How much do bookkeeping services charge?
Most small businesses pay between $300 and $1,500 per month for bookkeeping. The range is wide because costs depend on your transaction volume, how complex your books are, and what services you need beyond basic categorization.
A straightforward service business with one bank account, one credit card, and 50-100 transactions per month usually falls in the $300-$500 range. Add employees, multiple accounts, inventory, or job costing needs, and you’re looking at $600-$1,000 or more. Construction companies and businesses with complex tracking requirements often pay $1,000-$1,500+ because the work takes more time and expertise.
Some bookkeepers charge hourly, typically $40-$75 per hour depending on experience and location. Hourly works for occasional cleanup or project work but creates unpredictable costs for ongoing bookkeeping. Monthly flat-fee pricing is more common and lets you budget accurately.
Transaction volume drives most of the cost. More transactions means more time categorizing, more reconciliation work, and more opportunities for errors that need investigation. A business running 500 transactions a month takes significantly more work than one running 75.
What you include matters too. Basic bookkeeping services cover transaction categorization and monthly reconciliation. Add payroll processing, accounts payable management, sales tax filings, or detailed job costing, and the price goes up. Some firms bundle these services while others charge separately.
The cheapest option isn’t always the best value. Offshore bookkeeping services advertising $99/month work for some businesses, but they often lack the context to categorize transactions correctly or catch issues that need attention. You end up fixing mistakes yourself or paying someone else to clean up later. A bookkeeper who understands your industry and can answer questions when you call is worth more than rock-bottom pricing.
Ask what’s included before comparing prices. Monthly reconciliation, financial statement preparation, year-end tax prep support, and responsiveness to questions all vary between providers. Two quotes at the same price can represent very different levels of service.
If you’re getting quotes for small business bookkeeping services, provide accurate information about your transaction volume, number of accounts, and any industry-specific needs. A bookkeeper who understands what they’re taking on can give you a realistic price. One who quotes without understanding your situation will either undercharge and cut corners or raise the price after they see what’s actually involved.
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