The Hidden Costs of QuickBooks Live Bookkeeping
QuickBooks Live promises affordable, on-demand bookkeeping inside your existing QuickBooks Online account. At first glance, it sounds perfect-familiar interface, seamless integration, and a monthly flat fee.
Download Our Free Brochure →But many small businesses quickly discover that the real costs of QuickBooks Live go far beyond the monthly price. Limited support, lack of CPA oversight, and service gaps can make the experience more expensive-and riskier-than expected.
What QuickBooks Live Offers
QuickBooks Live provides:
- A bookkeeper assigned through the QuickBooks interface
- Monthly categorization and reconciliation
- Basic reports for profit and loss, balance sheet, and cash flow
It’s built into QuickBooks Online, making it convenient for existing users.
What’s Missing from QuickBooks Live
Despite its seamless interface, QuickBooks Live lacks key services that many businesses eventually need:
- No CPA review of reports
- No catch-up services included
- No phone support or direct communication
- Bookkeepers may rotate or change over time
- Limited to QuickBooks Online only-no Xero or external platforms
These limitations often become pain points as businesses grow.
The Cost Breakdown
QuickBooks Live pricing is tiered based on your monthly expenses:
- $200/month: up to $10,000 in monthly expenses
- $300/month: $10,001 to $50,000
- $400+/month: $50,001 and up
What’s not included:
- Backdated catch-up bookkeeping
- CPA review
- Tax support
- Industry-specific reporting or guidance
Many business owners assume those are standard but discover they’re not included until it’s too late.
Download Our Free Brochure →Test Case: Construction Company in Arizona
A small construction business enrolled in QuickBooks Live expecting hands-on support and CPA-level accuracy. After six months:
- They had paid over $2,000
- Reconciliation errors were still unresolved
- They had no CPA oversight for tax filing
- The assigned bookkeeper changed twice
They switched to RemoteBooksOnline. Within the first month:
- Their past three months were cleaned up
- Monthly books were reviewed by a CPA
- A dedicated team was assigned to their account
- Support was available by phone or email, every month
The business saved money and finally had confidence in their financial reports.
Why RemoteBooksOnline is a Better Alternative
RemoteBooksOnline offers:
- Flat-rate monthly pricing regardless of expenses
- CPA-reviewed financial reports every month
- Catch-up services included
- Dedicated support team with continuity
- Integration with both QuickBooks and Xero
For most small businesses, it’s not just more affordable-it’s more complete.
FAQs
Is QuickBooks Live bookkeeping done by a CPA?
No. QuickBooks Live bookkeepers are not CPAs, and reports are not CPA-reviewed.
Does QuickBooks Live offer catch-up services?
No. If you’re behind, you’ll need to catch up separately or switch providers.
What if I want to switch to RBO from QBO Live?
We help transition, clean up any errors, and ensure continuity moving forward.
Can I keep using QuickBooks if I switch?
Yes. We work inside your existing QuickBooks Online account-no platform change needed.
Conclusion
QuickBooks Live may work for some businesses, but for those who need consistent support, CPA oversight, and catch-up flexibility, the hidden costs can outweigh the convenience.
RemoteBooksOnline offers a smarter alternative: clear pricing, clean books, and peace of mind backed by real people and real experience.
Tax professionals and CPAs rely on our QuickBooks bookkeeping services to streamline financials and scale their practices efficiently.
If you’re behind on your books, our catch-up bookkeeping services can help you get current fast-no stress, no mess.
RemoteBooksOnline vs QuickBooks Live: Which Bookkeeping Service Delivers More Value for SMBs?
