Should I DIY or hire a bookkeeper?

If you're more than 3 months behind or have mixed personal/business spending, hiring a pro almost always pays for itself in time saved and missed deductions found.

How long does a cleanup take?

Typical 6-month cleanups run 2–4 weeks once records are gathered. Longer if statements or receipts are missing.

Will cleanup find tax savings?

Often yes — proper categorization surfaces deductible expenses (home office, mileage, software) you may have missed.

Bookkeeping Cleanup Cost Calculator

Behind on the books? Estimate hours and dollars to bring your records current.

Bookkeeping cleanup cost

Months behind

Transactions / month

Bank + credit card accounts

Complexity

Bookkeeper hourly rate

How it works

Approximate ~40 transactions per hour for categorization and reconciliation.
Add ~1 hour per account per month for reconciliations and review.
Apply a complexity multiplier (mixed personal/biz, inventory, multi-entity).

Assumptions

Excludes catch-up payroll filings, sales tax returns, and 1099 prep.
Assumes access to bank/CC statements and existing accounting software.
Rates vary by region and experience — adjust the hourly rate as needed.

Frequently asked questions

Related calculators

CPA fees
Business deductions
Find a bookkeeper

These calculators provide estimates for general planning only and are not tax, legal, or financial advice. Always verify with a licensed CPA for your specific situation.