Would you charge for meeting with a bookkeeper?

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#1
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My clients bookkeeper reached out, wanting to set up a meeting to make sure their QuickBooks transactions are correct and everything.

I'm struggling to decide if I should charge a consultation fee or not on this.

Thoughts?
 

#2
jon  
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Yes, if you do not charge that will start to expect that. How long have you had the client, how sharp is bookkeper, could end up to be a win, win if it improves the communications and quality of work.
 

#3
CathysTaxes  
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Absolutely! Otherwise you will receive constant inquiries for quick questions because it's easier for them to call you instead of looking at notes, instructions, etc
Cathy
CathysTaxes
 

#4
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For my most valued clients, probably not.

For everyone else, generally yes. Depends on a few factors.
 

#5
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ManVsTax wrote:For my most valued clients, probably not.

For everyone else, generally yes. Depends on a few factors.


^^ This, and:

I would charge $350 which includes a reasonable but limited amount of follow up as needed.
 

#6
ATSMAN  
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Yes your time is valuable unless you want to assume extra work every time the bookkeeper runs into something and you are ONLY a phone call away as their go to person for free!

I have a client who asked his bookkeeper (also his girl friend) to call me on something that any trained bookkeeper would know. My first words were I charge $x/hr. min 30 minutes so please e-mail me your acceptance before we proceed. The situation changed rather quickly and she was willing to use online resources, help screens etc. to figure it out.

When I engage a new business client I do spend some time with the client and/or bookkeeper to tell them how/when I wanted the data etc. It is up to them to figure out on their system.
 

#7
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I have found 30 minutes training a bookkeeper can save me a lot of time during tax prep and builds goodwill with that bookkeeper.
 

#8
ATSMAN  
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Bushmaster wrote:I have found 30 minutes training a bookkeeper can save me a lot of time during tax prep and builds goodwill with that bookkeeper.


I agree. Especially letting them know what you need and how you want it. I am just careful when I sense that it could turn into an extended training situation because of the bookkeepers inexperience. That turns out 90% of the time to be true when a family member who is NOT trained as a bookkeeper is performing those functions. That is where I draw the line.

I have seen many situations that caused 1040X or other amendments to be filed because of bookkeeping errors. The Covid 19 temp. regulations was a prime example.
 


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