Bookkeeping Services Pricing (2025): Packages, Fees & What You'll Actually Pay

Introduction

Bookkeeping services pricing is no longer just about balancing ledgers—it's about having real-time, decision-ready financials that keep your business moving forward. In 2025, bookkeeping pricing continues to evolve with AI bookkeeping automation and automated bookkeeping software, outsourced bookkeeping firms, and fractional models—all competing for SMB dollars and often providing a dedicated bookkeeping team to manage your accounts. If you're still weighing your options, our full guide to virtual and outsourced bookkeeping for startups and small businesses breaks down how these services work, their benefits, and when they make sense.

Below we break down bookkeeping pricing packages, typical bookkeeping fees, and how providers quote the cost of services in 2025. But what does that mean for your budget?

Most small businesses now pay between $200–$600 per month for bookkeeping services, while mid-sized companies can expect $2,500+ monthly depending on transaction volume and complexity.

If you're evaluating fractional finance services and the benefits of fractional CFO services, understanding bookkeeping costs is essential for building your complete finance stack. This article focuses on the numbers: including bookkeeping fees, how much you'll actually pay in 2025, what's included in different packages, and how choosing the right service can help you save time by streamlining your financial management and letting you focus on your business.

What Drives Bookkeeping Pricing

Bookkeeping is the backbone of every successful business, providing a systematic way to record, categorize, and reconcile all financial transactions. By keeping your financial records up to date, bookkeeping services offer a clear snapshot of your company's financial health—crucial for making informed decisions and staying compliant with tax laws.

For small businesses, effective bookkeeping means more than just data entry. It ensures that accounts payable are managed efficiently, financial statements are accurate, and every transaction is properly documented. Whether you choose to handle bookkeeping in-house or partner with an accounting firm, the right approach helps you stay organized and ready for tax season.

Basic bookkeeping services typically include recording daily transactions, managing accounts payable, and preparing essential financial reports. As your business grows, you may need more advanced support, such as creating detailed financial reports, overseeing financial management, and receiving strategic advice to guide your expansion. No matter your stage, investing in professional bookkeeping ensures your financial data is reliable and actionable—empowering you to focus on running your business.

How Much Do Bookkeeping Services Cost in 2025?

Transaction volume is the #1 driver of bookkeeping fees after base complexity. Most providers price bookkeeping packages not just by business size, but by transaction volume. Crossing 100+ monthly transactions is a common threshold where $500/month entry packages start scaling up quickly — especially for companies doing over $500k/year in revenue.

On average, bookkeeping services fees (including bookkeeper cost and bookkeeping rates) range from $200–$600 per month for small businesses and can exceed $2,500/month for mid-sized companies with more complex needs.

⚠️ Revenue Thresholds Matter
If your business spends $40k–$50k/month (~$500k+/yr revenue), expect transaction volume to exceed 100/month. At that level, most providers push you into mid-tier pricing ($800–$1,500+), even if your bookkeeping needs don't feel more complex.

Here's a breakdown of the most common models:

• Freelance professional: $25–$60 per hour (hourly rates, flexible, but quality varies).
• Part-time bookkeeper: Lower cost, handles basic bookkeeping tasks, but may require more supervision.
• Full-time bookkeeper: Higher salary, responsible for comprehensive services, often as an in-house employee.
• Bookkeeping firms: $500–$2,500/month depending on transaction volume.
• SaaS + AI bookkeeping platforms: $199–$600/month, often with automation features.
• Fractional bookkeeping teams: $500–$1,000/month, sometimes bundled with payroll or CFO advisory.
• Online service and outsourced bookkeeping service: Cost-effective, scalable, and convenient for remote access to professional bookkeeping.
• Hourly billing and monthly bookkeeping: Common pricing models, with hourly billing for specific services and monthly bookkeeping for ongoing needs.

