How much does a bookkeeper cost? A year-end tax season guide for small businesses
Tax season has a way of sneaking up on small business owners, and the scramble to get books in order is one of the most stressful parts of the year.
Among the many decisions to make, one key question often comes up—how much is a bookkeeper, and is it worth the investment?
Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting out, this bookkeeping guide will break down the costs and benefits of hiring a bookkeeper as you consider what’s best for your business going into 2026.
What does a bookkeeper do, anyway?
Before diving into costs, let’s cover the basics: what does a bookkeeper do? Bookkeepers handle your business's day-to-day financial transactions, ensuring everything is recorded accurately and organized. Common bookkeeping tasks include:
Recording income and expenses
Reconciling bank and credit card statements
Generating financial reports like profit and loss statements
Managing accounts payable and receivable
Assisting with payroll or tax-related filings
At year-end, a skilled bookkeeper becomes even more critical as they prepare your financial records for tax filing, ensuring compliance and saving you (and your CPA) countless headaches!
So, How Much Does a Bookkeeper Cost? Bookkeeping Prices for Small Business
The cost of a bookkeeper can vary, but here’s a breakdown of common commitments based on the type and size of your business:
| Business size | Hours per month | Cost per month |
|---|---|---|
| Solopreneur / small business | 2–4 hours | $100–$200 |
| Medium-sized business | 5–10 hours | $250–$500 |
Across the market, bookkeepers generally run $30–$70 an hour depending on experience, or $200–$500 a month for a small business on a package. Ours are $50 an hour with no minimum, and most small businesses find a package works out cleaner than tracking hours.
Things like transaction volume, requirements for payroll and general business complexity will affect the overall pricing as well
What Affects a Bookkeeper's Price
Frequency. Monthly upkeep costs more than a quarterly or annual review, because it's simply more time.
Scope. Basic bookkeeping sits at the lower end. Adding extra reporting, payroll, sales tax calculations, inventory management, or AR/AP can increase this.
Cleanup. A backlog is a higher one-time cost that drops sharply once you're caught up.
Expertise. A bookkeeper with real accounting training costs more and is usually worth it.
Is it worth it?
For many small businesses, the answer is “absolutely,”—especially during tax season.
Here’s why:
Saves you time and stress. Instead of sifting through receipts and reconciling accounts, you can focus on growing your business while your bookkeeper ensures everything is in order. It’s a small investment to take that off of your plate.
Gives you oversight of your tax prep and financials. Accurate and up-to-date financial records mean you’re less likely to miss deductions, overpay taxes, or face penalties. Having a financial team on your side is a great way to give your business that extra oversight.
Provides insight into your business’s finances. Regular financial reports give you a clearer picture of your business’s performance, helping you make informed, data-driven decisions for the business.
Streamlines your tax season. A bookkeeper ensures your books are tax-ready, saving you and your CPA last-minute headaches before tax filing. Our bookkeepers even work directly with your CPA to provide a seamless tax filing process and can recommend a CPA that fits you if you need it!
How do I choose the right bookkeeper for a small business?
When hiring a bookkeeper, think about the following:
Credentials and experience. Ask about their certifications (e.g., QuickBooks ProAdvisor, CPB) and experience. We recommend looking for someone with an accounting background (an accounting degree at the minimum) and several years of experience with good references.
Technology and tools. Ensure they’re familiar with the software you use (or can recommend software if you’re not using any). Popular options include QuickBooks and Xero.
Communication and client service. A good bookkeeper is responsive, proactive, and clear in their communication. They should be a partner you trust with your financials.
A quick year-end bookkeeping checklist for your business
As you prepare for tax season, here’s a quick checklist to discuss with your bookkeeper:
Ensure all transactions are categorized correctly
Reconcile all bank and credit card accounts
Review accounts payable and receivable for any discrepancies
Compile all necessary tax documents like W-2s and 1099s
Confirm your books are ready for your CPA
If you don’t have a bookkeeper, now is the time to hire one. Year-end tasks can be overwhelming, but having an expert ensures you’re prepared and confident going into tax season.
Our bookkeeping services for small business start at $50 an hour with no minimum, and our bookkeepers work directly with your CPA at tax time so nothing falls through the cracks.
Let's chat if you’re ready to hire a bookkeeper who understands small business needs. The Boutique COO specializes in providing tailored bookkeeping solutions to help businesses like yours thrive, and we would love to chat with you!
