Bench could’ve earned higher marks in this criterion if it offered video meetings or a direct number to call for customer support; you must schedule a meeting through the Bench platform. However, one of the most appealing features of the provider is that you have access to unlimited support, no matter which plan you choose. Occasionally, we may need additional documents, such as account statements or receipts, to ensure the information we have is accurate.
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You can book a call with your bookkeeper or send them an in-app message directly through the Bench app. There’s no extra fee or hourly charges for support, and you’re welcome to reach out to them whenever you have a question. You should be able to access a dedicated bookkeeper for any questions or advice and one-on-one assistance. Bench Accounting integrates with Gusto to help you manage your payroll transactions. Gusto files local, federal, and state payroll taxes automatically and generates W-2s. It helps you manage employees’ information, benefits, and deductions.
Pricing and features
I’ve been able to link the reports to my card processing software and bank, and get updates as they have questions. I find the monthly reports easy to understand and its given me a much clearer picture of my numbers. Prices start at $399 per month and vary depending on your total monthly expenses and whether you need cash basis or accrual basis accounting. You can also add services like payroll, invoicing, bill pay and inventory management for an extra fee. VC-backed bookkeeping platform Bench Accounting caused widespread panic among its customers after Bookkeeping for Veterinarians abruptly shutting down on Friday, December 27, 2024, locking thousands out of their accounts.
- Bench offers basic financial reporting with an income statement and a balance sheet.
- Whether you’re a startup, solopreneur, or established small business, there’s a Bench alternative out there for you.
- Also, they never make assumptions about your business, preferring instead to reach out with any questions.
- Make sure to check out our quick-view table below to compare key features, pricing and customer reviews.
- Otherwise, you’re limited to Gusto for Payroll, which is a separate service you’ll have to sign up for and connect.
- Additionally, Bench customers will get discounts from popular business subscriptions that have a partnership with Bench, like Gusto and Stripe.
Accurate financials.Total peace of mind.
You’ll also have access to a tax professional to help you make tax preparation and filing easier. Bench was critical in helping me with catch up books for tax time. Being able to upload reports easily from my bank and various credit card what are retained earnings processors made things so much easier, and the bookkeepers learned quickly how to categorize the transactions. I’m not sure when I would have caught up on my historical books without Bench.
- You can also book a call with your bookkeeper (or send them a message) whenever you’d like.
- There wasn’t a clear “FAQ/Help” section in the dashboard, as they direct you to message your bookkeeper directly.
- There’s no extra fee or hourly charges for support, and you’re welcome to reach out to them whenever you have a question.
- For a more detailed comparison of Pilot and Bench features, pricing, and reviews, check out this Pilot vs Bench comparison.
- In this way, Bench can replace traditional accounting software for many businesses.
When he couldn’t reach me upon the first call, he called back a couple of times until I answered, and he was helpful once I connected with him on the call. If you’re looking for an all-in-one bookkeeping and payroll tax management solution, Bench isn’t for you. While Bench offers both Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable support, these are add-ons, under “Specialized Bookkeeping”. You can search for your institution if you don’t see it in the list. After selecting your bank or credit card issuer, you must enter your account login information and choose the accounts you want to share with Bench.
Make sure to read both the pros and cons to get a realistic view of the software in regular use. Once your bookkeeper wraps up your books every month, the information is reviewed by an in-house support team that ensures accuracy. Also, they never make assumptions about your business, preferring instead to reach out with any questions. We evaluated whether the online bookkeeping service offered tax and consulting, and the scope of those services. While it doesn’t offer live bookkeepers the way Bench, QuickBooks Live, and Fincent do, you have the option to provide custom access to your accountant.
This process ensures that articles are well-researched and organized, offering in-depth insights and recommendations. Pricing starts at $10/month for 40 invoices and 40 estimates, and scales to $30/month for unlimited invoices and estimates. You’ll pay $200/month (or more depending on monthly revenue) plus a one-time cleanup fee in addition to your monthly QuickBooks subscription. ” or “I sell products online and I am not sure if I should be charging sales tax. There wasn’t a bench accounting clear “FAQ/Help” section in the dashboard, as they direct you to message your bookkeeper directly.
Conclusion: Is Bench Accounting Right for Your Business?
It pulled in all my accounts, and I could mark which accounts I used for business and which I did not. Pricing varies based on whether you bill month-to-month or commit to an annual contract. You must agree to a one-year contract if you need the more advanced plan. Here are 11 alternatives to explore, each with a different emphasis in supporting your small business finances. You’ve heard of “spend money to make money,” but what about “spend money to save money?” That’s the case with tax deductions and you won’t want to leave any on the table. Get the clarity and confidence your business deserves with the support you need to succeed.