Subtotal field of the selected client’s Draft or Final Statement Template.
Take a look at how fees are shown on your clients’ statements, and see how the Reorder Fees utility can help you. Your clients will appreciate the order, and you might get paid faster!
Did you know that you can set a timekeeper’s rate to change as of a specific date? This means that the software will automatically apply the correct rate based on the fee’s date, allowing you to continue entering time like normal. For example, let’s say you want to change a timekeeper’s rate from $250 to $275, effective on March 1st. In this scenario, any time entered with a date prior to March 1st will automatically use the $250 rate, and any time entered with a date of March 1st or later will automatically use the $275 rate. This helps make it easy to change rates and have them billed correctly.
To set the effective date for new timekeeper rates
- From the File menu, point to Open and select Miscellaneous.
- From the Timekeeper tab, select the Timekeeper whose rate will be changing.
- In the Effective Date of New Rates field, enter the date on which the new rate will take effect.
- In the New Rate fields, enter the desired rates.
- Press Ctrl+S.
Note: New rates can also be configured in Rate Tables by editing each table.
Wondering what all the fuss is over the new look of Version 19, but don’t have time to read up on it? It takes less than two minutes to watch it in action.
The What’s New in Version 19 video provides a quick overview of some of the coolest new features in 19 – the new look and navigation! Watch this video to see how the new font and text size changes the way you view the software. You can also see how to access the features you use most quicker than ever via the Home Page, Tabbed Interface, Quick Launch, and the PracticeMaster Dashboard.
Watch this two-minute video here:
Training Videos can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at Tabs3.com/videos. You can also access Training Videos while in the software by selecting Help | Training Videos.
You may have already heard that Version 19 has been released, but you might have a few questions prior to updating, or while using the new version for the first time. Knowledge Base Article R11745, “Version 19 Frequently Asked Questions,” provides a list of questions that may come up while working with the new version.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) in this article are broken down into categories for each program (e.g., Tabs3 Billing, PracticeMaster, etc.). Many FAQs are also provided regarding the new look, including questions on the new tabbed interface, how to quickly get to the Home page and the Quick Launch, changing Theme Settings, and more.
For in-depth information on all of the new Version 19 features, including screenshots, see the What’s New List or Knowledge Base Article R11744, “Version 19 Introduction to New Features.” A list with links to all Version 19 information can be found in R11746, “Version 19 Information and Resources.”
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base while in the software by selecting Help | Internet Resources | Knowledge Base.
If you’ve updated to Version 19, then you’re familiar with the new look. But did you know that you can customize it? We introduced several updates to the look of Tabs3 including a new font, larger text size, a tabbed interface, Home page, Quick Launch, and more. Many of these options can be changed via Theme Settings (View | Theme Settings). Let’s take a look at all of the options in the Theme Settings window.
General Settings tab
The General Settings tab of the Theme Settings window allows you to configure what features of the application are shown when you start the software. Theme settings are saved for each user.
The following Navigation options can individually be shown or hidden:
- Quick Launch –The Quick Launch is used to find any program or report quickly and easily via the Search Actions box, as well as to see recently used programs and reports, and pin those you use frequently for easy access.
- Home Page – Much like the Task Folders in previous versions of the software, the Home Page contains groups of icons used to access the various programs and reports within each application.
- Task Folders – Task Folders were used for navigation in Version 18 and prior.
- Application Toolbar – A moveable Application Toolbar is shown. Keep in mind that regardless of this setting, the application icons are always shown at the bottom of the Quick Launch.
- PracticeMaster Task Bar – The PracticeMaster Task Bar provides the ability to start commonly used PracticeMaster programs and tasks. This option is only available in PracticeMaster.
The following Interface options are available
- Tabbed – Select this option to display the various windows in the current system’s main application window as maximized, with tabs across the top to easily switch between active windows.
- Windowed – Select this option to display the various windows in the current system’s main application window in separate windows that can be positioned as desired.
- Open Maximized – Select this option if you always want windows opened in a maximized state. Open Maximized is only available when Windowed is selected.
- Minimize PracticeMaster to Tray – When this option is selected and PracticeMaster is minimized, the PracticeMaster taskbar button is removed. A PracticeMaster icon is displayed in, and can be opened via, the Windows system tray. This option is only available in PracticeMaster.
- Set to Standard Theme – Clicking the Set to Standard Theme button will select only the Quick Launch, Home Page, and Tabbed options.
- Set to Classic Theme – Clicking the Set to Classic Theme button will select only the Task Folders, Application Toolbar, PracticeMaster Task Bar, and Windowed options.
Text Size tab
- The Text Size tab of the Theme Settings window allows you to configure how large the text is displayed throughout the software. Theme settings are saved for each user.
- Large – Select this option to use a 10pt font size.
- Medium – Select this option to use a 9pt font size.
- Small – Select this option to use an 8pt font size. This matches the font size used in prior versions of the software (i.e., Version 18 and earlier).
- Note: Depending on your operating system, screen resolution, and scaling options, one of the Text Size options will be noted as Recommended.
Tabs3 version 19 has been released, and there are many great new features! The following features are only some of the enhancements we made for this version:
All Tabs3 & PracticeMaster Software
- New Look – Includes larger font, new color, theme, and navigation options.
- New Quick Launch – Provides a search bar to search for actions, includes your recent matters and recent actions, and lets you pin and reorder your frequently used matters and actions.
- New Tabbed Interface – Quickly switch between open windows.
- New Home Page – The new Home Page provides a modern look and feel while keeping the accessibility of the classic Task Folders.
- New Theme Settings – Each user can customize their own theme for each product.
Tabs3
- Tabs3 Online Payments – Added the ability to include a ProPay payment link with your emailed statements allowing clients to pay their bill online.
- Recap of Hours – New graphical Recap of Hours with daily, weekly, and monthly options that shows billable and non-billable hours and amounts.
- Reorder Fees on Statements – The new Reorder Fees utility allows you to change the order in which fees with the same date appear on statements.
- Write-Up/Write-Down Fees and Costs Across Matters – You can now write-up or write-down all matters for a client at the same time.
- Apply Payments to Multiple Matters – Payments for multiple matters can now be applied to individual statements.
- Better Handling of Credit Transactions – Entering credits for paid transactions will automatically apply the credit to accounts receivable when the statement is updated. Produce a credit memo by running a statement with only credit transactions.
PracticeMaster
- Batch Journal Record Creation from Outlook – Added the ability to create journal records from multiple Outlook email messages at the same time.
- Designate Restricted Fields – Added the ability to prevent editing of specific fields by designating which users have rights to edit restricted fields in a file.
- Recap of Hours – New graphical Recap of Hours with daily, weekly, and monthly options that shows billable and non-billable hours and amounts and optionally includes unprocessed timer records.
- Dashboard – New dashboard on the Home page shows the user’s calendar, task list, and recap of hours.
- Outlook Plug-in – Added a new Attach PM Document button to the Outlook Plug-in toolbar that makes it easy to attach PracticeMaster documents while composing email in Outlook.
General Ledger
- New Statement of Cash Flows Report – Added a new Statement of Cash Flows Report that shows how changes in Balance Sheet and Income Statement accounts affect the firm’s cash flow.
- New Advanced Client Costs Report – Added a new Advanced Client Costs Report that makes it easier to reconcile advanced client costs between Tabs3, Accounts Payable (APS), and General Ledger (GLS).
Accounts Payable
- Designate Vendors and Bank Accounts as Inactive – Added the ability to designate vendors and bank accounts as inactive.
- New EFT Transaction Type – Added a new Transaction Type of EFT, making it easy to record invoices that were paid electronically.
- Print Checks – The Select Invoices to Print feature now displays the number of invoices selected and total amount to pay. Added a Tabs3 column that shows if the invoice is paid, unpaid, or not associated to a Tabs3 cost. Added the ability to exclude invoices with unpaid Tabs3 cost transactions.
- Check Register & Report Improvements – The Tabs3 section of the reports has been enhanced to include the Tabs3 Tcode number, Transaction Type (“E” for Expense or “A” for Advance), and Payment Status (Paid or Unpaid), thus making it easier to reconcile Advanced Client Costs.
Trust Accounting
- Designate Bank Accounts as Inactive – Added the ability to designate a bank account as inactive.
Tabs3 Connect
- Recap of Hours – New graphical Recap of Hours with daily, weekly, and monthly options that shows billable and non-billable hours and amounts.
- Fee Entry – Added the Timekeeper field making it easy to add fees for other timekeepers. Added the Bill Code field making it easy to override the default billable or printable status.
For in-depth information on all of the new Version 19 features, including screenshots, see the What’s New List or Knowledge Base Article R11744, “Version 19 Introduction to New Features.” A list with links to all Version 19 information can be found in R11746, “Version 19 Information and Resources.”
To download Version 19, select Check for Updates from the Help menu, visit Tabs3.com/support/update/v19upd.html, or contact your local consultant.
If you have any questions about the update, please contact your consultant, or contact Technical Support at (402) 419-2210.
Have you ever wanted to change the size of the windows, menus, page tabs, lists, and messages in the software? How about changing the font face and size on your PracticeMaster forms? Version 19 introduces a new, larger default font in the software and allows you more control over font via new customization options.
