How To
Using estimates in billing
CCH Practice Management
Estimates are used to raise an invoice for client work that has not yet been entered as WIP. They are also known as interim fees. An estimate essentially puts a credit against the total WIP amount. There is no write–off/on required.
Like a miscellaneous charge, you can apply an estimate against any client assignment, regardless of whether it has any billable WIP against it.
Automatic and Manual Estimates
An estimate is added at the time of billing, from the Bill Amounts window. You can add an estimate automatically or manually through this window in the following ways:
- through the Bill Amounts window (Stage Two of the Billing Wizard) > Create new estimate
to complete window at the time of billing. Use this to create an estimate at the assignment level.
- through the Bill Amounts window at the time of billing using an automatic estimate. Use this to create an estimate at the more detailed employee and task level.
- CCH Practice Management creates an automatic estimate when a bill amount entered exceeds the amount of available WIP. The estimate is raised on allocation of the bill, and the credited (or negative) amount is then automatically allocated to further WIP as it is posted. When an automatic estimate is created the system alerts you by populating the AE (Automatic Estimate) column in the Bill Amounts window with
.
Note: estimates previously raised can be viewed in the Misc/Est tab of the relevant Assignment page.
Related documents
CCH Practice Management 2026.2: Release Notes
Release Notes for CCH Practice Management 2026.2
CCH Practice Management 2026.3: Release Notes
Release Notes for CCH Practice Management 2026.3
CCH Practice Management: enhanced - billing training online (10133815)
This document outlines a 3-hour training course on CCH Practice Management, focusing on the chargeable work process for clients. Participants will learn how to authorize timesheets, expenses, and disbursements, access prebilling reports, and utilize basic billing functionalities. The course is aimed at users involved in the billing process and requires prior completion of CCH Central and CCH Practice Management essentials courses. It will be delivered via an interactive environment called CloudShare. Additional resources such as eLearning courses, videos, and webinars are provided for further learning.
CCH Practice Management: essentials training online (10133814)
This course is designed for staff involved in completing Timesheets, Expenses, and Disbursements within the CCH Practice Management system. It covers the creation and submission processes, as well as utilizing CCH homepages for efficiency. Prerequisites include completed CCH implementations and internal agreement. The training lasts for two hours and is conducted via the interactive CloudShare platform. Topics include job structure, month-end processes, and practical hands-on exercises. Resources such as eLearning, videos, and webinars are also available to enhance learning.
Software and database installation (10091331)
This document outlines the installation process for software and a pre-configured database following an order confirmation. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the IT environment meets necessary hardware and software specifications, as well as the role of a Consultant in reviewing infrastructure and advising on deployment options. Key areas covered include SQL revisions, resource allocation for installations, workstation deployment methods, and scheduling installation access rights. Users are encouraged to review a hardware system requirements guide prior to installation discussions.