1-800Accountant is an online accounting service that handles bookkeeping, tax preparation, and payroll for small businesses

1-800Accountant connects you with accountants and bookkeepers who work remotely to manage your business finances. You don't hire them as employees — instead, you pay a monthly fee for their services. They log into your accounting software, record transactions, categorize expenses, reconcile bank accounts, and prepare tax documents. The service is designed for owners who want someone else handling the day-to-day financial work but don't want to hire a full-time staff member.

The company operates through a subscription model. You choose a service tier based on what you need — basic bookkeeping, bookkeeping plus payroll, or bookkeeping plus tax preparation. A dedicated accountant or bookkeeper is assigned to your account and handles the work throughout the year, not just at tax time.

Key Takeaways

  • 1-800Accountant pairs you with a remote accountant or bookkeeper who manages your financial records for a monthly fee.
  • The service includes transaction entry, expense categorization, bank reconciliation, and preparation of financial reports you can use to understand your business performance.
  • You choose a service level: bookkeeping only, bookkeeping plus payroll, or bookkeeping plus tax return preparation.
  • The company uses accounting software like QuickBooks Online to store your data, so you can view your records anytime and share them with your tax preparer or lender.

What services 1-800Accountant actually provides

The core service is bookkeeping — recording income and expenses in your accounting software, categorizing transactions by type, and reconciling your bank and credit card statements each month. Your assigned accountant reviews invoices, receipts, and bank feeds to make sure everything is recorded correctly.

If you add payroll to your plan, they process employee paychecks, calculate withholdings, file payroll tax returns, and handle year-end W-2 forms. This removes the burden of calculating taxes and meeting state and federal payroll important date.

The tax preparation tier includes preparation of your business tax return — either a Schedule C (if you're a sole proprietor), a partnership return, or a corporate return. They use the bookkeeping records they've maintained throughout the year to complete the return, then send it to you for review before filing.

All tiers include a monthly financial report showing your profit and loss, so you can see how your business is performing without waiting for tax time.

How the onboarding process works

When you sign up, you provide basic information about your business — structure (sole proprietor, LLC, S-corp, etc.), industry, number of employees, and annual revenue range. 1-800Accountant uses this to match you with an accountant who has experience in your type of business.

You'll set up a QuickBooks Online account (or connect an existing one) and grant the accountant access. You then upload or connect your bank and credit card accounts so transactions flow into the software automatically. The accountant reviews your chart of accounts — the list of categories where income and expenses are recorded — and adjusts it if needed to match your business.

Most of the initial setup takes place in your first month. After that, your accountant works in the background, reviewing transactions as they come in and reaching out if they need clarification on an expense or receipt.

Pricing and what it depends on

1-800Accountant charges a monthly subscription. The exact price varies based on the service tier you choose, the complexity of your business (number of transactions, employees, or revenue), and your location. A basic bookkeeping plan for a straightforward business costs less than a plan that includes payroll and tax preparation for a larger operation.

Most plans range from under $100 per month for basic bookkeeping to several hundred dollars per month for full-service bookkeeping, payroll, and tax preparation. The company typically provides a quote after you describe your business during the initial consultation.

Some businesses also pay for add-on services — for example, setting up a new business structure, converting records from a previous accountant, or handling sales tax filing. These are usually charged separately or added to your monthly fee.

How 1-800Accountant differs from hiring a bookkeeper directly

When you hire a bookkeeper as an employee or contractor, you manage the relationship yourself — you set their hours, pay them directly, and handle any employment taxes if they're an employee. You're also responsible if they make mistakes or leave suddenly.

With 1-800Accountant, the company is responsible for the work. If your assigned accountant leaves or you're unhappy with the service, you contact 1-800Accountant to request a change. The company handles hiring, training, and quality control. You don't have to manage the person directly.

The trade-off is less control over who does your work and when. A remote accountant may not be available for same-day questions the way a local bookkeeper might be. However, you also don't have to pay for benefits, handle payroll taxes for the bookkeeper, or commit to a long-term employment relationship.

What you need to provide and keep track of

Your accountant can't work without source documents. You need to keep receipts, invoices, bank statements, and credit card statements organized and accessible. Many businesses upload these to a folder in Google Drive or Dropbox, or use a document management tool that 1-800Accountant can access.

If you have employees and use the payroll service, you'll need to provide timesheets or hours worked so the accountant can process paychecks. If you have business loans or lines of credit, you'll need to share statements showing principal and interest payments.

The more organized your records are, the faster your accountant can work and the lower your costs may be. Businesses that dump a shoebox of receipts on their accountant once a year typically pay more than those who upload documents regularly throughout the year.

When 1-800Accountant makes sense for your business

This service works well if you have enough transaction volume that bookkeeping takes real time, but not enough to justify hiring a full-time bookkeeper. A business with 50 to 200 transactions per month, a handful of employees, and straightforward income and expenses is a good fit.

It also works if you want someone to handle payroll but don't need a full-time HR person. The accountant processes paychecks and files returns, but doesn't handle hiring, benefits, or employee relations.

1-800Accountant is less useful if your business is very straightforward — a freelancer with one income stream and few expenses might be better served by basic accounting software and a tax preparer at year-end. It's also not the right fit if you need real-time bookkeeping support or have complex accounting needs like multiple entities, inventory tracking, or grant accounting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my own accounting software, or do I have to use QuickBooks Online?

1-800Accountant primarily works with QuickBooks Online. Some accountants may work with other cloud-based software like Xero or FreshBooks, but you'll need to confirm this when you sign up. Desktop versions of QuickBooks are not supported because the accountant needs remote access to your data.

What happens to my records if I stop using the service?

Your records stay in QuickBooks Online — they belong to you, not to 1-800Accountant. When you cancel, you keep your login and can read your data or give access to another accountant. There's no lock-in or loss of your financial history.

Do I still need a separate tax preparer, or does 1-800Accountant handle everything?

If you choose the tax preparation tier, 1-800Accountant prepares and files your business tax return. You may still need a separate tax preparer for personal returns or complex tax planning, but your business taxes are covered. If you choose bookkeeping only, you'll need to hire a tax preparer separately.

How often do I hear from my accountant?

Most communication happens when the accountant needs clarification on a transaction or receipt. You'll receive a monthly financial report. If you have questions, you can contact 1-800Accountant through their support system, though response times vary. This isn't a service where you have a weekly check-in call unless you request it.

What if I have questions about my taxes or business finances?

Your accountant can answer basic questions about how transactions should be recorded or what documents you need. For tax strategy, business structure decisions, or financial planning, you may need to consult a CPA or tax advisor separately. 1-800Accountant provides bookkeeping and compliance, not comprehensive business consulting.