Knowledge Base Article R11778, “Customizing Fonts and Colors in Tabs3 Software,” discusses customizing the appearance in Tabs3 and PracticeMaster programs, customizing the printed output, and some common questions and answers. Included in this article is more information on the new Theme Settings, form designer changes, how to manually change the font, and how Windows personalization settings affect the color and font size in Tabs3 and PracticeMaster software.
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base while in the software by selecting Help | Internet Resources | Knowledge Base.
We wanted you to know that our family of products has grown – we recently acquired CosmoLex! CosmoLex is a leading provider of cloud legal practice management, billing, and accounting software.
Our three product lines together – Tabs3, Kurent, and CosmoLex – now serve over 100,000 legal professionals in the United States and Canada. By adding CosmoLex to our Kurent and Tabs3 product lines, we now have the most complete offering of billing, financial, and practice management software for solo to midsized law firms; whether you want a desktop or cloud solution.
The following products are now offered by Tabs3 Software:
Want to learn more about what CosmoLex can do for you? Check out this CosmoLex overview video!
As a Tabs3 client this news does not affect you unless you are interested in a cloud product. If you are, please email sales@tabs3.com for more information about Kurent and CosmoLex. For more information on this exciting news, check out our CosmoLex Press Release.
Did you know that you can press Ctrl+Shift+F to open the Fee file and Ctrl+M to open the Matter Manager or Client Manager? Most people are aware of standard keystrokes, such as Ctrl+S to Save, Ctrl+C to Copy, Ctrl+V to Paste, etc. However, there are many more shortcuts to help save time in Tabs3 and PracticeMaster without your hands leaving the keyboard!
Tabs3 and PracticeMaster provide two lists of keyboard shortcuts and keystrokes to help speed up your data entry. These can each be found via Help in any of our software by pressing F1 and then entering “keyboard shortcuts” and “keystrokes” on the Index tab. We recommend printing these lists out as a reference until you get used to the ones you need most.
Going between keyboard and mouse to access everyday tasks may not seem very time consuming, but the time it takes for those extra clicks can add up. Check out which keyboard shortcuts and keystrokes will save you time today!
Are you familiar with how the Tabs3 and PracticeMaster software integrates? One of the key features of Tabs3 and PracticeMaster software is how tightly our billing, practice management, general ledger, accounts payable, and trust accounting software all work together.
Knowledge Base Article R11143, “Integration Overview of Tabs3 and PracticeMaster Software,” provides an overview of how the Tabs3 and PracticeMaster software integrates. Brief information and notes on how each piece integrates are provided for the following:
Tabs3 Billing Software
- TAS to Tabs3
- APS to Tabs3
- PracticeMaster to/from Tabs3
- Tabs3 Remote to Tabs3
- Cost Recovery to Tabs3
- Tabs3 to Taskbill
Tabs3 General Ledger Software (GLS)
- Tabs3 to GLS
- TAS to GLS
- APS to GLS
- Payroll to GLS
- Third Party Software Journal Entries to GLS
Tabs3 Trust Accounting Software (TAS)
- Tabs3 to TAS
- Third Party Software Trust Transactions to TAS
Tabs3 Accounts Payable Software (APS)
- TAS to APS
- Third Party Software Invoices to APS
Take a moment to review how our software integrates and see what will help your daily, weekly, and monthly process!
If you want more details on how integration between various software works, check out our comprehensive Integration Guide at Tabs3.com/docs.
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base while in the software by selecting Help | Internet Resources | Knowledge Base.
Did you know that you can see who is currently logged into the software? The Active User List shows you who’s in, and which programs they are currently accessing. This can be helpful when you want to get everyone out of the software for maintenance. By accessing the Active User List via View | Active User List, you can see who you need to have close the software.
When opening the Active User List, a window is displayed with all users who are in the currently open software (e.g., if you open the Active User List from PracticeMaster, users in PracticeMaster will be displayed). Additionally, you can see which computer they are logged into, and which file they are accessing in the software. Manager users will also have an All Systems check box and a Reset button. When the All Systems check box is selected, all users in all programs will be listed. The Reset button allows managers to reset a user, which closes the software on that user’s computer. (Note: Resetting users is not recommended in most situations, and should only be used when the user in question is not in the software.)
Manager users can always access the Active User List, but other users can be given access rights, or have access rights removed for this feature.
To add or remove rights to the Active User List
- From the System Configuration File menu, point to Open and select Access Profile.
- From the System Activity tab, select the desired Access ID.
- In the System Options section, select the Display Active User List check box.
- Press Ctrl+S.
The next time you want to see who is currently in the software, check out the Active User List!
Security in a law firm is a top priority. In addition to many other security features, Tabs3 and PracticeMaster software provides the ability to limit a user’s access to specific timekeepers’ transactions via the Assign Tabs3/PracticeMaster Timekeepers function. Users who are assigned to timekeepers can only view transactions that have their assigned timekeepers specified as the working timekeeper. Additionally, certain reports will filter their results based on assigned timekeepers.
To assign timekeepers via System Configuration
- From the File menu, point to Open and select Users.
- Select the User ID.
- Select the Assign Tabs3/PracticeMaster Timekeepers check box.
- Select the timekeepers to assign for the selected user.
- Press Ctrl+S.
For information on how this setting affects the Tabs3 and PracticeMaster software, Knowledge Base Article R11328, “Assigning Tabs3/PracticeMaster Timekeepers,” explains how assigning timekeepers works, provides a list of reports and tasks that are affected by this setting, and explains exactly how they will be affected.
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base while in the software by selecting Help | Internet Resources | Knowledge Base.
Did you know that you can write off all or a portion of a client’s accounts receivable balance? When a write off is performed using the Write Off Client program, a special write off record is created and stored in the client ledger file for audit trail purposes and adjustments are made to receipt allocation records. Write offs can also be shown on the next statement (provided a description-only transaction is entered when the write off is 
performed).
The Write Off Client program is used to write off all or a portion of a client’s accounts receivable balance. If you select to write off an individual statement, you have the option of writing off the entire statement or selecting which portion of the statement you want to write off. You also have the option of writing off the balance for all timekeepers or a specific timekeeper for all statements or an individual statement.
To perform a write off
- From the Maintenance menu, point to Client Related and select Write Off Client.
- Enter the Client ID.
- Select the desired options.
- Click OK.
- Click Yes to continue. You will be prompted to enter a description-only transaction to indicate why the write off occurred.
- If you want a transaction to be saved to the Fee file, enter a Description and click OK.
- If you do not want a transaction saved to the Fee file, click Cancel.
Additionally, you have the option of reversing a write off if you find the write off was in error, or you want to change the way the write off was performed.
To reverse a write off
- From the Maintenance menu, point to Client Related and select Reverse Write Off.
- Select the Client ID.
- Select the Reference Number of the write off you want to reverse.
- Click OK.
Do you use Taskbill to send electronic bills? You may have noticed that while many companies accept the LEDES 1998B format, they often require specific modifications in order to accept your bills. Over the years, numerous LEDES 1998B subformats have been created for Tabs3 to help firms get their eBills formatted correctly, but it is often difficult to determine which subformat is needed for a particular situation.
To help firms find the correct LEDES 1998B subformat for their situation, we are pleased to announce Knowledge Base Article R11769, “LEDES 1998B Subformat Information for Taskbill.” This article provides detailed information on the LEDES 1998B format, the fields it contains, and how those fields are modified by the numerous subformats.
For those of you who are not familiar with Taskbill, you can read more about it in R10435, “Tabs3 Taskbill Product Information.” If you submit bills electronically, but don’t have Taskbill, take a look at what Taskbill can do for you!
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base while in the software by selecting Help | Internet Resources | Knowledge Base.
We are pleased to announce that we have selected ProCirrus as our Preferred National Cloud Hosting Partner. Hosting providers like ProCirrus can make managing your technology much easier. Instead of installing and maintaining programs like Tabs3 on your server, you login to the programs from a secure website that ProCirrus maintains. ProCirrus is a full-service cloud hosting company that specializes in providing hosting services for the legal industry. You can find more information about ProCirrus on their website at:
- ProCirrus – www.procirrus.com
“We are very excited to become the Preferred National Cloud Hosting Partner for Tabs3 Software and combine their feature-rich applications with our full-service cloud,” said Dan LeBaron, Chief Technology Officer. “With over a decade of successful Tabs3 hosting, our partnership represents a better overall solution and support for both our current and future mutual clients.”
You can learn more about the various cloud options available in the following resources:
- Knowledge Base article R11722 – Tabs3 in the Cloud
- Our Tabs3 in the Cloud white paper
If you are thinking about switching to a hosted provider, be sure to include ProCirrus on your list of potential service providers.
Did you know that there are several ways of filtering your reports and statements so that you only see the data you want to see? Most reports have a Client tab and several reports have a Transactions tab. Likewise, when generating statements, both the Client tab and the Transactions tab are available. These tabs provide options for which clients and/or transactions are to be included on the report.
