Accountant / Bookkeeper Invoice Template
Accountants and bookkeepers are in the business of precision — your invoices should model that same quality. This template handles the dual nature of accounting work: predictable monthly services and periodic project-based billing for tax returns, audits, and special projects.
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What to include on an accounting or bookkeeping invoice
For monthly bookkeeping, list specific services: 'Bank reconciliation — 3 accounts,' 'Accounts payable entry — 85 transactions,' 'Payroll processing — 12 employees,' 'Monthly financial statements (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow).' For tax preparation, list the forms prepared: 'Federal Form 1040 + Schedule C, State Form IT-201, FBAR filing.' For advisory or CFO services, list the meetings, reports, or analyses provided. Be precise — clients who can match every line to something they received rarely dispute invoices. Include your license number or CPA designation on the invoice header to reinforce your professional credentials.
How accountants and bookkeepers price their services
Monthly bookkeeping rates depend on transaction volume: low volume (under 50 transactions/month) might be $200–$500/month; high volume (500+ transactions) can be $1,500+/month. Tax preparation is typically project-priced: a simple individual return might be $300–$500; a complex S-corp return with entity and personal could be $1,500–$4,000. CFO advisory services — cash flow forecasting, investor reports, board presentations — are billed at $150–$350/hr or $2,000–$10,000/month for fractional CFO arrangements. Raise rates annually; many accountants undercharge because they avoid rate conversations.
When to invoice for accounting services
Monthly bookkeeping should be invoiced at the start of each month. Tax preparation should be invoiced on completion — don't wait until after filing. Tax clients who know they're getting a refund tend to pay quickly; those who owe may delay. For annual returns, consider requiring a deposit upfront before beginning. For quarterly tax planning clients, invoice at the start of each quarter.
Tips for billing as an accountant or bookkeeper
Use engagement letters for every client — they define scope, fee, and payment terms, and they're your first line of protection against scope creep. Include a clause that additional services (amendments, audit support, consultations beyond a set number of hours) are billed at your hourly rate. Many accountants undercharge; review your pricing against your local market annually.
Frequently asked questions
Should I charge sales tax on accounting services?
Accounting and bookkeeping services are generally exempt from sales tax in most US states, but the rules vary. Some states tax certain financial services. Verify your state's rules or check with a tax authority.
How do I invoice a client who needs a cleanup of years of disorganized books?
Cleanup projects are best quoted as a fixed fee after a discovery review of what's involved. Alternatively, use a capped-hours approach: 'Up to 40 hours at $X/hr; we'll revisit scope if additional time is needed.'
What's a fair late payment penalty for an accounting client?
1.5% per month on unpaid balances is standard. Include this in your engagement letter. Some accountants prefer to hold tax returns or financial statements until outstanding invoices are cleared — check whether this is appropriate in your jurisdiction.