How Much Does It Cost to Clean Up Your Books (for Creatives)?
As a creative entrepreneur—designer, artist, content creator, or photographer—bookkeeping probably isn’t the part of the business you love most. But if your QuickBooks file is messy, outdated, or non-existent, you’re not alone. Many creatives wait until tax time (or after) to realize just how behind they are.
That’s where bookkeeping cleanup comes in. It’s more than just categorizing expenses—it’s about rebuilding a clear financial picture so you can thrive artistically and financially.
💵 How Much Does It Cost?
At DBR Bookkeeping, we specialize in creative businesses and typically charge:
🔹 $1,000 to $8,000+
Cleanup pricing depends on:
How far behind your books are
Number of bank/credit accounts and payment processors (PayPal, Stripe, etc.)
Volume of transactions from tools like Etsy, Shopify, or invoicing platforms
Assets and equipment tracking (especially for photographers and content creators)
Remember, this isn’t just “data entry.” Cleanup is an expert process that requires reviewing transactions, reconciling accounts, and correcting errors—especially in creative businesses where income can come from multiple sources.
🧾 What’s Included in a Bookkeeping Cleanup?
Categorizing past transactions correctly
Reconciling accounts (bank, credit, PayPal, Stripe)
Fixing income and expense misclassifications
Cleaning up A/R and old unpaid invoices
Reviewing loans or equipment purchases
Ensuring your books are ready for taxes or funding
🎯 Why It’s Worth It for Creatives
Less stress during tax season
Clarity on what you actually earn and spend
Know which services or products are most profitable
Confidently price your work with financial data to back it
Avoid IRS penalties or overpaying on taxes
We've seen creatives save $10k–$40k just from getting their books in order.
✅ FAQ
Q: Can I clean my books myself as a creative?
A: You can, but most creatives find it's not worth the stress. A pro bookkeeper can do in hours what might take you days.
Q: Why does it cost $1,000+?
A: Cleanup is time-consuming and detail-oriented. It often means reviewing 12–24 months of transactions across multiple platforms.
Q: Do I need QuickBooks?
A: Yes. We recommend QuickBooks Online for creatives—it’s great for categorizing income, managing expenses, and running tax-ready reports.
Q: What happens after cleanup?
A: Many creatives sign up for monthly bookkeeping so they never fall behind again.
📅 Overwhelmed by your books? We can help.
Book a free call with Dr. Bryan Raya, QuickBooks ProAdvisor:
👉 https://calendly.com/dbr_bookkeeping/book-a-free-call-with-dbr
Let’s start Doing Business Right.
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