Simple, Flat-Rate Pricing
All services are quoted as a fixed project fee (flat rate) before the work is done. There are no hidden or extra charges for complexity, and no running meter when you have a quick question. That means no surprises on your bill at the end of a job.
The price is based on the actual service that is provided, meaning that some services are scoped after a diagnostic review. For example, there is a big difference between a catch up bookkeeping project dealing with 8 months of backlog as compared to 2 months. In such situations, you receive a fixed price before any work is done.
HOW PRICING WORKS
The fee is agreed upon before the work is done. No last minute invoice surprises at the end of a project or filing season.
No additional fees are charged for a brief phone call or email throughout the year.
The quote for project work is not a one-size-fits-all rate sheet. Rather, a quote is provided after a review of your individual situation.
How Each Service is Billed
The cost of service will vary based on the size and complexity of the job. Here is a breakdown of the billing model and estimated cost range of each service.
including monthly reconciliation, categorization, financial statements, and year end support. Charges are based on volume of transactions and number of accounts. This will be billed as a predictable monthly fee. A quick analysis of your accounts is used to set a fixed rate.
including bookkeeping, payroll management, compliance filings, and monthly financial review. This is an all-in-one flat monthly retainer for businesses that want the full accounting picture covered. It’s a flat bundle retainer fee based on your business size and services needed.
Have months or years of backlog cleaned up at once. You will receive a quote after review of a diagnostic file, according to how far behind you are and the number of transactions. Average range: $750 to $3,500. A fixed quote will be given before any work starts.
includes 1040 and CA 540 with all applicable schedules. Schedule C, D, E, K-1s, Form 1041, and prior year returns. These returns are priced according to complexity, not the number of forms. A flat fee is charged per return and will be quoted before you start filing.
for S-Corps (1120-S), C-Corps (1120), Partnerships (1065), LLCs, Nonprofits (990). Fees are based on the type of entity and complexity. A discount is available if filed with the individual return of the owner. Flat fee per return with a quote provided before work begins.
includes payroll processing, 941 & 940 filing, CA EDD compliance, W-2s, and payroll-to-books reconciliation. This is not a standalone service, but rather it is part of the Small Business Accounting retainer.
Notice responses, audit representations, penalty abatements, installment agreements, and CA FTB matters. Depending on the type of notice and level of representation, charges will vary after the initial case review.
includes one-on-one training, staff training packages, and continuous oversight retainers. Charges according to format and duration of the engagement. Session or package pricing are available and will be discussed after a free call.
Financial reporting, cash flow forecasting, budgeting, and financial advisory services. This service is designed to meet the needs of your business based on your specific financial structure. Retainer is charged on a monthly basis, with pricing based on engagement review.
What’s Provided at no extra charge.
Flat-rate pricing means that the service you’re paying for is exactly what you’re getting, and you don’t have to worry about which ones will cost you extra. The points below are never looked at as a separate line item for existing customers.
Short phone calls or emails throughout the year do not add to your invoice. You shouldn't be afraid to ask.
If you get a notice, Susan will review it and let you know what to do next before determining if representation is needed.
For current bookkeeping and accounting clients, a Q4 planning discussion does not come with an advisory fee, but is considered part of the engagement.
As part of your engagement, you will be communicating with your lender, attorney, or financial advisor.
These Factors
Determine Your Quote
Flat-rate doesn’t mean one-size-fits-all. This is what is used to determine the exact quote offered for each service.
The number of transactions, number of accounts, and the number of entities or schedules. A single account sole proprietor is less expensive to service than a multi-entity S Corp owner with investments.
The scope is affected by whether the books are up-to-date and in order to start with, or whether they need to be cleaned up before the tax preparation can begin.
Quote includes filing requirements for operations in more than one state, multiple related entities, or composite returns.
Monthly engagements are less expensive per month than quarterly or annual engagements because recurring services have less ramp-up time on both sides.
What people ask When They Call
No. Your accounting costs should be predictable, just like any other business expense. We determine the scope of the work upfront, give you the price, and you can contact us with questions without wondering whether every phone call is adding to your bill.
After the initial discussion, Susan looks at your QuickBooks file or bank statements to see what is actually in there. The review includes how far behind you are, how many accounts you have, and if there are any errors that need to be fixed. The quote is based on the fixed fee review. No work is done until there is an agreement in place for both scope and price.
Yes, this is a common path. Many clients begin with tax preparation and then, when they see that the books aren’t caught up or organized, they add bookkeeping to their services. Some begin with catch-up bookkeeping and then move to full service accounting thereafter once the file is clean. There’s no requirement to bundle everything from the start.
Check, ACH bank transfer, Zelle, Venmo and cash. Monthly retainer clients are typically set up on ACH. Project based and per-return services are called for a deposit prior to the start of work, and the remainder of the payment will be due at the end of the work.
Contact Susan C. Lloyd, CPA
Ready to Chat? Schedule a Call or In Person Meeting
Explain what services you need, how complex your situation is, and what software you’re using. Susan will tell you what makes sense, how much it costs, and if it is a good fit. There is no commitment when you call.