Client tab
The Client tab provides the ability to select a client range based on several different factors including the Client ID, Name Search, Primary/Secondary/Originating Timekeeper, Billing Category, Billing Frequency, Location, Status, and Open/Close Date. When filtering by Status, the following options are available:
- Active, Inactive, or Both
- Progress, Non-Progress, or Both
- Billable, Non-Billable, or Both
- Task Based, Non-Task Based, or Both
- Release to Bill, Non-Release to Bill, or Both
- Bill on Demand, Non-Bill on Demand, or Both
- Statement Delivery Options
- Mail Statement: Yes, No, or Both
- E-Mail Statement: Yes, No, or Both
Transactions tab
The Transactions tab provides the ability to select a transaction range based on several different factors including whether to include Fees, Expenses, Advances, 
and Payments. Additionally, ranges for Fee/Cost Timekeeper (working timekeeper), Fee/Cost/Payment Date, Fee/Cost/Payment Tcode, Category, and Cost Type are available.
These are the most common options for filtering reports. However, some reports may have additional options to further filter data that are specific to that report. For example, the Transaction File List provides the option to include Work-In-Process and/or Archived transactions, Billable and/or Non-Billable transactions, and more.
So if you’re running reports or statements and you’re getting more clients and/or transactions than you want included, try using the filter options to help fine-tune your report!
Do you have a question about the software? Any questions that you want to ask have likely been asked by others as well. Because of this, we have created several targeted Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) articles, and made it easy to access them all in one place.
Knowledge Base Article R11567, “Frequently Asked Questions for All Products,” provides a list of articles answering FAQs. Articles are grouped by general, software features, and version specific questions.
- General FAQs include year-end and software specific articles, such as Platinum, Tabs3 Billing, PracticeMaster, and more.
- FAQs for software features include articles on printing, credit card processing, Tabs3 Connect, and more.
- Version specific FAQs include articles geared toward questions about new features in each version.
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base while in the software by selecting Help | Internet Resources | Knowledge Base.
Effective immediately, we have reduced the monthly subscription plan rates for our Platinum SQL levels of Tabs3 and PracticeMaster software by 20%. Tabs3 Billing and PracticeMaster software are now each $32/month per user and Tabs3 Financial Software is $8/month per user.
“We are excited about this reduced pricing for clients choosing to pay for our Platinum SQL level of our software on a monthly per user subscription basis,” said Dan Berlin, President and CEO of Tabs3 Software. “This makes it even more affordable to have the ability to enter fees and costs from your mobile device via Tabs3 Connect, take better advantage of the speed of your firm’s computer, and more.”
The subscription pricing model features a low monthly cost that includes all the benefits of being on maintenance, including free technical support and free updates, plus access to the most award-winning software in the industry.
If you are interested in upgrading to Platinum SQL via monthly subscription, contact either your local consultant or our sales team at (402) 419-2200.
Creating report definitions for each of the reports your firm runs can help save considerable time, and taking advantage of Report Suites in Tabs3 saves even more time. When your firm prints the same set of reports every year, quarter, month, week, or semi-regularly, report suites offer a one-step option to printing out a predefined set of reports using the report definitions you already have set up.
Multiple suites for different departments or individuals can be created. This allows personalized report suites to be saved and printed for a range of needs including monthly, quarterly, and yearly reports, as well as suites designed specifically for billing, collections, and individual attorneys.
Report suites are easy to set up and even easier to run. To create a new suite of reports, click the
Reports menu, point to Report Suite, and select Report Suite Manager. Click New Suite, select a report you want to include from the Available Reports list, and click Add for each report you are including. Available Reports will include any reports with a report definition already set up. Once you have made your report selections, click Save Suite and enter a File Name and Description for the new suite.
When you are ready to run a suite, click the Reports menu, point to Report Suite, and select
Run Report Suite. Select the suite you would like to run and click OK. The Run Report Suite window allows you to specify a Base Date and when you want to run the report suite. Report suites can be run at a specific time, after a specific period of time has elapsed, or immediately. This window can also be accessed by clicking the Run Suite button in the Report Suite Manager.
Once the report suite begins processing, each report definition is launched immediately. When you have several reports to run, this can save a great deal of time compared to launching each report individually, selecting a report definition, and then printing. If you have not already taken advantage of Report Suites, try it out and see how much time your firm will save!
When you need to send a statement to two different parties, what do you do? With Tabs3 Billing, you can automatically generate a duplicate statement by adding an Additional Bill To Address. This option makes it easy to send an additional statement to a third party, such as an insurance company. When adding an Additional Bill To Address, you can select who it goes to and whether they receive a mailed statement, an e-mail statement, or both.
To create an Additional Bill To Address
- From the File menu, point to Open and select Client.
- Select the desired Client ID.
- From the Billing Preferences tab, in the Statement Delivery Options section, click the Add button.
- In the Bill To Record window, enter the desired information and select the desired options.
- Click OK.
- Press Ctrl+S.
Keep in mind that only one Additional Bill To Address can be added.
Tip: If you need to send a statement to more parties and you are e-mailing statements, consider adding additional recipients to the Cc or Bcc fields.
Is it time to review billing rates? The Client Rate Report allows you to print a list of clients, along with their default billing rates. Additionally, fee and cost rate tables, timekeeper level rates, and the client’s billing rate code can be included. This report is especially useful when reviewing rates or if you need to change the hourly rate for one or more timekeepers.
The Client Rate Report training video walks you through running the report, and then reviews the generated report.
Watch this two-minute video here:
Training Videos can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at Tabs3.com/videos. You can also access Training Videos while in the software by selecting Help | Documentation and then clicking the See also link for Tabs3 and PracticeMaster Training Videos.
You have a special font you downloaded for your firm to use for statements and reports. Although you print some statements and reports, you also e-mail PDFs of statements and reports to certain clients and third parties. However, did you know that if the e-mail recipient doesn’t have that font installed, the font will be replaced by a different one? When a designated font in a PDF file is not installed on the reader’s computer, the closest substitution font is found and used, but sometimes this can make the PDF more difficult to read.
The solution? You can specify that the font be embedded into the PDF, so that it reaches your recipients as expected.
To embed fonts in PDF files
- From the File menu, select Print Setup.
- Select the Printer you use to print statements.
- Click the Advanced Printing Features button.
- Select the Embed Fonts in PDF Files check box.
- Click OK on the Advanced Printing Features window.
- Click OK on the Printer Setup window.
Note: PDF files with embedded fonts have a larger file size, which may lengthen the processing time when e-mailing statements. Additionally, some fonts cannot be embedded due to copyright laws.
You don’t need to skip the specialty font for your firm; embed the font so that others can view the file as intended!
Did you know that envelopes can automatically be printed for each statement generated using the client’s Bill To address? When selecting to print envelopes, they will be printed for final statements, but will not be printed when running draft statements. Printing envelopes can be configured via Print Setup.
To print envelopes with final statements
- From the File menu, select Print Setup.
- Select the desired Printer.
- Click the Statement Setup button.
- Select the Print Envelopes check box.
- In the Envelopes section, select the desired settings.
- Click OK on the Statement Setup window.
- Click OK on the Printer Setup window.
Note: This feature will print one statement followed by one envelope. This works best on a printer with a separate envelope tray.
Did you know that we release enhancements to the software on a regular basis? Enhancements can range from fixing issues we have found to adding new functionality that helps make the software work better. Although we don’t typically announce these changes, you can quickly and easily check to see if there are any new updates available from within the software.
When checking for updates (Help | Check for Updates), you can see if the software is up to date, an update is available, or a new version is available. Additionally, if we make a change to the software that fixes an issue that may have caused any inaccuracy in your data, we will release a Critical Update. A Critical Update will be displayed when you start the software so that you know it is available right away and can download the update.
For more information on update notifications, visit Knowledge Base Article R11539, “Tabs3 and PracticeMaster Update Notification.” This article provides information on the various notifications, downloading an update, configuring access profiles for rights to check for updates, troubleshooting, and frequently asked questions.
Keeping the software up to date is important. Make checking for updates part of your regular task list.
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base while in the software by selecting Help | Internet Resources | Knowledge Base.
Occasionally, transactions may accidentally be entered for the wrong client. If there are only a couple, it’s easy to just delete them and reenter them for the correct client. However, when there are many transactions, what can you do? Use the Transfer A/R and Transactions utility in Tabs3!
The Transfer Transactions program can be used to transfer unbilled fees, costs, and/or payments between clients. When selecting to transfer fees, costs, and/or payments, you can select a range of transactions based on tcode, timekeeper, category, date, and/or reference number. This can help make sure that you are only transferring the transactions that you want to transfer.
Additionally, if a time comes when you want to transfer one client’s full accounts receivable balance, ledger, archived transactions, and client funds to another client, the Transfer A/R and Transactions utility can also be used. This function will transfer ALL of the client’s ledger records and billing history to another client. It is not possible to only transfer a client’s current A/R without also transferring everything else.
Note: When using the Transfer A/R and Transactions utility, keep in mind that once the transfer has been performed, the only way to undo it is by restoring from a backup.
To transfer transactions between clients
- From the Maintenance menu, select Transfer A/R and Transactions.
- Select the clients you want to transfer From and To.
- Select the desired Transaction Type(s).
- Optionally select a Transfer Range.
- Click OK.
Keep this utility in mind the next time transactions need to be transferred from one client to another client. It can save you significant time.
System Configuration isn’t a program you work in everyday like Tabs3 Billing, but is geared toward setting up certain features of the software. So what settings are controlled in System Configuration, and how do you access it?
