Most business owners do not know if they are overpaying for bookkeeping.
They just know the invoice shows up, the books stay kinda-sorta up to date, and their CPA does not yell at them in April.
But here’s the thing: bookkeeping should give you more than peace and quiet during tax season. It should help you make better business decisions all year long. If that is not happening, you are probably not getting what you’re paying for.
Let’s walk through how to spot the red flags, and what good bookkeeping should look like.
1. You Have No Idea What You’re Paying For
If you get a flat monthly bill but have no clue what is included, that is mistake #1.
Ask yourself:
- Do you know how many accounts they are reconciling?
- Are they doing sales tax filings?
- Do they track invoices, 1099s, payroll?
- Do they send you reports, and do those reports make sense?
If the answer is “I think so?” you are paying too much to be that confused.
2. You’re Paying Premium Prices for Basic Stuff
Some bookkeepers charge like they are managing a Fortune 500 account. But all they’re doing is logging into your QuickBooks once a month and clicking “Reconcile.”
If you are paying hundreds (or thousands) a month and your books are still a mess, you’re being overcharged for under-delivery.
Clean books do not need to cost a fortune. What you need is consistency and clarity. Not a mystery invoice.
3. You Only Hear From Them at Tax Time
If your bookkeeper goes dark from May through March, that is a problem.
Good bookkeeping is proactive. You should be getting monthly reports you can actually read. Cash flow insights. Alerts when something looks off. Help when you’ve got questions.
If your bookkeeper only shows up once the CPA needs numbers, you are not getting a service… you’re getting a receipt printer.
4. Your Reports Are Useless
Your P&L report should not look like a thrift store receipt. If your categories are all over the place, if income is missing, or if expenses are misclassified, what are you even paying for?
Good bookkeeping helps you run your business, not just file taxes.
5. You Feel Like You’re Bothering Them When You Ask Questions
Bookkeepers are supposed to help you understand your numbers. If asking for clarification feels like you are ordering a steak well done in a fancy restaurant, it is time to bounce.
You deserve clear answers without attitude.
If you are paying for bookkeeping and still flying blind, that is not a service… that’s a bill.
We will walk you through exactly what you should be getting for what you’re paying.
Book a quick consult and let’s break it down together.
