EzyCashBook+ is an Australian-made program aimed at taking the pain and time out of bookkeeping and Business Activity Statements (BAS).

Following installation you are greeted with the Home Menu containing links to the program's main sections. There's EzyCashBook (process transactions), My BAS (calculate BAS), Trading (create and track quotes, invoices, credit notes and purchase orders) and Budgets & Planning, which includes business plan templates and budgeting tools. There's also a "My Advisor" section for miscellaneous transactions. Your accountant can fix those up later (the file can be saved and e-mailed).

The interface is simple and each window includes a "Page Help" pane that can also be hidden. There's also an extensive help section, telephone support for 90 days after installation and a library of 3500 articles on business matters and regulations for the Australian market.

Up to three business profiles may exist, and can be password-protected. Each pro­file may have two bank accounts and two credit card accounts, and you can import transaction records from Internet banking. EzyCashBook+ handily reconciles all data, and creates a range of reports.

To calculate your BAS, just select the dates for the BAS period and the program creates a report. The maker of EzyCashBook+ also offers a free secure online BAS lodgement service. Your accountant can access the site to check your BAS before it is lodged, and there's an archive facility to save your statements.

In brief:

A comprehensive offering for small business. Excellent help and business information sections will teach the basics of bookkeeping.

PRICE: $159.95; VENDOR: EzyCashBook; PHONE: 1800 227 426; URL: www.ezycashbook.com