Many settings in the software can be set up once and you’re done, but others may need to be updated such as when employees come and go, your server equipment changes, or your firm changes and grows. Although each individual program (Tabs3 Billing, PracticeMaster, etc.) has program-specific customization settings, many System Configuration settings affect more than just a single program.
Note: Manager Access Rights are required to access many of the settings in System Configuration.
System Configuration is used to set up the following features:
- Users and Groups, including Calendar Rights and Tabs3 Connect settings
- Access Rights
- Firm Info
- Outgoing E-mail Configuration
- Microsoft Exchange Integration
- Platinum settings
- …and more!
How to access System Configuration
You can open System Configuration via your desktop shortcut, if present, or via the 
Application Toolbar from any of the Tabs3 software. The Application Toolbar is typically located on the right-hand side of the main window and includes buttons for all Tabs3 software for which you have access rights. For more information about accessing System Configuration, press F1 while in the Tabs3 software and enter “System Configuration” on the Index tab.
Do you want a way to scroll through each file and quickly see the key contents of each record? The SnapShot provides a concise picture of the data contained in individual records using an easy to view format in a single location. When you are viewing a list of records such as a List tab in PracticeMaster or the Client Lookup and Contact Lookup windows in Tabs3, simply click on a single record from the list. All of the key information from the record will be shown in the SnapShot panel.
As you select different records on the list, the SnapShot refreshes with information from each new record. This makes it easy to see the information without actually opening the record. Hyperlinks are provided for phone numbers, e-mail addresses, in both Tabs3 and PracticeMaster, as well as file type fields in PracticeMaster. These fields can open a Send E-mail window, the Phone Dialer window, a Web Browser window, and a file or file location.
SnapShot makes it easy to grab information for a client or contact. After selecting the desired record, you can highlight the name and address block of information and use Ctrl+C to copy the information to the Windows clipboard. You can then paste that information into a document, spreadsheet, e-mail, or any other program that accepts text. If you want to print the SnapShot, simply right-click in the SnapShot panel and select Print.
The position of the SnapShot panel can be changed by right-clicking the SnapShot panel, pointing to the SnapShot menu option and selecting the Right or Bottom menu option. The SnapShot panel can also be resized by moving your cursor over the edge of the panel until your mouse changes to a line with arrows on both ends, clicking the edge of the panel, and dragging the edge to the new size. The size and position of SnapShot panels are stored separately for each User ID.
If you haven’t had an opportunity to work with the SnapShot feature yet, take a closer look. Additional information about the SnapShot feature can be found in Knowledge Base Article R11005, “SnapShot Overview.”
Most offices have standard hourly billing rates that they charge clients. Of course, there are also those clients whose rates differ from the standard rates, but what options are there for customizing rates?
The How Rates Work video discusses customizing client rates via the Rates tab in the Client file. The Rate Tables, Timekeeper Level, and Billing Rate Code options are discussed. Additionally, this video provides a recap of how Tabs3 determines the default hourly billing rate that will be used when adding a fee.
Watch this seven-and-a-half-minute video here:
Training Videos can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at Tabs3.com/videos. You can also access Training Videos while in the software by selecting Help | Documentation and then clicking the See also link for Tabs3 and PracticeMaster Training Videos.
When entering fees and costs for task based billing clients, do you have to scroll through all of the Phase/Task or Activity Codes for other categories to get to the set of task codes applicable for your client? If you use Billing Categories for your clients, you can assign Task Code Sets to your categories so that when entering fees and costs, only the task codes that are associated with that client’s Billing Category are displayed.
To assign a Task Code Set to a Category
- From the File menu, point to Open and select Miscellaneous.
- From the Category tab, select the desired Category.
- Select the Task Based Billing Code Set you want to be assigned to the selected Category.
- Press Ctrl+S.
The next time you enter fees and costs for a client assigned to the Category selected, you will only see the Task Code Set assigned to the Category. This can greatly reduce the number of Task Codes to choose from.
We’re excited to announce our performance in “The Best – 2017” Connecticut Law Tribune survey. Tabs3 software placed first in three categories: Time & Billing, Matter Management, and Docketing & Calendaring Software.
“The Best – 2017” is a part of the ALM Media community and recognizes which legal service providers are the best at what they do. “It measures the loyalty and satisfaction readers have with vendors,” says Wayne Curtis, Connecticut Law Tribune Publisher. “It is an opportunity for readers to speak up for those providers they believe are the best.” The Connecticut Law Tribune is read by not only the Connecticut legal market, but also thousands of readers in the New England area.
“We are thrilled to be recognized by attorneys in the New England legal community. For over 35 years, we have worked hard to develop reliable and quality software for law firms,” said Dan Berlin, President and CEO of Software Technology, LLC. “This kind of recognition from our clients means a great deal to our entire team.”
Thank you to all who voted!
If you accept credit cards, do you have a credit card form on the statements you send to your clients? Many clients prefer to pay by credit card, and if there isn’t an easy way to do so, you may not be getting paid as quickly as you could be.
So how can you include a credit card form on the statements you send to your clients?
Statement Designer (Statements | Statement Setup | Statement Designer) provides two layouts that have a place at the bottom of the page to fill out credit card information: CC Payment Remittance and Remittance Page. Simply edit one of these layouts as desired for your firm’s needs, and then include it on the statement templates (Statements | Statement Setup | Statement Templates) you use for your clients.
For more information on editing Statement Designer Layouts, refer to Knowledge Base Article R10901, “Customizing the Sample Page Layouts Provided with the Tabs3 Statement Designer.”
The next time you send out statements, clients can send the credit card form back with their information and you may very well get paid sooner!
You run an Accounts Receivable Report only to see clients or figures you weren’t expecting. Other reports, such as a Client Ledger Report, may show a client owes you a different amount or nothing at all, but Accounts Receivable tells a different story. Why is this, and how can you fix the issue?
When payments and credits are misapplied, Accounts Receivable reports can show unapplied payments, negative due values, or both. But what are misapplied payments and credits?
- Misapplied payments are payments that have been entered but were unable to apply. Most often this occurs when a payment is entered specifically as a fee payment and there are either no fees or not enough fees for the payment to apply to, or the payment is entered as an expense/advance payment and there are no expenses/advances or not enough expenses/advances for the payment to apply to.
- Misapplied credits occur when a credit is entered and there is nothing to apply the credit toward. Credit transactions only apply toward fees or costs for which payments have not yet been applied. Once a payment has applied toward a transaction that has been final billed and updated, credits entered after that can only apply when a new transaction of the same type as the credit is entered.
To determine whether unexpected figures in Accounts Receivable Reports are caused by misapplied payments, credits, or both, visit Knowledge Base Article R11673, “Fixing Misapplied Payments and Credits.” This article provides information on determining the cause and how to fix both issues.
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base while in the software by selecting Help | Internet Resources | Knowledge Base.
Did you know that you can customize your Statement Templates to define how fees, costs, and payments are displayed on your statement and to determine whether billing history, transaction recaps, and more are included? Statement Templates can be saved and assigned to clients or created at the time a statement is generated. There is no limit to the number of Statement Templates you can create and save so you can maintain Statement Templates for every client need.
Defining Statement Templates
Statement Templates can be defined via Statements | Statement Setup | Statement Templates.
- The General tab is used to specify invoice or statement formatting, billing history options, past due messages, and statement notes.
- The Fee Format tab is used to determine whether fees print and, if so, whether timekeeper initials, dates, hours, hourly rates, and amounts are included. Subtotaling of fees is defined here. An optional fee recap by timekeeper, timekeeper level, or rate can also be set up. The recap can include hours, timekeeper levels, rates, and a total amount.
- The Cost/Payment Format tab is used to specify whether expenses and advances print and, if so, the format used on the statement. You can also indicate whether payments will be shown in detail, be subtotaled by date, or show totals only.
- The Layouts tab is optional and is used to designate which custom Page Layouts created in Statement Designer will be used when statements are printed for clients that are assigned to this template.
Assigning Statement Templates
Statement Templates can be assigned to clients individually, multiple clients at one time, or at the time a statement is generated as a one-off.
- Statement Templates can be individually assigned to clients in the Client file (File | Open | Client) by selecting the desired Draft Template and Final Template on the Statement Options tab.
- Statement Templates can be assigned to multiple clients at once by using the Change Client Options utility (Maintenance | Client Related | Change Client Options) by selecting a range of Client IDs, and then selecting the desired Draft Template and Final Template on the Statements tab.
- Statement Template settings can be applied at the time a statement is generated (Statements | Generate Statements) by clicking the Statement Template button on the Options tab, selecting the desired settings, and then clicking OK.
For more information on Statement Templates, see the Statement Formatting Guide or refer to the Help files for Tabs3 Billing.
Did you know that you can purchase a Tabs3 Connect subscription even if your firm doesn’t use both Tabs3 Billing Platinum and PracticeMaster Platinum?
- With a Tabs3 Connect Billing subscription, you can view clients, add and edit fees and costs, and view a Billing Summary for your clients.
- With a Tabs3 Connect PracticeMaster subscription, you have access to the same files as the Billing subscription with the exception of the Billing Summary. You can also access Journal records, Area of Practice records, Contacts, Calendar records, and eNotes.
