Cheap Bookkeeping Services for Small Businesses: Are They Worth It?
For many small businesses, the idea of “cheap bookkeeping” sounds appealing – especially when cash flow is tight and margins are thin. But is going cheap on your books a smart move or a costly shortcut?
Download Our Free Brochure →Let’s break down what cheap bookkeeping services really offer, when they’re worth considering, and how to avoid risks that could hurt your business come tax season.
What Does “Cheap” Really Mean in Bookkeeping?
In most markets, professional bookkeeping services typically cost between $150 to $500 per month depending on your volume of transactions and level of service. “Cheap” usually refers to rates under $200/month – or under $2,000/year – which can be found from:
- Freelancers on gig platforms
- Overseas outsourcing firms
- Basic DIY tools bundled with QuickBooks or Xero
- Budget bookkeeping firms offering flat monthly pricing
But here’s the key question: what are you actually getting for that price?
What to Expect from Cheap Bookkeeping Services
Pros:
- Lower monthly cost – predictable flat rate
- Quick setup – often ready in days
- Basic transaction categorization – works well for low-volume businesses
Cons:
- Limited scope – doesn’t always include reconciliation or monthly financials
- No CPA oversight – can lead to compliance or audit issues
- Inexperienced bookkeepers – risk of misclassifications or missing entries
- Limited catch-up or cleanup help
When Cheap Bookkeeping Works Well
Cheap bookkeeping can be a good fit if:
- You’re a sole proprietor or freelancer with few expenses
- You’re cash-based with simple income streams (e.g., Zelle, Venmo, PayPal)
- You only need books cleaned up before tax time
- You’re just starting and don’t yet have complex financials
In these cases, a basic, flat-rate solution may be all you need – as long as it’s accurate, secure, and compliant.
When It Can Hurt Your Business
Cheap bookkeeping becomes risky if:
Download Our Free Brochure →- You invoice clients or manage receivables
- You have payroll, inventory, or 1099 contractors
- You need monthly financial statements
- You plan to apply for loans or funding
- You’re behind and need catch-up bookkeeping
If your books are incomplete or inaccurate, you can miss deductions, file taxes late, or make poor business decisions based on the wrong numbers.
How to Stay Affordable Without Cutting Corners
Look for bookkeeping providers that balance cost and quality:
- Offer flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees
- Provide catch-up or cleanup options
- Guarantee CPA-ready outputs (P&L, Balance Sheet, etc.)
- Include QuickBooks or Xero support
- Deliver secure, remote service with experienced professionals
Test Case: A Real Example
Business Type: Mobile auto detailer
Monthly Transactions: Under 100
Problem: Using a part-time friend for books, no monthly reports, missed tax deadline
Solution: Switched to flat-rate bookkeeping with RemoteBooksOnline for $150/month
Outcome: Got CPA-ready financials in 10 business days and avoided IRS penalties
FAQs
What’s included in cheap bookkeeping services?
Typically categorizing transactions, light reconciliation, and monthly statements. Not all providers include reports or tax prep-ready books.
Can I switch to full-service later?
Yes. Many small businesses start with cheap monthly service, then upgrade to catch-up, cleanup, or ongoing support.
Are cheap bookkeepers reliable?
That depends. Always check for experience, security protocols, and whether they provide CPA-ready outputs.
If you’re behind on your books, our catch-up bookkeeping services can help you get current fast-no stress, no mess.
Stay organized and tax-ready year-round with our flat-rate monthly bookkeeping services.
Not sure which bookkeeping software fits your needs? Use our bookkeeping comparison tool to see how QuickBooks, Xero, and FreshBooks stack up – and choose the best fit for your business.
Need clean, CPA-ready books without high costs?
RemoteBooksOnline offers flat-rate bookkeeping starting at $150/month – with your first month free.
