Flat Rate Bookkeeping Services: What You Need to Know
If you’re looking for bookkeeping services that fit your budget and keep your finances in order, you’ve probably come across the term “flat rate bookkeeping.” But what exactly does it mean? And how does it compare to hourly billing?
Download Our Free Brochure →This guide breaks down the pros and cons of flat rate bookkeeping, what’s usually included, and how to choose the right provider for your business.
What Is Flat Rate Bookkeeping?
Flat rate bookkeeping refers to a pricing model where the bookkeeper charges a fixed monthly or quarterly fee rather than billing by the hour. This is often preferred by small businesses that need predictable costs and consistent service.
Rather than tracking time spent on each task, the provider outlines a monthly scope – such as reconciliations, financial reports, and categorizing transactions – and charges you one flat fee to handle it.
Typical Monthly Flat Rates
Rates vary based on business size, transaction volume, and services needed. Here’s a general guide:
- Freelancers / Sole Proprietors: $100-$150/month
- Small Businesses (100–200 transactions): $150-$250/month
- Larger SMBs (inventory, payroll, multi-account): $250-$500+/month
Some providers offer flat-rate catch-up or cleanup bookkeeping as well, especially if you’re starting behind.
What’s Included in Flat Rate Bookkeeping
Most flat rate packages include:
- Categorizing income and expenses
- Monthly account reconciliations
- Basic financial statements (P&L, Balance Sheet)
- Access to your reports
- Email or portal-based communication
- Software support (QuickBooks, Xero, etc.)
Higher-tier plans may also include:
- Invoicing and bill pay
- Payroll support
- Budgeting or cash flow forecasting
- Year-end reporting packages for tax filing
Pros of Flat Rate Bookkeeping
- Predictable costs
- Easier budgeting
- No surprise bills
- Clarity on what’s included
- Better alignment between client and provider
Cons to Watch Out For
- Limited flexibility – scope may be rigid
- Overages if you exceed transaction or time limits
- Lack of customization with some low-cost providers
- Hidden fees in some “flat rate” marketing offers
Always ask for a written scope of work and make sure you understand the limits of your package.
Download Our Free Brochure →Flat Rate vs. Hourly Bookkeeping
| Feature | Flat Rate | Hourly Billing |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Fixed monthly fee | Based on time spent |
| Budgeting | Easy to predict | Can vary significantly |
| Scope Clarity | Usually pre-defined | May change over time |
| Best for | Small businesses | Complex or sporadic needs |
Flat rate is ideal if you want consistency, especially for monthly bookkeeping needs. Hourly billing might make sense for highly complex or one-off projects, but it can be hard to control costs.
Case Example: Retail Business in New Jersey
A retail shop with 150 monthly transactions was paying $95/hour for bookkeeping, averaging over $400/month. After switching to a $175 flat rate plan with RemoteBooksOnline, they saved nearly 50% and gained full monthly financial reports – with no hourly tracking required.
Stay organized and tax-ready year-round with our flat-rate monthly bookkeeping services.
Looking for affordable bookkeeping? Our under $150/month plan offers flat-rate, CPA-reviewed service-no surprises, just clean books.
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.
Offer your clients expert financial support without breaking the bank with our affordable bookkeeping services – reliable, professional, and budget-friendly solutions for growing businesses.
FAQs
What if I go over the transaction limit in a flat rate plan?
Most providers will inform you before charging overages or suggest moving to a higher tier plan.
Is flat rate better for small businesses?
Yes – it provides cost control, consistency, and peace of mind.
Can I get catch-up bookkeeping on a flat rate?
Yes. RemoteBooksOnline offers flat pricing for catch-up as well as monthly service.
RemoteBooksOnline offers flat-rate bookkeeping starting at just $150/month – with no hourly surprises and your first month free.