Platinum firms with both Tabs3 and PracticeMaster still receive one Tabs3 Connect user with each PracticeMaster user they purchase and can access all of the great features of Tabs3 Connect.
Make sure you are taking full advantage of mobile access to Tabs3 and/or PracticeMaster via Tabs3 Connect! For more information on Tabs3 Connect, contact your reseller and consultant, contact Technical Support at (402) 419-2210, or visit Knowledge Base Article R11480, “All About Tabs3 Connect.”
If you mark clients as Inactive, you likely do not want to see them most of the time. In both Tabs3 Billing and PracticeMaster, you can use filters to include or exclude inactive clients.
Tabs3 Billing
In Tabs3 Billing, you can include or exclude inactive clients from the Client Lookup window, reports, and statements.
- Client Lookup window – Select or clear the Show Inactive check box in the lookup window.
- Reports and Statements – On the Client tab of reports and statements, select a Status of Specific, and then click the Select Status button. Select Active or Inactive.
PracticeMaster
In PracticeMaster, you can include or exclude inactive clients from the List tab of any file, the Client Lookup window, the Client Inactivity Report, and Report Writer Reports.
- List tab and lookup windows:
- Client file and Client Lookup windows – To show only active clients, click Active Only in the Client List section of the Quick Clicks pane. To show only inactive clients, you can add a filter using an expression of “Inactive = 1”.
- All other files – Filters to show only active or inactive clients can be added to any file that includes the Client ID field. To show only records with active clients, you can add a filter using an expression of “Client_ID:Inactive = 0”. To show only inactive clients, you can add a filter using an expression of “Client_ID:Inactive = 1”.
- Reports:
- Client Inactivity Report – On the Client tab of the Client Inactivity Report, select a Status of Specific, and then click the Select Status button. Select Active or Inactive.
- Report Writer Reports – An expression can be added to the Filter tab of any Report Writer Report. To show only records with active clients, you can add a filter using an expression of “Client_ID:Inactive = 0”. To show only inactive clients, you can add a filter using an expression of “Client_ID:Inactive = 1”.
When setting up the software for the first time, the Key Type defaults to Numeric with 2 Decimal Places. However, some firms prefer to include letters in the Client ID or require additional decimal places. Both the Key Type and Decimal Places can be changed after the initial setup is complete, but there are a few things to keep in mind when considering making a change.
Key Types
- Numeric Key Type is the most commonly used and consists of only numerals. With a Numeric Key Type, you can automatically assign new Client IDs and matters.
- Mixed Key Type consists of alphanumeric characters to the left of the decimal and numeric characters after the decimal. With a Mixed Key Type, you cannot automatically assign new Client IDs, but you can automatically assign new matter numbers.
- Alpha Key Type consists of alphanumeric characters both to the left and the right of the decimal. With an Alpha Key Type, you cannot automatically assign new Client IDs or matters.
Note: Keep in mind that Mixed and Alpha Key Types do not integrate with select legacy cost recovery software programs. Contact Support at (402) 419-2210 for more information regarding legacy cost recovery software.
Changing the Key Type
Prior to changing the Key Type, take into consideration that all existing Client IDs must match the format of the new Key Type. For example, if you are currently set to the Alpha Key Type and you have alpha characters in your Client IDs, then all applicable Client IDs must be renumbered (Maintenance | Renumber | Client) to remove any alpha characters before changing the Key Type to Numeric.
To change the Key Type
- From the Maintenance menu, point to Renumber and select Change Key Type.
- In the Key Type section, select the desired New Type.
- Click OK.
Decimal Places
A Client ID consists of 11 characters and the decimal place for a total of 12 places. Typically, the portion to the left of the decimal is used to represent the Client, whereas the portion to the right is used to represent the matter. The most common reason to change the number of decimal places is when one or more clients have more matters than decimal places. For example, if you are set up to use 2 decimal places, then your clients will cap out at 99 matters. Although 99 matters may seem like a lot, for certain client types, such as insurance clients, you may reach that number quicker than you think. In our example, when you reach 99 matters, you have two options: start a new client or increase the Decimal Places.
Changing Decimal Places
You can either increase or decrease the Decimal Places. When increasing Decimal Places, you have the option to insert zeros at the Beginning or End of the decimal digits. For example, when selecting Beginning, client 152.82 would become 152.082. When selecting End, client 152.82 would become 152.820.
To change the number of decimals used
- From the Maintenance menu, point to Renumber and select Change Key Type.
- In the Decimal Places, enter the desired New Decimal.
- In the Insert Zeros section, select Beginning or End.
- Click OK.
For more information on changing the Key Type, including a list of things to consider prior to making a change, see Knowledge Base Article R11049, “Changing the Key Type or Decimal Places.”
The Data File Integrity Check (DFIC) and Archive File Integrity Check (AFIC) are important tools used to test data files for valid information and structure. The DFIC can be run from any Tabs3 and PracticeMaster program via Utilities | Data File Integrity Check, whereas the AFIC is run from Tabs3 Billing via Utilities | Archive Integrity Check.
If errors are found when the DFIC or AFIC is run, a report is available to preview or print out. The report provides information on the error(s), including the Error Code and where the error is located in the system (e.g., field, file, client, etc.). DFIC Error Codes can be found in Knowledge Base Article R11653, “Data File Integrity Check Errors,” and AFIC Error Codes can be found in Knowledge Base Article R10771, “Archive File Integrity Check Errors.” These articles provide links to information on what the error means, potential causes of the error, and how to resolve the error.
But when and how often should you run the DFIC and AFIC? We recommend running these checks at the following times:
- Before backups.
- During month-end procedures.
- When moving the data to a new server.
- When updating the software to a new version.
- If anything unusual occurs in the software, such as loss of network connectivity or loss of power, or when a fatal error occurs and after it is corrected.
It is very important that errors are taken care of right away. Ignoring errors in the data can compound into larger issues, making the original error more difficult to correct and in some cases not possible. Since some errors require restoring the data, ignoring these errors for long periods of time can lead to data loss, or the need to have your data repaired.
When was the last time you ran the DFIC or AFIC? You can easily see when each of these utilities has been run via the Support Log.
To use the Support Log to determine when a DFIC and/or AFIC have been run
- From the View menu, point to Log Files and select Support Log.
- Next to Features, select Specific.
- In the Select Features window, select Data File Integrity Check and/or Archive File Integrity Check (Tabs3 Billing only).
- Click OK.
- Click Print.
The DFIC and AFIC can be set up to run when opening the program or at a specific time using a startup option of “/DFIC” or “/AFIC”. Using a startup option in conjunction with a batch file can automate your DFIC and AFIC to run at any time, including after regular business hours. More information on startup options is available in the program’s Help using “startup options” for the Index keywords. Information on automating tasks can be found in Knowledge Base Article R11034, “Automating Tabs3 and PracticeMaster Maintenance Tasks.” Take the time now to verify how often your firm is running the Data and Archive File Integrity Checks so that you can implement any necessary procedural changes.
Help keep your data error free by running the DFIC and AFIC regularly.
Do you want a way to streamline trust payments to Tabs3 Billing? Trust Accounting Software (TAS) provides the ability to automatically draw funds from a trust account when final statements are generated in Tabs3.
You will no longer need to enter payments to Firm from TAS; simply enter your transactions in Tabs3, and then bill like normal. As final statements are generated in Tabs3, the software will automatically create trust transactions and Tabs3 payment records based on the client’s due amounts. This feature can be enabled or disabled on a global level, at the bank account level, and at the trust account level. You can specify whether to pay work-in-process, accounts receivable, or both; whether to pay fees, expenses, or advances from these amounts; and whether to create check or EFT transactions in TAS for these amounts.
Note: We recommend consulting your local Bar Association before enabling Automatic Trust Transactions to ensure that you are complying with local trust regulations.
To implement Automatic Trust Payments, you will need to enable TAS Integration in Tabs3 and then configure TAS Customization, the desired TAS Bank account(s), and the desired Trust Account(s). For complete step-by-step instructions on setting up Automatic Trust Payments, refer to the Integration Guide or the Automatic Trust Payments Overview topic in the TAS Help.
Do you have trouble tracking how much a client owes you? Do you find it’s difficult to determine when you last followed up with them regarding their overdue balance?
Following up on overdue balances can be a time-consuming task, but with Tabs3, you can easily track how much a client owes you, how much is overdue, and document the last time you talked to them! Join our new free 30-minute webinar, How to Track Collections Within Tabs3, to learn how to track collections and how you can shift the collections risk from your firm.
We recommend updating statements on a regular basis, but why is that? What does the Update Statements program actually do?
Why Statements Should Be Updated
When the Update Statements program is run, numerous files are updated in the software. Furthermore, some processes cannot take place until statements are updated.
The following is a list of what occurs when statements are updated:
- Fee, cost, payment, and client funds transactions included on a final statement will be updated and archived.
- Accounts receivable is updated.
- Billed productivity figures are updated.
- E-mail Statements can be sent via the E-mail Statements window.
- Unallocated payments are allocated if billed amounts are due. If integrating with General Ledger Software (GLS), GLS journal entries are posted to reflect the new allocations.
- Archived payment records are created for any Client Funds Payment to Firm transactions that do not have a Fund Application of WIP Payment.
