This method of determining a default billing rate is used if the timekeeper does not have a rate assigned in a fee rate table and the Timekeeper Level Type option on the Rates tab of the Client file is set to None.

Tabs3 allows you to set up six different billing rates for each timekeeper when using the Timekeeper file. If a timekeeper's rate changes, a new rate can be specified along with a cut-off date that indicates which transactions entered from this point forward will use the new rate.

Billing rates can be assigned any way you want, but it is best to have some method for the assignment of rates. We recommend that the definition of each hourly rate be consistent for all timekeepers (i.e., standard rate, premium rate, discounted rate, etc.). For example, Rate 1 could be the rate that is used for the standard billing rate for all timekeepers. Rate 2 could be the rate that is used for the premium billing rate for all timekeepers.

When setting up a new client record, you will assign a Billing Rate Code on the Rates tab of the Client file. The Billing Rate Code is used for determining the default billing rate. A Billing Rate Code of "1" through "6" corresponds to one of the timekeeper's six billing rates defined in the timekeeper file. For example, if you assign a Billing Rate Code of 3 to a client, all fee entries will use the third billing rate for each timekeeper by default. (Note: If a fee rate table exists for the client and the specified timekeeper has a rate defined in the fee rate table, Tabs3 will use the rate from the fee rate table. The fee rate table takes precedence over any other method of determining default billing rates. See also: How Tabs3 Selects the Default Billing Rate.)

A Billing Rate Code of "0" on the Rates tab of the Client file indicates the client is a flat fee client and rate #1 from the timekeeper file is used by default. A Billing Rate Code of "7" indicates the rate will be pulled from the transaction code file. A Billing Rate Code of "8" indicates the rate will be calculated from the amount assigned in the transaction code file.

Client's Hourly Rate Method

A Billing Rate Code of "9" on the Rates tab of the Client file indicates the Hourly Rate from the Client file will be used as the default rate.