Bookkeeping fees and hourly rates vary significantly depending on various factors such as business size, complexity, and services required. Basic bookkeeping fees are lower, but specialized services and tax preparation can increase costs. Small business bookkeeping is especially sensitive to pricing, and a small business owner should consider the specific services they need. Choosing a bookkeeping team with experienced bookkeepers or a certified public accountant can impact both quality and cost. In-house costs are affected by office space, hiring a full-time employee, or maintaining a house bookkeeper. You can save money by choosing remote or online service providers. Be aware of the risk of scope creep and unforeseen complications with fixed-rate pricing—clear agreements benefit both you and your provider. Creating financial reports, recording transactions, and maintaining the company's financial health are core values of quality bookkeeping. Some providers also offer tax credit opportunities as a value-add.

According to Forbes Advisor, most small businesses spend between 1–3% of revenue on bookkeeping annually. NerdWallet notes that choosing the right pricing model can save businesses 30-50% compared to hiring full-time staff.

Bookkeeping Pricing Models

When it comes to paying for bookkeeping services, businesses have several pricing models to choose from, each with its own advantages. The most traditional approach is hourly rate pricing, where bookkeepers charge based on the time spent managing your books. While this model offers flexibility, it can be less cost effective for small businesses, especially if your bookkeeping needs fluctuate from month to month.

Fixed rate pricing, on the other hand, involves a set monthly fee for a defined package of bookkeeping services. This model provides predictable costs and can lead to significant cost savings, making it a popular choice for small businesses looking to manage their budgets more effectively.

Value based pricing is another option, where fees are determined by the perceived value of the bookkeeping services provided. This approach offers flexibility and can be tailored to the unique needs and complexity of your business, potentially increasing the value you receive as your business grows.

Choosing the right pricing model depends on your business's size, the complexity of your financial transactions, and the level of expertise required. By understanding how bookkeepers charge—whether through hourly rate, fixed rate, or value based pricing—you can select the most cost effective solution for your bookkeeping needs.

Bookkeeping Pricing Packages (2025)

Different providers structure their services into tiers. Package pricing often depends on the services required by your business, which may include specific services such as monthly bookkeeping, creating financial reports, or recording transactions, as well as specialized services like tax preparation or financial consulting tailored to your needs. Here's what you'll typically find in 2025.

Basic Bookkeeping (Transaction Entry & Reconciliations)

• Price: $200–$500/month (basic bookkeeping fees are typically lower due to the limited scope of services)
• Includes: Recording transactions, bank reconciliations, transaction categorization, monthly P&L.
• Best for: Solo entrepreneurs or businesses with <50 transactions/month who primarily need to record transactions and manage basic compliance.

Full-Service Bookkeeping (With Reporting, AR/AP Support)

• Price: $500–$1,500/month
• Includes: Monthly close, financial reports, accounts receivable and payable tracking, creating financial reports, and support from a dedicated bookkeeping team to ensure accuracy and provide insights into your company's financial health.
• Best for: Small businesses with staff, inventory, or recurring vendors.

Bookkeeping + Payroll Services

This is the most direct comparison point for bookkeeping and payroll services cost across providers.

• Price: $800–$2,000/month
• Includes: All bookkeeping services plus payroll processing, tax filing, compliance, and specialized services such as tax preparation and assistance with claiming tax credits (including R&D tax credit).
• Best for: Growing teams or those outsourcing HR functions.

Total bookkeeping and payroll expenses typically scale with headcount and pay frequency (biweekly vs. weekly).

AI-Assisted or Fractional Bookkeeping Models

• Price: $199–$600/month (AI-assisted); $500–$1,000/month (fractional).
• Includes: Automated transaction entry, AI categorization, human review by a remote bookkeeping team, and advisory add-ons. These models leverage an outsourced bookkeeping service or online service, allowing business owners to save time by streamlining financial management and accessing professional support remotely.
• Best for: Business owners who want cost savings plus oversight.

At-a-Glance Package Comparison

Factors That Affect the Cost of Bookkeeping Services

Several variables influence bookkeeping price quotes, and fees are determined by various factors such as the services required, the need for specialized services, and the complexity of your business. Specialized services like tax preparation and financial consulting are typically more expensive and tailored to specific client needs.