- Archived payment records are created for any Pending Auto Trust Payments that were included on the final statements.
Backing Up Before Updating Statements
Because Update Statements affects so many files, we highly recommend backing up your data files (File | Back Up Data Files) prior to updating statements. If the statement update process is interrupted (e.g., network drop, power loss, etc.), you must restore your data before continuing to work. This is because your data may be mismatched, meaning some files may have been updated for a client’s statement, but the interruption may have occurred before all files were updated. For more information on the effects of an Update Statements interruption, see Knowledge Base Article R10064, “Update Statements Program was Interrupted.”
Platinum Note: Platinum users have a huge benefit because backing up before updating statements is not necessary. This is because Platinum software provides Transaction Processing, which allows firms to automatically recover data in many potential data loss situations, including when Update Statements is interrupted. For more information on Platinum’s Transaction Processing feature, see Knowledge Base Article R11179, “Transaction Processing: Auto-Recovery of Interrupted Database Transactions.”
Updating Statements
To update a statement, you must first run a final statement, which is different than a draft statement (and is specified on the Options tab of the Generate Statements program). Once a final statement has been generated, complete the following steps to update the statement:
- From the Statements menu, select Update Statements.
- Click Yes to create a backup.
- Optionally select a Client ID and/or Timekeeper range.
- Click OK.
After Statements Have Been Updated
Need to get another copy of an older statement? You can always reprint updated statements using the Reprint Single Updated Statement program (Statements | Reprint Updated Statement | Reprint Single Updated Statement) or Reprint Multiple Updated Statements program (Statements | Reprint Updated Statement | Reprint Multiple Updated Statements).
Additionally, you may occasionally need to undo a statement that was updated in order to make changes. This can easily be accomplished via the Undo Single Updated Statement program (Statements | Undo Updated Statement | Undo Single Updated Statement) or Undo Multiple Updated Statements program (Statements | Undo Updated Statement | Undo Multiple Updated Statements).
Updating statements is an important part of the billing process in Tabs3. If you’re not already updating statements on a regular basis, take the time to review your current procedures and consider making a change.
Are there additional notes that you want to add to statements for one or more clients? There are multiple areas in Tabs3 Billing to enter notes that can then be shown on statements for a single client, a group of clients, or all clients. A graphic is provided at the end of this article that represents each of the following elements.
Statement Notes for a Single Client
If you want to add notes to a single client’s statement, this can be set up in the Client file using the Beginning and Ending Statement Notes fields (File | Open | Client | Statement Options tab), or the Miscellaneous Lines 1-3 (File | Open | Client | Custom Fields tab).
Beginning and Ending Statement Notes
The Beginning Statement Notes will print following the Work Description and Miscellaneous Lines 1-3. The Ending Statement Notes will print at the end of the statement, but before any statement notes included in a statement template or ending text defined on the Headings tab of Statement Customization. Each of these fields has a maximum of 250 characters.
You can optionally select to Change Notes to blank after Statement updated if you want the note to only be included on the next statement.
Tip: You can optionally use the Change Client Options program (Maintenance | Client Related | Change Client Options) to copy Beginning and Ending Statement Notes for multiple clients.
Miscellaneous Lines 1-3
The Miscellaneous Lines 1-3 will print following the Work Description. Each of these fields has a maximum of 50 characters.
Statement Notes for a Group of Clients
To add notes to multiple clients’ statements, you can use the Statement Notes program (Statements | Statement Setup | Statement Notes). Statement Notes can be up to 511 characters. Once Statement Notes have been created, they can be assigned to a statement template (Statements | Statement Setup | Statement Templates | General tab | Statement Notes section).
Statement templates provide the ability to include a Beginning Note that is shown below the Client’s Beginning Statement Notes, and an Ending Note that is shown below the Client’s Ending Statement Notes. Statement templates are assigned to each client via the Client file (File | Open | Client | Statement Options tab).
To recap, adding statement notes for a group of clients can be set up as follows:
Statement Notes for All Clients
If you want to show the same note on every statement for every client, then you want to use the Statement Customization program (Statements | Statement Setup | Statement Customization | Headings tab). You can add up to 9 lines of text at the top of the statement (60 characters each), or 250 characters of text at the bottom. When adding Lines of text to be printed as a heading on the first page of each billing statement, this text will be the first text shown on the statement. When adding Lines of text to be printed as a message at the end of each billing statement, this text will be the last text shown on the statement.
For more information on Statement Notes, see the Tabs3 Billing Help or the Statement Formatting Guide located at Tabs3.com/support/docs.html.
It’s after hours and you’ve run into some trouble printing. Something doesn’t look right, it’s printing off the page, or you need to make just a few tweaks to finish your project. However, you’re not sure what to do. What do you do? Check out the Knowledge Base, of course!
Knowledge Base Article R10469, “Frequently Asked Questions About Printing,” provides frequently asked questions regarding the following subjects:
- Printing Statements – Using letterhead for statements, centering statements on the page, reference numbers not printing on draft statements, and what the Compress Address check box in Statement Setup does.
- Printing Reports – What to do when the font is too small, and how to print landscape reports.
- Printing Checks – Printing, printing a second copy of checks, printing a duplicate stub, and printing trust information on checks.
- General Printing Questions – Stopping a print job, specifying different margins, adjusting the Preview window, changing the Offset Adjustment, fixed pitch fonts vs. proportional fonts, and configuring an additional printer.
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base while in the software by selecting Help | Internet Resources | Knowledge Base.
Tabs3 version 18 has been released, and update notifications have been sent to all eligible users! There are many great new features in Version 18! The following features are only some of the enhancements we made for this version:
Tabs3 Billing
- Date-Based Reports – All productivity reports are now date-based and no longer rely on advancing the current reporting month. Use the Set Current Reporting Month feature to see productivity figures from prior years.
- Print Receipts – Print a receipt for all forms of payment from the Payment window, or print a receipt for deposits from the Client Funds window.
- and more…
PracticeMaster
- Fee and Cost Entry – The Rate, Rate Code, and Sales Tax fields can now be shown. When changes are made to the Timekeeper, Date, Tcode, Activity Code, or Expense ID, the Amount can be recalculated.
- Fee Recap – A new Fee Recap button has been added to the PracticeMaster toolbar. This button lets you review fees for a timekeeper and date.
- OL Synchronization Settings Report – You can now run an Outlook Synchronization Settings Report to view synchronization settings for yourself or for all users.
- Graphical Calendar Agenda – Selecting Agenda when printing a Graphical Calendar Report will print items in a list format.
- ScanSnap™ Integration – Integration with Fujitsu® ScanSnap scanners imports documents to PracticeMaster’s Document Management program once the scan has completed. Selecting the Optical Character Recognition (OCR) option in the ScanSnap Manager makes text searchable in PracticeMaster.
- Form Designer – Align fields using the new Magnetic Snaps, or show the familiar grid and use Snap to Grid. Magnetic Snaps help align fields with other fields, whereas Snap to Grid helps position fields based on grid dots. Use keyboard shortcuts to Copy (Ctrl+C), Paste (Ctrl+V), Cut (Ctrl+X), and Undo (Ctrl+Z).
- and more…
General Ledger Software (GLS)
- Account Information Report – Print from the Balances, Budgets, or Journal Entries tab of the Account Information program to view a report with that tab’s information.
- Reports – Many changes were made to GLS reports. You can now select a Date Range for any report, making it easy to select a preset period or specify a custom range; pick multiple ranges of accounts or departments; and sort accounts in Chart of Accounts order or Account Number order. New Include options are provided for the Balance Sheet and Income Statement reports, and more.
- Bank Account Manager – View a summary of all bank and credit card accounts from one window. Optionally open a Reconciliation for the selected account, or select to Import Bank Transactions.
- Import Bank Transactions – Import Bank Transactions from an OFX, QFX, or QBO file provided by your bank or credit card company. Match imported bank and credit card transactions with General Ledger journal entries.
- Reconciliation – Optionally enter interest and service charge in the Reconciliation Settings window. View a Reconciliation Discrepancy Report if the Beginning Balance entered does not match the calculated Beginning Balance. The Reconciliation window has been updated to show side-by-side sections for transactions going out and coming in. Additionally, you can now password protect reconciliation PDFs generated by GLS and undo reconciliations finalized in Version 18.
- and more…
Accounts Payable Software (APS)
- Vendor Information – Moved the MTD, YTD, and TD Paid and Discount figures to the Vendor Activity window. These figures are all calculated automatically based on the system date.
- Vendor Analysis Report – The Vendor Analysis Report is now transaction based. Figures are based on the report date.
- and more…
Trust Accounting Software (TAS)
- Auto Trust Payments from Tabs3 – Tabs3 can now be set up to automatically create a Payment to Firm trust transaction when generating final statements, thereby paying current work, accounts receivable, or both.
- Combine Trust Transactions – Optionally combine deposits, EFTs, or checks into one combined transaction, making reconciliation easier.
- Bank Account Manager – View a summary of all bank and credit card accounts from one window. Optionally open a Reconciliation for the selected account or select to Import Bank Transactions.
- Import Bank Transactions – Import Bank Transactions from an OFX, QFX, or QBO file provided by your bank or credit card company. Match imported bank and credit card transactions with Trust Transactions.
