Questions
Answers to the bookkeeping and tax questions we hear most from contractors, trades, and service business owners.
Do I need a bookkeeper for my contracting business?
Most contractors do, especially once they're juggling multiple jobs, subcontractors, and equipment purchases. The complexity of construction accounting makes it easy to lose money without realizing it.
Read answerWhat's the difference between a bookkeeper and a CPA?
A bookkeeper handles the day-to-day recording of your transactions, reconciliations, and financial reports. A CPA is a licensed professional who can file tax returns, represent you before the IRS, and provide tax strategy. Both roles feed into each other.
Read answerWhen should a small business hire a bookkeeper?
Most small businesses should hire a bookkeeper as soon as they have regular income and expenses flowing through the business. Waiting until tax time or until things feel out of control usually means paying more to fix problems that proper bookkeeping would have prevented.
Read answerShould I do my own bookkeeping or hire someone?
Most trades business owners start doing their own books, fall behind, and end up with a mess at tax time. If your books are consistently months behind or you're unsure what you're doing, hiring someone will save you money in the long run.
Read answerHow much does a bookkeeper cost for a small business?
Most small businesses pay between $200 and $2,000 per month for bookkeeping, depending on transaction volume, number of accounts, and complexity. Trades and contractor businesses often land in the middle of that range.
Read answerWhat should a bookkeeper do for a contractor?
A bookkeeper for a contractor should handle much more than basic data entry. They need to track job costs, manage subcontractor payments, categorize expenses for maximum deductions, and deliver reports that show profitability by project.
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