• Transaction volume: The primary cost driver — more transactions require more processing time and system resources.
• Business size & employee count: More employees typically mean more invoices, payroll entries, and complexity.
• Complexity of accounts: Multi-entity, accrual accounting, or industry-specific setups increase pricing.
• Add-ons: Payroll, tax prep, and CFO advisory can double your monthly bill.
• Technology: Firms leveraging AI may offer lower pricing than fully manual shops.

Scope creep and unforeseen complications can also increase costs, especially for complex projects or when the original scope of work expands unexpectedly. Hiring experienced bookkeepers is valuable for managing complex or specialized needs, ensuring financial accuracy and compliance.

External benchmark: Bench notes that add-ons like tax filing can add $600–$1,200 annually to bookkeeping plans.

Bookkeeping Services Price List (2025)

Use this bookkeeping price list to benchmark quotes by stage and transaction volume.

For bookkeeping prices for small business, most quotes fall between $500–$1,500/month once you pass ~50–200 transactions.

Here's what to expect by company stage in 2025:

Monthly bookkeeping costs vary by business size and the choice between part-time bookkeeping, full-time bookkeeping, hiring an in-house bookkeeper, or outsourcing. Full-time bookkeepers and in-house solutions offer more control and comprehensive services but come at a higher cost, while part-time bookkeeping or outsourcing can be more cost-effective for smaller businesses.

For growing businesses considering strategic finance and financial planning beyond basic bookkeeping, understanding when to upgrade your finance stack becomes crucial. Many businesses also benefit from exploring small business bookkeeping services as they scale.

Bookkeeping Services Price Comparison: DIY vs. Outsourced

When comparing bookkeeping prices, remember that headline SaaS fees exclude your time cost and error risk.

• DIY Software (QuickBooks, Xero, Wave): $30–$90/month, but time cost falls on you. For most small business bookkeeping, the headline price hides time and error risk—total accounting cost falls when accuracy and throughput improve.
• Freelance Professional: $20–$50/hour, offering flexibility and project-based work without the commitment of a full-time employee.
• Outsourced Firms: $500–$2,500/month, managed by professionals.
• Online Service / Outsourced Bookkeeping Service: $200–$600/month, affordable and convenient access to professional bookkeeping remotely, ideal for scaling businesses.
• AI-Assisted Bookkeeping: $199–$600/month, blending automation and oversight.
• Fractional Models: $500–$1,000/month, with on-demand scalability.

Choosing remote, online, or outsourced bookkeeping service options can help save money on office space and full-time employee costs, making them attractive for small and medium-sized businesses.

According to Accounting.com's salary guide, the average hourly rate for bookkeepers ranges from $15-$50 depending on experience and location.

Choosing a Bookkeeper in 2025

Selecting the right bookkeeper is a critical decision for any business owner. In 2025, you'll want to consider not only bookkeeping fees but also the experience, certifications, and pricing models offered by potential providers. Start by assessing whether your business requires basic bookkeeping or full service accounting, as the scope of services will influence both the expertise needed and the overall bookkeeping cost.

Deciding between in-house bookkeeping and outsourcing bookkeeping services is another key consideration. In-house bookkeepers offer direct oversight and can be integrated into your accounting department, but may come with higher costs due to salaries and employee benefits. Outsourcing bookkeeping, on the other hand, provides access to a team of professionals, cost savings, and scalability—especially valuable as your business grows or faces seasonal fluctuations.

Look for bookkeepers who offer value based pricing, as this can provide flexibility and ensure you're paying for the services that truly support your business goals. Whether you choose house bookkeeping, a full service accounting firm, or an automated bookkeeping software, the right partner will deliver accurate financial reports, help you avoid costly mistakes, and provide strategic advice to guide your company's financial management.

Ultimately, the best bookkeeping service is one that aligns with your business's needs, supports your growth, and keeps your financial data up to date—so you can focus on what you do best.