- Reconciliation – Optionally enter interest and service charge in the Reconciliation Settings window. View a Reconciliation Discrepancy Report if the Beginning Balance entered does not match the calculated Beginning Balance. The Reconciliation window has been updated to show side-by-side sections for transactions going out and coming in. Additionally, you can now password protect reconciliation PDFs generated by TAS and undo reconciliations finalized in Version 18.
- Three-Way Reconciliation Report – A new Three-Way Reconciliation Report is available that compares the Client Trust Ledger, Reconciliation, and Check Register balances.
- Print Receipts – You can now print a receipt for deposits in addition to credit card deposits.
- and more…
For in-depth information on all of the new Version 18 features, including screenshots, see the What’s New List or Knowledge Base Article R11647, “Version 18 Introduction to New Features.” A list of all Version 18 information can be found in R11646, “Version 18 Information and Resources.”
To download Version 18, visit Tabs3.com/support/update/v18upd.html.
If you have any questions about the update, please contact your reseller and consultant, or contact Technical Support at (402) 419-2210.
When you need to refund or reverse credit card payments, you want to be able to do it with the least amount of hassle. Tabs3 Billing and Trust Accounting Software (TAS) are designed to automatically issue a ProPay refund or reversal when appropriate.
Knowledge Base Article R11708, “Credit Card Refund Best Practices,” provides information on how ProPay handles credit card reversals and provides processes for reversing, refunding, or deleting credit card payments or transactions in Tabs3 Billing and TAS.
Be sure to check out this article so that you are using the recommended methods to refund or reverse ProPay credit card payments.
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base while in the software by selecting Help | Internet Resources | Knowledge Base.
We provide many resources for information on Tabs3 and PracticeMaster software which includes white papers. What are white papers? Tabs3 white papers are informative articles used to promote or highlight certain features of Tabs3 software.
Our most popular Tabs3 white papers include:
- The #1 Billing Mistake Attorneys Make
- Top Six Reports We Recommend to Every Attorney
- Windows Explorer is Not Document Management
- How Practice Management Software is Different from Outlook (See also this month’s Product Spotlight!)
- The Four Pillars of Successful Practice Management
These top white papers can be accessed via Knowledge Base Article R11694, “White Paper Resource List.” This article provides access to more than 15 white papers and articles that can be printed or saved.
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base while in the software by selecting Help | Internet Resources | Knowledge Base.
Did you know that you can change your Tabs3 and PracticeMaster workspace by specifying whether toolbars are shown or not, and where they are positioned if they are shown? These options can increase the available workspace horizontally, vertically, or both.
Showing or hiding toolbars
From the View menu, a 
indicates that the Status Bar, Application Toolbar, and in PracticeMaster, the PracticeMaster Task Bar is shown. To change which toolbars are shown or hidden, simply click the menu option to change the status of the toolbar.
Changing the toolbar position
The Menu toolbar, Application Toolbar, and in PracticeMaster, the PracticeMaster Task Bar, can all be moved to 
the top, bottom, right, or left of the Tabs3 or PracticeMaster program window. Simply click the toolbar gripper, and drag it to the desired location.
Alternatively, you can drag a toolbar away from any 
side of the program to make it a floating toolbar. When the toolbar is floating, you can optionally move it outside of the Tabs3 or PracticeMaster program window. This allows for maximum workspace, while still having access to all of the available tools.
Results of 2016 National Law Journal Survey Released
In the 2016 National Law Journal Survey, over 7,000 votes were cast by lawyers, paralegals, and other legal market professionals. Tabs3 Billing placed first in the Best Time & Billing Software category, with PracticeMaster placing second in the Docketing & Calendaring Software category, and third in the Matter Management Software category.
“We are thrilled to have Tabs3 and PracticeMaster recognized by the readers of National Law Journal. For over 35 years we have worked hard to develop reliable and quality software for law firms,” said Dan Berlin, President of Software Technology, Inc. “This kind of recognition from the legal community means a great deal to our entire team.”
The National Law Journal provides in-depth coverage of the issues that mean the most to private practitioners, judges, corporate lawyers, government attorneys, and other members of the legal community. They cover federal and state court litigation, U.S. Supreme Court, legislative issues, and verdicts.
Did you know that you can easily split fees and costs between multiple matters in Tabs3 Billing? The Split Billing program provides the ability to enter fees and costs once, but have multiple matters pay for them. You must first determine which client you will be entering fees and costs for; this is your “main client”. Next, determine which clients/ matters will be splitting the bill, and for what percentage each party will be responsible. You can now configure split billing for the client.
To configure clients for split billing
- From the File menu, point to Open and select Client.
- From the Split Billing tab, in the Client ID field, select the desired main client.
- Click the Add button to open the Split Billing Matter window.
- Select the desired Split Matter ID.
- Enter the desired Split Billing Percentages for the split matter.
- Enter the desired Statement Options settings for the split matter.
- Click OK.
- Repeat step 3 for each additional split matter. (Note: This may include the main client.)
- Select the desired Split Fee Options and Split Cost Options.
- Press Ctrl+S.
Fees and costs may be entered before and/or after configuring split billing, but keep in mind that when it comes time to perform the split, only those fees and costs entered for the main client will be split amongst all parties. Additionally, only Type 0 (Normal) and Type 5 (Miscellaneous) fee and cost transactions that are not on hold can be split.
When you are ready, you can run the Perform Split Billing program (Statements | Statement Preparation | Perform Split Billing). Transactions that have already been split cannot be split again so this program can be run as often as needed. The Perform Split Billing program should be run prior to generating statements every time in order to make sure that all transactions are billed appropriately.
If, after performing the split, you need to change the way in which transactions should be split, simply run the Undo Split Billing program (Maintenance | Transaction Related | Undo Split Billing). This program will revert all split transactions for the selected Main Client ID and Split Billing Ref # that are still work-in-process to their pre-split values. This provides a way to easily make adjustments as needed. If you have even one client who splits amounts due with other matters, and you’ve been splitting the fees and costs manually, make your billing easier by using the Split Billing feature in Tabs3.
For more information on split billing features, see Knowledge Base Article R11616, “All About Tabs3 Split Billing,” the Billing Adjustments Guide, and the Split Billing Training Video.
Did you know that you can drag files other than those generated via Tabs3 and PracticeMaster software into the DropBox? This can really come in handy when you are e-mailing multiple files of mixed origins to clients, co-workers, or other third parties; when you want to save related items together in a mutual location; and more.
Once all of the desired files are in DropBox, simply select the files and choose the desired option. If you want to e-mail a group of files in the DropBox, click the e-mail icon to attach all of the files to a new e-mail message. Alternatively, you can drag the icons into the new e-mail message. If you want to save all of the files to a mutual location, click the save icon; you will be prompted to save each file individually.
Note: Files that have been dragged into DropBox are not removed from their original location.
When you have a client with multiple matters, what do you do when the client sends in a single check to cover all matters? You could get out the calculator to determine how much should go to each matter, and then enter multiple payment records, or you could let Tabs3 Billing do this for you.
When entering a payment for multiple matters, simply enter the payment for one of the matters and then click the 
(Apply Payment to Multiple Matters) button to open the Payment Amounts for Multiple Matters window. Here, you can either enter each Client ID and the corresponding amount of the matter’s Payment, or you can click the Apply Proportionately button to divide the payment amount between all matters shown proportionately based on the amount due.
You’ve heard about Platinum, but haven’t had time to look into it yet. Now you wonder if your firm should take action now, before it’s too late. You’ve heard the horror stories whispered around the water cooler; you try to shake off the cold chill as you walk back to your desk – is that just air conditioning, or premonition? The following stories wend their way through your thoughts for the rest of the day…
Your boss tells you that not only has the server crashed, but the external backup has been failing recently. He wants you to restore the internal backup of the Tabs3 and PracticeMaster software. You start to tremble. Time is money, so when prompted to make a backup you always click No, because you don’t want to interrupt workflow by having everyone exit the software. You close your eyes in dread; there is no internal backup…
- Platinum’s HotBackup features let you back up files while users are working, schedule backups throughout the day, and receive e-mails confirming when backups have completed. Additionally, you can maintain up to 198 HotBackups.
It’s nearing the end of a dark and stormy Friday before a long holiday weekend. You start to update statements, skipping the backup because you want to wrap things up so you can leave. The lights flicker and your computer reboots as a loud clap of thunder makes you jump. You open Tabs3 Billing again, but when trying to work in the software, you receive a message that a backup needs to be restored due to the Update Statements program being interrupted. Your pulse leaps, knowing that some of the attorneys will probably come in to work this weekend. Now they can’t use the software until the data has been restored…
- Platinum’s Transaction Processing and Auto-Recovery features help prevent the need to restore a backup. Transaction Processing ensures that transactions completely succeed while the software is running. In the case of the software not shutting down correctly, such as with a power failure, Auto-Recovery “rolls back” the data to its previous state before the transaction began.
The phone rings. You answer it, only for your breath to catch in your throat – an attorney needs a report for her meeting in 5 minutes, but that report takes more than 20 minutes to run. There’s no way to get her the information she needs in time…
- With Platinum, common reports typically run 10 to 30 times faster than the Multi-User version. This means that you can provide needed reports at the drop of a hat.
