Questions? Just Ask Jes.

Bookkeeping & QuickBooks

How far behind is too far behind to call a bookkeeper?
There really isn't a “too far behind.” Whether you're a few months behind, a few years behind, or don't even know where things stand, start with what you have. We'll figure out what needs to be cleaned up and go from there.

Do I really need QuickBooks?
Not every small business does. It depends on your business, how many transactions you have, whether you have employees, what you need to track, and what your tax preparer needs. I won't put you into more software than your business actually needs.

Can you fix QuickBooks if it's already a mess?
Yep. Duplicate transactions, accounts that haven't been reconciled, things in the wrong categories, old balances that don't make sense... that's what cleanup is for. Please don't try to “fix” everything before you call me.

What should I send my bookkeeper every month?
It depends on your business, but usually I'll need access to your business bank and credit card activity plus anything that doesn't come through automatically, such as loan statements, receipts or information about unusual transactions. We'll set up a routine so you know exactly what I need from you.

Can I use my personal account or credit card for business expenses?
You can end up with legitimate business expenses paid personally, but mixing business and personal activity makes your bookkeeping harder than it needs to be. A separate business bank account and credit card make your records much cleaner. If you've already mixed things together, don't panic. We can sort through it.

Payroll, Employees & 1099s

When do I need to give someone a 1099?
It depends on who you paid, what you paid them for, how much you paid, and sometimes how you paid them. Don't wait until January to figure this out. Collecting W-9s from vendors and contractors before you pay them can save a lot of headaches later.

Should I pay someone as an employee or a contractor?
This isn't something you should decide just because paying someone as a contractor seems easier. Worker classification is based on the actual working relationship and applicable rules. If there's any question, it's worth getting it right before payroll or tax problems start.

I hired my first employee. Now what?
There's more to it than writing a paycheck. Payroll setup, tax withholding, new-hire reporting, workers' compensation and recordkeeping can all come into play. This is one of those times when setting things up correctly from the beginning matters.

Taxes & Year-End

Do you prepare tax returns?
No. I'm your bookkeeper, not your tax preparer. My job is to keep your books organized and help get everything ready for your CPA or tax professional. When questions come up, I can also work with your tax preparer on the bookkeeping side.

What does “tax-ready” actually mean?
It means we're not handing your tax preparer a year's worth of mystery transactions and hoping for the best. Your accounts should be reconciled, transactions categorized, balances reviewed, and the bookkeeping information your tax professional needs organized and ready.

Why shouldn't I just clean everything up at tax time?
Because waiting can turn a manageable bookkeeping problem into an expensive rush. Staying on top of things throughout the year also gives you a much better idea of what's actually happening in your business.

Running Your Business

I'm starting a new business. When should I set up the bookkeeping?
At the beginning. It's much easier to set up your accounts and bookkeeping correctly now than untangle six or twelve months of activity later. You don't need anything fancy. You just need a system that fits your business.

What business records should I actually keep?
Bank and credit card statements, receipts and supporting documents for business purchases, payroll records, loan documents, major asset purchases, contractor information and other records supporting what's in your books. Exactly what you need can vary, so when in doubt, ask before tossing it.

Can you help with things that aren't technically bookkeeping?
Quite often. Payroll questions, 1099s, insurance audits, QuickBooks problems, getting information together for your tax preparer, new-business setup, or sometimes just brainstorming how to handle something that came up. If I can help, I will. If it's something that needs a CPA, attorney, insurance professional or somebody else, I'll tell you that too.

What if I don't even know what I need help with?
That's probably one of the most normal questions I get. 😂 You don't need to diagnose your own bookkeeping problem before calling me. Tell me what's going on, show me what you've got, and we'll figure out where to start.

Working With Jes

How much does bookkeeping cost?
Monthly bookkeeping plans start at $125 per month. Cleanup, setup and additional support depend on what your business actually needs. I'll talk with you about that before we get started. No surprise giant package full of services you don't use.

Do I have to sign a long-term contract?
No. I don't believe you should have to stay with your bookkeeper because a contract says you have to.

Do you only work with contractors and trades?
No. Contractors and trades are a specialty of mine, but I work with other small and service-based businesses too.

Do I have to be near Elk Grove or Sacramento to work with you?
Nope. Most bookkeeping can be handled remotely, so I can work with businesses outside the Sacramento area too.

Will I actually work with you?
Yes. Bookkeeping by Jes means bookkeeping by Jes. You're working directly with me, not being passed around a call center or a rotating team of people who don't know your business.