Tabs3 Billing Software

Billing Software - Credit Card Processing

Why should I accept credit cards?

By accepting credit cards, you will offer your clients a convenient way to pay, which will help you get paid faster, reduce write offs, and help you spend less time collecting past due billings.

Why should I use Tabs3 to authorize credit cards?

When you authorize a credit card in Tabs3, you will save time and mistakes because you will not need to manually add credit card payments into Tabs3 that you process some other way.  And as a Tabs3 user, you will save money with low, negotiated processing fees from TSYS Merchant Solutions. Other fees also apply. You will need to apply for a merchant account from TSYS Merchant Solutions to receive a specific quote for your firm.

What is a merchant account?

Any firm who wants to accept credit card payments must have a merchant account. A merchant account is a pass through account with a payment processor (TSYS Merchant Solutions) for processing credit card payments. Once the credit card payment is processed, funds from your transaction are deposited into any other bank account that you choose.

Why did Tabs3 choose TSYS Merchant Solutions?

We chose TSYS Merchant SolutionsSM, formerly First National Merchant Solutions®, because it is a top 10 payment processor in the United States, with over 50 years of credit card experience. Our relationship with TSYS Merchant Solutions ensures that all transaction information, for both firm and client, remains safe and secure. Like Tabs3, TSYS Merchant Solutions has an outstanding local support team (not outsourced), so you can call them with any questions you may have about your merchant account.

What fees are charged for credit card processing?

As a Tabs3 user, you are entitled to low, negotiated processing fees from TSYS Merchant Solutions. Other fees also apply. To get a specific quote for your firm, call (800) 354-3988, e-mail merchantaccount@tabs3.com, or fill out this form. And remember, to receive the low, negotiated rate for Tabs3 users, be sure to mention you are a Tabs3 user when you contact TSYS Merchant Solutions.

How do I start authorizing credit cards via Tabs3?

The first step is applying for a merchant account with TSYS Merchant Solutions. To apply, call (800) 354-3988, e-mail merchantaccount@tabs3.com, or fill out this form. And remember, to receive the low, negotiated rate for Tabs3 users, be sure to mention you are a Tabs3 user when you contact TSYS Merchant Solutions.

Is credit card processing secure?

Using Tabs3 – yes. Tabs3 encrypts and transmits sensitive credit card information to FNMS via a SSL (Secure Socket Layer); however, no sensitive credit card information is actually stored in Tabs3.

To ensure that only authorized employees will have access to Tabs3 Credit Card Authorization, use an Access Profile to restrict access to Tabs3 customization and payment entry. Access profiles can be set up in System Configuration.

I have an existing merchant account; can I configure it into Tabs3?

No, but credit card authorization in Tabs3 will not force you to change your overall banking relationships. It does require a merchant account with TSYS Merchant Solutions. Once set up, your TSYS Merchant Solutions account can deposit funds into any other account at any other bank that you designate. Opening a merchant account with TSYS Merchant Solutions is easy. To open your merchant account with TSYS Merchant Solutions, call (800) 354-3988, e-mail merchantaccount@tabs3.com, or fill out this form. And remember, to receive the low, negotiated rate for Tabs3 users, be sure to mention you are a Tabs3 user when you contact TSYS Merchant Solutions.

Which cards can I accept?

When you configure your merchant account in Tabs3, your firm can choose to accept any of the following credit cards: Visa®, MasterCard®, Discover®, American Express®, and Diners Club®.

What hardware do I need to be able to accept credit cards?

You do not have to purchase any additional hardware to accept credit card payments; however, Tabs3 is compatible with the Mini Swipe USB reader by Magtek®. Using a credit card reader is optional, but you may receive slightly lower processing fees from TSYS Merchant Solutions when you use a swipe reader.

Who do I call if I have a question about my merchant account?

Once you have a merchant account, you can call TSYS Merchant Solutions at (800) 354-3988. Representatives are available Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Standard Time.

How can I track credit card payments?

In Tabs3, credit card payments can be tracked on a Transaction File List for payments, sorted by receipt type. In Tabs3 and Tabs3 Trust Accounting Software (TAS), a Credit Card Authorization List can be printed for all credit card transactions processed via Tabs3 or TAS. You can also track credit card activity on TSYS Merchant Solutions’ PayFuse website.

