How much does a bookkeeper cost for a small business?
Most small businesses pay between $150 and $500 per month for professional bookkeeping. The exact number depends on your transaction volume, industry complexity, and what services are included.
At the low end, you’re looking at basic transaction categorization and bank reconciliation for businesses with straightforward finances. Maybe a freelancer or solo service provider with one bank account and a credit card. At the higher end, you get businesses with inventory, payroll, multiple revenue streams, or industry-specific requirements that take more time to manage correctly. Working with a Nampa business tax preparation service that also handles bookkeeping can streamline things, since your books and taxes stay connected year-round.
Hourly bookkeepers typically charge $25 to $75 per hour depending on experience and location. The problem with hourly billing is unpredictability. You don’t know what the month will cost until it’s over, and you might hesitate to ask questions because you’re watching the clock. Many small business owners prefer flat monthly rates for this reason.
Several factors affect what you’ll pay. Transaction volume matters most. More bank and credit card transactions means more work categorizing and reconciling. The number of accounts plays a role too. Multiple bank accounts, credit cards, and payment processors add complexity. If you need payroll support or operate in an industry with specialized requirements like construction or restaurants, expect to pay more for someone who understands those needs.
At Castell Tax Experts, our core bookkeeping services start at $195 per month. That includes general ledger management, bank reconciliations, and monthly financial statements. The rate scales based on your business’s monthly expense volume. Higher expenses mean more transactions to categorize and reconcile. We also include unlimited questions, so you’re not charged extra for asking how something works or what a number means.
The cheapest option is doing it yourself, but “free” isn’t really free. Most business owners who handle their own books spend several hours per month on it. That’s time away from running the business. And mistakes in DIY bookkeeping often cost more to fix than professional services would have cost in the first place.
The real question isn’t what a bookkeeper costs. It’s what poor books cost you. Missed deductions at tax time. Decisions made without accurate financial information. Time spent untangling records instead of growing the business. A good bookkeeper often pays for themselves in tax savings and time reclaimed.
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