It’s midnight, but you can’t sleep with the full moon lighting your room. You’re out of town and away from the office with the current case weighing heavily on you. You get up to check your e-mail and do some research since you’re awake anyway, and discover information that will change your entire case strategy. Your client’s case hangs in the balance; you must compare the new information to what’s saved in PracticeMaster, but it’s late and you can’t access it remotely. A dog howls outside. The hair on the back of your neck raises as you pace the floor. Finally, you grab the phone to wake the managing partner…
- With Platinum, you can quickly access clients, contacts, fees, calendar records, journal records, documents, and more using Tabs3 Connect from any internet-enabled device. Whether you’re at home or out of town, and it’s midnight or Saturday, access your work while away from the office.
Someone received an error in the software, and you need to run a Data File Integrity Check. Unfortunately, several of the employees are away from their desks. You don’t have the password for their computers, nor the time to go to each one, and you know resetting users is bad. You need to make sure the data is fine before the attorneys come back from lunch. You begin to sweat, jumping at shadows as you expect someone to come in at any time demanding answers…
- Platinum provides the ability to safely Log Off Users. Select a time interval for users to wrap up tasks, and a notification will be sent that they will be automatically logged out of the software when the displayed countdown ends.
In addition to all of these features, Platinum also provides eNotes, accelerated filtering and column sorting, the Platinum Exchange Connector, an Accounts Receivable by Timekeeper Report, and enhancements to the Detail Accounts Receivable Report. For more information on all of the Platinum features, see Knowledge Base Article R11379, “Platinum Overview.”
Don’t succumb to terror. For information on a 30-day trial offer, to get a price quote, or to order Platinum, contact your local reseller, consultant, or our Sales Department at (402) 419-2200!
Backing up your firm’s data is the most important form of maintenance you can do, but many firms overlook this task. Backup prompts from within the software are skipped, and external backups are not regularly tested to verify they are working as expected. Often, this is simply due to not understanding the process.
You may have quite a few questions about backups:
- What is the difference between the built-in backup and external backup?
- How do backups work?
- What’s included in the backup?
- How is a backup restored if needed?
- How can I make sure that my strategy for backing up data is working right?
- Where do I start?
All of these topics and more can be found in Knowledge Base Article R11524, “Backup/ Restore Information Resources.” This article provides a complete list of links to articles with information and processes for backing up and restoring your data.
Don’t overlook how your firm is backing up data until it’s too late and you have to restore. Make sure you are on top of maintaining your data.
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at support.Tabs3. com. You can also access our Knowledge Base while in the software by selecting Help | Internet Resources | Knowledge Base.
Do you want to start charging sales tax, but don’t know where to start? Sales tax must first be enabled in Tabs3 Billing Customization. You can then optionally set up specific transaction codes and/or clients to automatically include sales tax when billed. You can also specify sales tax on an individual transaction. So how do you set all of this up? Knowledge Base Article R10952, “Using Sales Tax in Tabs3,” provides steps on setting up Tabs3 Billing to charge sales tax and answers frequently asked questions about the Tabs3 sales tax feature.
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at support.Tabs3. com. You can also access our Knowledge Base while in the software by selecting Help | Internet Resources | Knowledge Base.
The Tabs3 Accounts Payable Software (APS) makes paying bills easier. You can print checks, track vendors, generate 1099-MISC forms, run reports and check registers, and more!
APS lets you write checks to saved vendors as well as vendors that are not individually tracked in the software. For monthly payments, set up recurring entries to create multiple invoices in one step. Writing a check by hand? Enter a manual check that will show up in your check register.
Tracking vendors is a snap. In addition to name and address, you can save information for frequently used vendors such as the Federal ID number, 1099-MISC information, vendor discount information, and more! Month-to-date, year-to-date, and to date paid figures for each vendor are also tracked for easy reference.
APS integrates with Tabs3 Billing and Tabs3 General Ledger Software (GLS) to bring things together. Costs can integrate with Tabs3 when adding, changing, or deleting an invoice or manual check. When integrating with GLS, journal entries are automatically created when checks are posted, and voided checks will create reversing journal entries.
APS also offers many reports that can be run to determine activity in the software, including a Check Register, Pre-Check Register, Cash Requirements Report, Aged Unpaid Invoice Report, Vendor Analysis, and lists for vendors, bank accounts, recurring entries, and voided checks.
If you are not currently using APS, try it out! You can install APS Trial Software using the Tabs3 CD, or download a free trial. Contact your Tabs3 reseller or consultant, or our Sales Department at (402) 419-2200 for pricing and information.
Note: Tabs3 works exclusively with Nelco to provide you with checks guaranteed to work with Tabs3 software.
Have you ever wondered how to make your statements stand out to clients? Have you wanted to add additional fields to your statements? You can do both by using Statement Designer! Statement Designer enables you to design custom letterhead, cover letters, statements, invoices, and envelopes.
With Statement Designer (Statements | Statement Setup | Statement Designer), you can edit one of the Sample 
Layouts included with the software or create your own. On the left-hand side of the window there are two sections; the Layout Tree pane shows the layouts currently available, while the Field Selection pane shows the fields that are available to add to a layout.
When a layout is selected, the Page Layout pane is available on the right-hand side. This is where you can design 
your statement layout. Simply double-click a field from the Field Selection pane, and it will appear in the page layout. From here, you can move the field to the appropriate place, resize the field, or right-click the field and select Properties to change properties such as font face, font size, color, rich text attributes, and more.
Once you have changed or created a Statement Designer layout, you will need to associate the layout to a Statement Template (Statements | Statement Setup | Statement Templates). Simply select the Template you want to change, or create a new one, and edit the Layouts tab. The template can now be assigned to a client by opening the Client file, clicking the Statement Options tab, and selecting a Draft Template or Final Template.
To enable Statement Designer when printing statements, from the File menu, select Print Setup. Click the Statement Setup button. On the right-hand side, select the Enable Statement Designer Layouts check box and click OK. Now when you print a statement for the client(s) whose statement template is associated with a statement designer layout, you will see your new statement layout!
For more information on customizing the sample layouts included with the software, see Knowledge Base Article R10901, “Customizing the Sample Page Layouts Provided with the Tabs3 Statement Designer.”
Do you know how to restore from an incremental backup? Make sure you are familiar with the process of restoring before you need to do it. Incremental backups work by backing up the full dataset, and then only backing up those files that have changed from then on. This means that if you need to restore, you cannot just restore to yesterday’s incremental backup because that is only one piece of the picture. The files in Tabs3 and PracticeMaster are all connected. If only some of the files are restored, then information is missing from other files and errors can occur in the software. Instead, if a restore is necessary, you must first restore the last full backup and then restore every incremental backup in order. For more information on how your backup system works, and if it is the right system for you, talk to your IT professional.
Tabs3 General Ledger Software (GLS) is a general ledger accounting program that is based on a double-entry accounting system. Chart of accounts and financial statement formats can be defined, allowing you to use your current chart of accounts. The availability of multiple departments allows you to create reports based on certain departments or the firm as a whole. Journal entries track debits and credits. Optionally create budgets for each expense account, and compare budget and actual amounts from year to year.
GLS offers bank and credit card reconciliation, printable deposit slips, summarized or detailed reports to help track your financial data, and more. If you have journal entries that must be made monthly, you can set up recurring entries to easily post a batch of entries once a month in a single process.
GLS can be used as a stand-alone ledger program for any business, or it can be combined with other Tabs3 software for full integration. Journal entries can be submitted to GLS through Tabs3 Billing, Accounts Payable, Trust Accounting, and also Peninsula Software’s PenSoft® Payroll software. Additionally, a standard input format is included, providing the ability to import journal entries from other software.
For more information regarding Tabs3 General Ledger Software, contact your local reseller or our Sales Department at (402) 419-2200.
Did you know that you can quickly add an image to the top of your statements, such as your firm’s letterhead? You can always use Statement Designer to customize your statements, but if you simply want to use an existing bitmap image, this can easily be added to your statements by selecting the desired bitmap via Print Setup.
To add a bitmap to statements
- From the File menu, select Print Setup.
- Click the Statement Setup button.
- In the Page One section, select the Bitmap check box.
- Click the Select button to browse out to where your bitmap image is located.
- Click OK.
Don’t have a bitmap image of your firm’s letterhead? We offer professional bitmap scanning. For more information, see Knowledge Base Article R10168, “Bitmap Scanning Service.
Did you know that you can import data into all of the Tabs3 and PracticeMaster software? Knowledge Base Article R11506, “Resources for Importing Data into Tabs3 and PracticeMaster Software,” provides a list of resources with information regarding programs that can be used to import data in Tabs3 and PracticeMaster software including the following:
Tabs3 Billing – Importing costs from photocopiers, telephone systems, fax machines, and more.
PracticeMaster – Importing data from third-party programs, documents into document management, Platinum Exchange Connector, Outlook, and more.
General Ledger Software (GLS) – Integration with PenSoft Payroll and importing data into GLS using an ASCII data file.
Trust Accounting Software (TAS) – Importing data into TAS using an ASCII data file.
Accounts Payable Software (APS) – Importing data into APS using an ASCII data file.
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base while in the software by selecting Help | Internet Resources | Knowledge Base.