Answers · Bookkeeping
How Much Does Bookkeeping Cost for a Small Business?
Bookkeeping fees should reflect transaction volume and complexity, not revenue alone.
How it works
The rule, and what it turns on.
Key drivers include number of accounts, monthly transactions, payroll, inventory, loans, sales tax, A/R, A/P, cleanup work and reporting.
Example
Two $500,000-revenue businesses can require very different work if one has 100 transactions and one account while the other has 900 transactions, inventory, payroll and five cards.
Common mistakes
What we see go wrong, and what we do instead.
- Pricing from revenue alone.
- Including unlimited cleanup in a low fixed fee.
A better approach
- Use tiered flat pricing plus defined add-ons.
Authority
Where this comes from, so you can check it.
IRC §6001; Treas. Reg. §1.6001-1; IRS Publication 583; IRS Small Business Recordkeeping guidance.
Educational information, not individualized tax advice. Treatment depends on your facts, entity classification and tax year, and IRS instructions change. Confirm your own position with us before relying on it. Mint Associates does not provide legal services.
Have this question about your own books?
Thirty minutes with someone who does this every day, and you will know where you stand. No obligation.