FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

How do I know if I need a bookkeeper?
If any of these sound familiar, you probably do: You’re not sure if your business is actually profitable. Tax season is stressful because your books are a mess. You’re spending evenings and weekends on financial admin. You’ve been meaning to “catch up on the books” for months. You’re making business decisions based on your bank balance, not real data. A bookkeeper gives you clarity, time back, and peace of mind.
What’s the difference between a bookkeeper and a CPA?
Bookkeepers handle the ongoing work: categorizing transactions, reconciling accounts, producing monthly financial statements. We keep your books accurate and current. CPAs typically focus on tax preparation, tax planning, and audit/attestation services. They work with the financials we produce. You need both, and we work closely with CPAs to make sure everything connects.
What if my books are a mess?
That’s what cleanup is for. Whether you’re 3 months or 3 years behind, we can get you current. We’ll reconcile accounts, fix errors, categorize transactions, and create a foundation for ongoing service. Most cleanups take 2-4 weeks. Then we keep you on track so it doesn’t happen again.

Services & Pricing

What’s included in monthly bookkeeping?

Our core service includes: Transaction categorization, bank and credit card reconciliation, monthly Balance Sheet and P&L (delivered by the 15th), year-end tax prep support, and email/phone support with one business day response. Add-ons available: accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, sales tax, 1099 prep.

How much does bookkeeping cost?

Startup packages: From $175/month (quarterly service for newer businesses).

Monthly bookkeeping: $400-$1,200/month depending on volume and services.

Cleanup: Typically monthly rate × months behind. Pricing depends on transaction volume, number of accounts, and services needed. Schedule a call for a custom quote.

Do you require long-term contracts?
No. We work month-to-month. We keep clients because we deliver, not because they’re locked in.

How We Work

What accounting software do you use?
QuickBooks Online exclusively. If you’re on QuickBooks Desktop, Xero, Freshbooks, or spreadsheets, we can migrate you.
When will I receive my monthly financials?
By the 15th business day of each month. This is part of our 3-Point Guarantee. Every month, no exceptions.
How quickly do you respond to questions?
Within one business day. Your questions matter, and you shouldn’t have to wait days for answers about your own business.
Do I need to be in Austin to work with you?
We work virtually with clients throughout Texas. Many clients appreciate that we’re local to Cedar Park/Austin and understand the area, but we don’t need to meet in person.

Business Fit

What types of businesses do you work with?
Service-based businesses: consultants, contractors, attorneys, healthcare providers, creative agencies, IT services, professional services. If you sell expertise (not inventory), we’re built for you.
What businesses don’t you work with?
Retail, ecommerce, and businesses requiring inventory management. We focus on service businesses because that’s where we can deliver the best results.

Tax & Compliance

Do you prepare tax returns?
No. We focus on bookkeeping. But we work directly with CPAs to ensure your books are complete and ready for tax filing. Happy to recommend trusted CPA partners if you need one.
Do you handle sales tax?
Yes. We can calculate, file, and remit sales tax on your behalf. Monthly, quarterly, or annual depending on your requirements.
What about 1099s?
We track contractor payments throughout the year and prepare/file 1099s by the deadline.

Working Together

What makes AliCat different from other bookkeepers?

Three things:

1. The 3-Point Guarantee: Accuracy, timeliness, responsiveness. Not aspirations, commitments.

2. CPA supervision: Our work is supervised by CPAs with nearly 30 years of experience. You get big-firm expertise without big-firm bureaucracy.

3. We actually answer: When you email or call, you get a response. Your questions get answered. This sounds basic, but it’s the #1 thing clients say was missing from their previous bookkeeper.

How do I get started?

1. Complete our intake form (5 minutes).

2. Schedule a discovery call (45 minutes).

3. Receive a custom proposal.

4. Decide if we’re the right fit.

Still have questions?

Call us at (512) 699-2720 or email alicia@alicatsolutions.com

We actually answer.