How GuidedLedger Works
Real bookkeepers. Your software. Transparent pricing. Here's exactly what happens after you sign up.
How it works, start to finish
Step 1 — Get Your Custom Quote (2 minutes)
- Tell us about your business: industry, accounts, payroll needs, sales tax states.
- We quote you instantly — most small businesses start at $69/month flat.
- No commitment, no sales call required.
- See exactly what's included before you sign up.
Step 2 — Choose Your Software (Or Use What You Already Have)
- Already on QuickBooks Online or Xero? Keep it. We work directly in your existing file — no migration, no switching, no data loss.
- Need accounting software? We're QuickBooks and Xero wholesale partners — bundle it with your quote and save ~10% off retail, billed alongside your bookkeeping.
- Just need the books done cheap? Xero Ledger is $10/month — perfect for very small or simple operations.
- You always need some platform for proper bookkeeping. Bring it, buy it from us, or use a low-cost ledger — we'll work in it.
Step 3 — Connect Your Accounts
- Direct bank and credit card connections preferred for accuracy and speed.
- Monthly PDF statements accepted if direct connection isn't available.
- Web-based POS systems (Square, Shopify, Toast, Clover, etc.) integrated for revenue and sales tax tracking.
- Secure read-only access — your data stays yours, we never move your money.
Step 4 — We Handle the Books, Monthly
- Monthly transaction categorization on a clean monthly close cycle.
- Monthly bank and credit card reconciliation.
- Monthly financial reports: Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow.
- Year-end books prepared and tax-ready.
- Questions answered within 2 business days.
- Real human bookkeepers reviewing your books — not just AI categorization.
What's included in the $69/month base rate
- Up to 2 financial accounts (bank, credit card, or loan).
- Up to ~300 transactions per account per month.
- Monthly transaction categorization.
- Monthly bank reconciliation.
- Monthly P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow reports.
- Year-end books closed and tax-ready.
- Real bookkeepers with US and international team coverage.
- 2-business-day response on all questions.
- Works in your existing QuickBooks or Xero — or we'll set you up.
Software subscription (QuickBooks, Xero, or Xero Ledger) is separate from the $69 bookkeeping fee. Bring your own, buy it from us at ~10% off retail, or use Xero Ledger for $10/month.
Add-ons, transparent pricing
Accounting Software
- Bring your own QuickBooks Online or Xero — no markup.
- Buy from us at wholesale — approximately 10% off retail, bundled with your monthly bookkeeping bill.
- Xero Ledger — $10/month, our most affordable option.
Additional Accounts
- Limited-use accounts (Home Depot card, auto loan, mortgage) — $10/month each.
- Full-use accounts (additional checking, active credit cards) — $25/month each.
- High-volume overage (accounts exceeding ~300 transactions/month) — billed as additional full-use account.
Payroll Bookkeeping
- Monthly payroll — $20/month.
- Bi-weekly payroll — $40/month.
- Weekly payroll — $80/month.
- Already running payroll yourself? Bookkeeping + integration only — $10/month.
Sales Tax Filing
- Annual filing — $3.75/month per state.
- Quarterly filing — $15/month per state.
- Monthly filing — $45/month per state.
What we don't do (and why)
- Income tax filing — We prepare your books for tax season, then refer you to a trusted partner service for filing.
- Invoicing & AR management — You bill your customers; we handle the books after.
- CFO advisory or financial planning — We're bookkeepers, not advisors. We'll recommend a specialist if you need one.
- Moving your money — We have read-only access. You always control payments, transfers, and account access.
What stays yours, always
- Your QuickBooks or Xero subscription (in your name, you own it — even if purchased through us).
- Your bank and credit card accounts (we have read access, never write).
- Your financial data (yours forever — no export fees, no lock-in).
- Your relationships with customers, vendors, and your CPA.
- Your ability to cancel anytime — month-to-month, no long contracts.
Common Questions
Do I have to switch to your software?
No. We work directly in your existing QuickBooks Online or Xero file. No migration, no data loss, no software switching required. If you don't have either, we offer them at wholesale (~10% off retail) or you can use Xero Ledger for just $10/month.
Are these real bookkeepers or AI?
Real human bookkeepers, supported by technology. Every reconciliation is reviewed by an actual person. Our team is distributed across the US and internationally, which is how we keep pricing so low without compromising quality.
What if I'm behind on my books?
We offer catch-up bookkeeping at custom pricing based on how far behind you are and how many accounts need work. Get a quote and we'll include catch-up pricing if needed.
How is GuidedLedger different from Bench or Pilot?
Three big differences: (1) We're $69/month flat for most small businesses, vs. $299+/month for Bench and $499+/month for Pilot. (2) We work in your existing QuickBooks or Xero — Bench and Pilot lock you into their proprietary software. (3) We offer transparent à la carte pricing for payroll, sales tax, and additional accounts, so you only pay for what you need.
Can I cancel anytime?
Yes. We're month-to-month with no long contracts. Your books, your data, and any software you purchased through us stay yours if you leave.
Do you do my taxes?
We don't file income taxes ourselves, but we prepare your books to be tax-ready by year-end and refer you to a trusted partner service for filing. We do handle sales tax filing in-house — $3.75 to $45/month per state depending on filing frequency.
How fast do you respond to questions?
Within 2 business days for all client questions. We work on a monthly close cycle, so we're not handling individual transactions in real time — but for questions, support, or issues, you'll hear back within 2 business days.
How many transactions can I have for $69/month?
The base rate covers up to ~300 transactions per account per month for your first 2 accounts. If you exceed that or need additional accounts, we add them as $10 (limited-use) or $25 (full-use) per month with clear pricing.
Do you offer payroll?
Yes, through partner integrations with Gusto, ADP Run, and similar. You pay the payroll software directly, and we charge a flat fee for managing it: $20/month for monthly payroll, $40 for bi-weekly, $80 for weekly. If you run payroll yourself, we'll handle the bookkeeping for $10/month.
What if I don't connect my bank account directly?
We prefer direct connections for accuracy and speed, but we can work from monthly PDF statements if needed. Web-based POS systems (Square, Shopify, Toast, Clover, etc.) can also be integrated.