Affordable Bookkeeping for Freelancers and Consultants
Freelancers and independent consultants wear a lot of hats – business development, client work, marketing, and more. But one area that often falls behind is bookkeeping. Staying on top of your finances is critical, and affordable bookkeeping services make it possible without blowing your budget.
Download Our Free Brochure →Whether you’re a full-time freelancer or juggling side gigs, this guide shows how to manage your money better with low-cost bookkeeping that works for self-employed professionals.
Why Bookkeeping Matters for Freelancers
Accurate bookkeeping helps you:
- Track income across platforms (PayPal, Stripe, Zelle, Venmo)
- Separate business and personal expenses
- Understand what’s taxable
- Plan for quarterly estimated taxes
- Know how much you’re really earning
- Prove income when applying for loans, leases, or mortgages
Without clean records, it’s easy to under-report earnings, overpay taxes, or get caught off guard during audit season.
What Makes Freelancer Bookkeeping Unique?
Freelancers often deal with:
- Multiple income streams (clients, platforms, royalties)
- Irregular or seasonal cash flow
- 1099 income instead of W-2s
- Solo operations with no payroll
- High volume of micro-expenses (software, supplies, travel)
This means your bookkeeping needs are different from those of a retail store or brick-and-mortar business – and your solution should reflect that.
What to Look For in an Affordable Bookkeeping Provider
- Flat monthly pricing (no hourly surprises)
- Support for platforms like QuickBooks, Xero, and Excel
- Reconciliation of all accounts
- CPA-ready financial statements
- Catch-up services if you’ve fallen behind
- Remote access with secure uploads
- U.S.-based or English-speaking support
Example Pricing
Many freelancer-friendly providers charge:
- $100-$150/month for low-volume, single-entity service
- $150-$250/month for multi-platform freelancers or consultants with multiple accounts
- Additional one-time fee for catch-up or cleanup work (if needed)
Always ask for an itemized scope and confirm what’s included in your monthly rate.
Case Example: Independent Designer
An Arizona-based graphic designer was using Excel to track income from Etsy, Upwork, and direct clients. When it came time to apply for a mortgage, she needed clean books and financial statements. After signing up for a $150/month RemoteBooksOnline plan, she had three years of reports in 8 days and continued with monthly service after that.
Download Our Free Brochure →Freelancer juggling your finances? Our Freelancer Bookkeeping service delivers customized, on-demand support tailored to your solo business needs.
Offer your clients expert financial support without breaking the bank with our affordable bookkeeping services – reliable, professional, and budget-friendly solutions for growing businesses.
Stay organized and tax-ready year-round with our flat-rate monthly bookkeeping services.
If you’re behind on your books, our catch-up bookkeeping services can help you get current fast-no stress, no mess.
FAQs
Do I need bookkeeping software to start?
No. You can use QuickBooks, Xero, Excel, or even paper records. RemoteBooksOnline adapts to your setup.
Can I afford a bookkeeper as a freelancer?
Yes. Many services start at $150/month or less – especially if you have low transaction volume.
What if I haven’t done any bookkeeping this year?
Catch-up services are available. You’ll just need your bank or PayPal statements, and a bookkeeper can bring everything current.
RemoteBooksOnline helps freelancers and consultants get CPA-ready books at a price that makes sense. Plans start at $150/month – and your first month is free.