Can I make deposits to client funds via credit card?

Yes. Like credit card payments, accepting client funds deposits via credit card is possible with a TSYS Merchant Solutions account.Tabs3 version 16.1 and higher allows credit card client funds deposits to be authorized using the Tabs3 Credit Card Authorization Module. Fees will be deducted from the operating account in one lump monthly sum to make it easier to reconcile client deposits. For details on how to process the payments, please contact TSYS Merchant Solutions at merchantaccount@tabs3.com.

Can I make deposits to a trust account via credit card?

Before allowing a client to make a trust payment with a credit card, you should talk to your state bar about rules for accepting credit card payments for trust accounts because it differs by state. Accepting credit card payments for trust is possible with a TSYS Merchant Solutions account. TSYS Merchant Solutions can take fees and chargebacks out of an operating account, instead of taking them out of a trust account, if that is what you need to satisfy your state bar trust requirements. Tabs3 Trust Accounting System (TAS) Version 15.3 allows credit card deposits to be authorized using the Tabs3 Credit Card Authorization Module. Fees will be deducted from the operating account in one lump monthly sum to make it easier to reconcile client payments. For details on how to process the payments, please contact TSYS Merchant Solutions at merchantaccount@tabs3.com.

We already accept credit cards for payments in Tabs3 and are interested in accepting credit cards for deposits in Tabs3 Trust Accounting (TAS). Do we have to have two merchant accounts from TSYS Merchant Solutions?

Yes. When trust account funds are deposited into a different bank account than the one in which Tabs3 payments are deposited, then you will need to set up a second merchant account. However, our relationship with TSYS Merchant Solutions lets you designate a different bank account for the fees associated with the trust bank account. This allows trust funds to be deposited into one account, and fees taken out of another account, which is a common state bar requirement.

How does credit card processing affect my other Tabs3 and PracticeMaster programs?

Tabs3 is the only program that is directly affected by credit card processing. Payments made via credit card, like other payments, will still integrate with General Ledger as they have previously.

Can I save a payment with a receipt type of credit card if my merchant account is not with FNMS?

Yes you can, but you will not be able to use the Tabs3 Credit Card authorization features. You will need to enter your merchant account entries manually.

Can I have more than one merchant account?

Yes. When you set up merchant accounts, you will have the option to set up accounts at the Timekeeper level (Timekeepers can have separate merchant accounts), location level (each branch office can have a separate merchant account) or at the firm level (all credit card payments can use the same merchant account), or any combination thereof.

How can I combine my fee and cost payments into a single payment?

Rather than entering separate fee and cost payments, you can enter a single regular payment for the full amount. Regular payments can be applied to any due amount. Click the Edit Payment Allocation button to view or change the allocation of a payment to apply a specific amount to fees versus expenses and advances. More information regarding applying a regular payment to specific billed amounts is provided in KB article R11297, "Use Tabs3 Regular Payments Instead of Fee, Expense, and Advance Payments."

How are credit card processing fees charged?

TSYS Merchant Solutions extracts all credit card processing fees out of your merchant account at the end of the month, not out of each transaction. That way, deposits from your merchant account to your designated account will match the amount of the payment.

How long does it take to get a merchant account?

Merchant accounts generally take two to three business days to open. To open your merchant account with TSYS Merchant Solutions, call (800) 354-3988, e-mail merchantaccount@tabs3.com, or fill out this form. And remember, to receive the low, negotiated rate for Tabs3 users, be sure to mention you are a Tabs3 user when you contact TSYS Merchant Solutions.

Can I accept debit cards?

As long as the debit card has a credit card logo (Visa®, MasterCard®, Discover®, etc.) of a credit card that your firm accepts, you can authorize a debit card payment exactly as you would a credit card payment.

How should I keep track of credit card processing fees in Tabs3 General Ledger Software (GLS)?

Since not every firm’s Chart of Accounts or accounting procedures are the same, it would be best to check with your accountant. However, most firms would create a new expense account for credit card processing fees in GLS. Then once a month you would create a manual entry debiting this new expense account and crediting the account that is being used to pay for these transactions.

Back To: Credit Card Overview