How to Choose the Right Bookkeeping Package in 2025

When evaluating bookkeeping pricing packages, consider:

• Match service level to stage: Freelancers may work early, but scaling requires full-service or AI-assisted models. Assess the services required for your business, including any specific services like payroll, tax preparation, or financial reporting.
• Specialized services: If you need specialized services such as tax preparation or financial consulting, expect higher costs tailored to your unique needs.
• When to upgrade: Hitting >100 monthly transactions or payroll needs? Time to level up.
• Hidden fees: Watch for add-on charges (tax prep, expedited reports, cleanup fees).

When choosing a provider, look for experienced bookkeepers who can handle complex financial tasks and ensure accuracy. Also, consider if a certified public accountant is needed for advanced expertise and compliance.

Pro tip: Transparent providers publish a bookkeeping services price list upfront. At Omniga, our pricing page lays out every tier, so you know exactly what you're paying.

Conclusion

In 2025, bookkeeping costs vary widely—from $200/month for a solo operator to $2,500+/month for a mid-sized company. The right choice depends on your business stage, transaction volume, and whether you want automation, human oversight, or both.

The challenge for most small businesses is finding the right balance: cheap DIY solutions sacrifice accuracy, while full-service firms quickly become expensive as your business grows. In 2025, the best bookkeeping solutions combine high efficiency through automation with high quality through human oversight. That balance is what ensures your financials stay decision-ready without breaking your budget.

The takeaway: bookkeeping pricing doesn't have to be a mystery. The right bookkeeping solution can help you save time, save money, and protect your company's financial health. Look for clear packages, factor in payroll or CFO advisory if needed, and choose a model that scales with you. See our pricing for transparent tiers.

For businesses considering the next level of bookkeeping solutions, explore more in our Bookkeeping series to understand how modern finance stacks integrate bookkeeping with strategic planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do bookkeeping services cost in 2025?

The cost of bookkeeping services in 2025 ranges from $200-$600 per month for small businesses and can exceed $2,500/month for mid-sized companies. Basic packages start around $200-$500/month, while full-service bookkeeping with reporting costs $500-$1,500/month.

What's a typical bookkeeping and payroll services cost together?

Most SMBs pay $800–$2,000/month for combined bookkeeping + payroll. Cost varies with headcount, pay cycles, and transaction volume.

What are bookkeeping prices for small business in 2025?

Expect $500–$1,500/month once you're in the 50–200 transactions/month range; solo operators often land at $200–$400.

What's included in basic bookkeeping packages?

Basic bookkeeping packages typically include recording daily transactions, bank reconciliations, transaction categorization, and monthly profit and loss statements. These packages are best for solo entrepreneurs or businesses with fewer than 50 transactions per month.

Should I choose hourly or fixed-rate bookkeeping pricing?

Fixed-rate pricing is generally more cost-effective for small businesses as it provides predictable monthly costs and can lead to significant savings. Hourly pricing offers flexibility but can be less predictable, especially if your bookkeeping needs fluctuate.

What factors affect bookkeeping service costs?

The primary cost driver is transaction volume. Other key factors include business size, complexity of accounts (multi-entity, accrual accounting), add-on services like payroll and tax preparation, and the technology used. AI-assisted bookkeeping may offer lower pricing than fully manual services.

Is AI-assisted bookkeeping more affordable than traditional services?

Yes, AI-assisted bookkeeping typically costs $199-$600/month, often providing cost savings while maintaining accuracy through automated transaction entry and categorization with human oversight for complex decisions.

Why do bookkeeping costs increase as my business grows?

As revenue and expenses increase, transaction volume rises. Businesses doing over $500k per year typically exceed 100 monthly transactions, which pushes most providers into higher pricing tiers ($800-$1,500+). At $1M+ in revenue, most businesses are well past 200 monthly transactions and require mid-tier or custom packages.

How does Omniga's pricing compare to other bookkeeping services?

Omniga offers free DIY bookkeeping software up to 100 monthly transactions, while most providers charge $200-$600 for similar entry-level services. For businesses ready to offload their books, Omniga's flat $500/month bookkeeping support provides predictable pricing, whereas other providers often scale fees higher once transaction volume grows.