How Much Do Bookkeeping Services Cost?

One of the most common questions small business owners ask is: “How much does bookkeeping actually cost?” The answer depends on your business size, volume of transactions, the complexity of your financials, and whether you hire in-house, work with a freelancer, or use a professional outsourced service.

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This guide explains the pricing models for bookkeeping in 2025 and helps you understand what’s right for your business.

Factors That Influence Bookkeeping Costs

Bookkeeping pricing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Several key factors affect how much you’ll pay:

  • Transaction volume: More bank and credit card transactions = more work
  • Payroll needs: If payroll is part of bookkeeping, expect higher costs
  • Accounts receivable/payable: Managing invoicing and bills adds time
  • Software usage: Businesses using QuickBooks or Xero require software familiarity
  • Industry complexity: Construction, medical, legal, and nonprofit bookkeeping often require specialized knowledge
  • Reporting frequency: Weekly or biweekly reports cost more than monthly reporting
  • Catch-up or cleanup: If your books are behind or disorganized, expect an upfront cost to bring them current

Common Bookkeeping Pricing Models

1. In-House Bookkeeper (Hourly or Salary)

  • Hourly: $25-$45/hour for small business bookkeepers
  • Salary: $45,000-$65,000/year for full-time roles
  • Overhead: Includes payroll taxes, benefits, and training

Best for: Mid-sized businesses needing full-time financial support onsite

2. Freelance or Contract Bookkeeper

  • Hourly: $30-$75/hour depending on experience and region
  • Monthly: $500-$2,500/month for part-time support

Best for: Businesses with irregular bookkeeping needs or tight budgets

3. Outsourced Bookkeeping Services (Flat-Rate)

  • Entry-level plans: $150-$300/month (for <100 transactions/month)
  • Mid-tier plans: $300-$600/month (includes AP/AR, reporting)
  • High-volume plans: $600-$1,200/month+ (multi-entity or specialized services)

Best for: Small businesses, solopreneurs, and firms wanting predictable costs and expert service

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RemoteBooksOnline offers flat-rate monthly bookkeeping starting at $150/month – no contracts, no hidden fees.

One-Time Costs: Catch-Up or Cleanup Services

If your books are behind or in disarray, you’ll likely need:

Catch-Up Bookkeeping

  • Cost: $250-$2,000+ depending on number of months
  • Purpose: Bring all your past books up to date
  • When needed: Missed months, tax prep, new software migration

QuickBooks Cleanup

  • Cost: $300-$2,500+ depending on volume and errors
  • Purpose: Fix errors, miscategorized transactions, or improper reconciliations
  • When needed: Prior bookkeeper errors, merging accounts, audit prep

RemoteBooksOnline specializes in both catch-up and cleanup bookkeeping to get your financials CPA-ready.

Test Case: Startup Saves 70% with Outsourced Bookkeeping

Business: SaaS startup with 100–150 transactions/month

Problem: Initially hired a part-time in-house bookkeeper at $30/hour. With payroll taxes and training, the real cost exceeded $2,500/month.

Solution: Switched to RemoteBooksOnline’s $300/month flat-rate plan.

Results:

  • Cut costs by 70%
  • Reports delivered on time monthly
  • Year-end tax package sent directly to their CPA
  • Zero overhead, no employee management

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to hire or outsource?
Outsourcing is often 50-70% cheaper than hiring when you include wages, taxes, and management overhead.

Can I start with a low-tier plan and upgrade later?
Yes. Most providers offer scalable plans that grow with your business needs.

What happens if I fall behind on bookkeeping?
You’ll need catch-up services to get your books current. This is a one-time investment that ensures you’re ready for tax time or financing.

Does flat-rate pricing include everything?
At RemoteBooksOnline, yes. We offer predictable monthly pricing with no hidden fees.

Do providers charge setup fees?
Some do. RemoteBooksOnline waives setup fees for most standard plans, making it easier to get started.

Find a Plan That Fits Your Business and Budget

Bookkeeping is an investment – not an expense. The right service saves you time, improves accuracy, and supports long-term growth. Whether you’re just starting or scaling fast, RemoteBooksOnline offers expert, affordable bookkeeping at a flat monthly rate.

Explore our bookkeeping pricing, or request a free trial to get matched with the right plan for your business.

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Streamline Your Finances: Download Our Free Bookkeeping Brochure

Take control of your business finances with confidence! Our detailed brochure provides insights into how Remote Books Online can help you maintain accurate bookkeeping, stay tax-ready, and make informed financial decisions. Discover how our tailored bookkeeping services can support your business growth and simplify your financial management.