Last updated: September 2026 · Written by Abdul Ghaffar, founder of AG Bookkeeping Services LLC
Use our free bookkeeping price calculator to estimate what bookkeeping will cost your business each month. Enter your transactions, accounts and payroll details below and get an instant estimate — no sign-up, no obligation.
Quick answer: How much does bookkeeping cost?
Most small businesses pay $200–$700 per month for bookkeeping. Businesses with 200+ monthly transactions or several employees usually pay $800–$1,200+. The price depends mainly on transaction volume, the number of bank and credit card accounts, and payroll.
On this page: Calculator · Price factors · Price ranges · Example · What’s included · How to save · FAQ
Bookkeeping Price Calculator: Estimate Your Monthly Cost
Bookkeeping Pricing Calculator
Generate accurate and profitable pricing for your bookkeeping services.
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This is an estimate. Your final price is confirmed after a free 15-minute review of your books. Get My Exact Quote →
What Affects the Price of Bookkeeping?
Bookkeeping is priced mostly by how much work your books take each month. These six factors decide your price:
| Factor | What it means | Effect on price |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction volume | Number of sales, bills, receipts and payments recorded each month | The biggest driver — more transactions means more time |
| Bank & credit card accounts | Each account has to be reconciled every month | Each extra account adds a little |
| Payroll | Running payroll, paying contractors, payroll tax filings | Adds cost per employee |
| Reporting frequency | Monthly vs. quarterly financial statements | Monthly reporting costs more but keeps you current |
| Catch-up or clean-up | Books that are behind or have errors | One-time fee, separate from the monthly price |
| Industry complexity | Inventory, job costing, multiple locations, trust accounts | Higher price for specialized work |
How Much Does Bookkeeping Cost per Month?
Here’s what small businesses typically pay for monthly bookkeeping in 2026:
| Package | Transactions / month | Payroll | Reports | Estimated monthly cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | Up to 50 | None | Quarterly | $200–$300 |
| Standard | 51–200 | 1–5 employees | Monthly | $400–$700 |
| Advanced | 200+ | Employees + contractors | Monthly + custom reports | $800–$1,200+ |
Prices vary with the condition of your books, your industry, and the services you need. See our bookkeeping pricing page for current packages.
How to Use the Bookkeeping Price Calculator
- Count your transactions. Look at last month’s bank and credit card statements and count every line, both money in and money out.
- List all accounts. Include every business checking account, savings account, credit card, PayPal, Stripe or Square account.
- Note your payroll needs. How many employees and contractors do you pay, and how often?
- Check if your books are current. If you’re months behind, expect a one-time catch-up fee on top of the monthly price.
- Enter the numbers in the calculator and use the estimate as your budget starting point.
Example: Bookkeeping Cost for a Small Ecommerce Business
- About 150 transactions per month
- 2 employees paid monthly
- Monthly financial statements plus quarterly tax-ready reports
- Books are up to date
This business falls into the Standard package, at roughly $500–$700/month. A flat monthly fee is usually easier to budget than hourly billing. Hourly bookkeepers often charge $30–$75/hour, and the total can jump in busy months.
What Should Be Included in Your Bookkeeping Price?
Before you compare quotes, confirm what each one covers. With AG Bookkeeping Services, our monthly bookkeeping service includes:
- Categorizing all transactions in QuickBooks or Xero
- Monthly bank and credit card reconciliations
- Monthly profit & loss statement and balance sheet
- Tax-ready books for your CPA at year end
- A dedicated bookkeeper you can actually reach
Common Mistakes When Budgeting for Bookkeeping
- Underestimating transactions. Small card purchases add up quickly — count them all.
- Ignoring catch-up work. If your books are behind, catch-up bookkeeping is billed separately. Ask about it upfront.
- Comparing quotes that aren’t equal. One quote may include payroll and reports while another doesn’t. Compare line by line.
- Choosing the cheapest option. Errors found at tax time often cost more than you saved.
How Can You Lower Your Bookkeeping Costs?
- Close unused accounts. Fewer accounts means fewer reconciliations.
- Keep business and personal spending separate. Mixed accounts take much longer to sort out.
- Use receipt-capture apps and connect your bank feeds to QuickBooks or Xero.
- Keep good records all year. The IRS explains which business records you should keep — organized records mean fewer billable hours.
- Stay current. Monthly bookkeeping costs less than a yearly catch-up rush.
Bookkeeping Cost FAQ
What is a bookkeeping price calculator?
A bookkeeping price calculator is a free online tool that estimates your monthly bookkeeping cost. You enter your monthly transactions, bank and credit card accounts, and number of employees, and it shows an estimated price range.
How much does bookkeeping cost for a small business?
Most small businesses pay between $200 and $700 per month for bookkeeping. Businesses with over 200 monthly transactions or several employees usually pay $800 to $1,200 or more.
How much does a bookkeeper charge per hour?
Freelance and outsourced bookkeepers in the U.S. typically charge $30 to $75 per hour, depending on experience, location and the complexity of your books.
Is it cheaper to pay a bookkeeper hourly or a flat monthly fee?
A flat monthly fee is usually more predictable. Hourly pricing can look cheaper at first, but the cost rises in busy months or when problems come up.
How much does it cost to catch up on bookkeeping?
Catch-up bookkeeping is a one-time fee based on how many months are behind and how many accounts need reconciling. We give you a fixed quote after reviewing your records.
Is the calculator estimate my final price?
It is a close estimate. Your exact price is confirmed after a free 15-minute review of your books, with no obligation.
Get Your Exact Bookkeeping Quote
Your calculator estimate is a starting point. For an exact, fixed monthly price, book a free 15-minute consultation. We’ll review your accounts and send you a clear quote with no hidden fees.