What if my books are a mess?

No judgment here! Messy books are extremely common. You started your business because you were good at something, not because you were a number’s person who wanted to spend weekends on your bookkeeping. Clean-ups are a regular part of what we do, and we’re happy, without any shame, to help you get everything organized and back on track.

Do you replace my CPA or Tax Preparer?

We work alongside of your CPA or tax preparer. We ensure your books are accurate and tax-ready year-round so tax preparation is smooth and stress free.

What is the onboarding process like?

We start with a meeting where we work together to give us read only access to all of your accounts, so we can pull reports without having to bother you. Then we complete a diagnostic review of your current books (if you have them) to identify what needs attention, and then create a clean, consistent bookkeeping structure. Once onboarding is complete, we handle your monthly bookkeeping and schedule ongoing review meetings so you always know where things stand.

How do I pay myself as a business owner?

Sole Prop/LLC → Owner’s Draw

S-Corp → W-2 Salary + Distributions

We help you review your situation and determine the right and compliant approach.

Do you work with business outside of Wisconsin?

Yes! We work with clients virtually nationwide, with optional in-person meetings in New Richmond or River Falls, WI and coworking meeting spots in Stillwater, Woodbury, or Edina, MN.

Do I need to sign a long-term contract?

Our contracts are month-to-month.

How is Communication Handled?

Email + scheduled Zoom calls. Clear, consistent, responsive.

What does it cost to work with you?

Every business is different, so we create customized packages based on the quantity and complexity needed. Most clients fall between $300 and $1,200 per month. We start with a free consultation to determine an estimate and fit.

How do I know if I need a bookkeeper?

You likely need a bookkeeper if you’re behind on bookkeeping, don’t know where your business stands financially, spend more than two hours a week on your books, or feel anxious at tax time. If you’re guessing, you’re not managing your finances, you’re reacting instead of being proactive. A bookkeeper helps create clarity and confidence.

What’s the difference between a bookkeeping and an accountant?

A bookkeeper organizes and maintains your financial records throughout the year. An accountant or CPA typically focuses on tax preparation and high-level analysis. We work with your CPA so tax season is smooth and stress-free.

Is bookkeeping tax deductible?

Yes! Bookkeeping fees are considered a business expenses and are 100% deductible.

When should I switch to an S-Corp?

Typically when your business has consistent profit after owner wages. We help review your numbers and work with your CPA to analyze when is the right time for the switch.

How much does it cost to outsource my bookkeeping?

The cost of outsourced bookkeeping depends on the size and complexity of your business. Factors that impact pricing include the number of bank and credit card accounts, transaction volume, invoicing needs, bill payment services, payroll, sales tax filings, inventory tracking, and the overall condition of your books.

At 3 Lakes Bookkeeping, most monthly bookkeeping services range from $300 to $1,200 per month. Businesses with straightforward bookkeeping needs, limited transactions, and minimal support requirements often fall between $300 and $500 per month. Businesses requiring payroll management, sales tax filings, accounts payable, accounts receivable, or more in-depth financial reporting may fall toward the higher end of the range.

For very small businesses with simple bookkeeping needs, we also offer quarterly bookkeeping options starting around $150 per month.

Every business is different, so we begin with a diagnostic review to understand your needs and provide a customized quote based on the level of support required.

Do I need to use QuickBooks Online?

QuickBooks Online integrates with thousands of banks, payroll providers, payment processors, and business applications, making it easier to maintain accurate financial records and access real-time reporting.

If you are currently using another accounting software, we can typically migrate your bookkeeping records to QuickBooks Online as part of our onboarding process at no additional cost when you become a client.

Whether you're currently using QuickBooks Desktop, Wave, Xero, spreadsheets, or another bookkeeping system, we can help determine the best path forward.

Do you offer virtual bookkeeping services?

Yes. We provide virtual bookkeeping services for small businesses throughout the United States. Our secure cloud-based systems allow us to manage your bookkeeping remotely, including transaction categorization, account reconciliations, financial reporting, payroll coordination, sales tax filings, and ongoing support.

Most communication takes place through email, phone, video meetings, and secure document-sharing platforms, allowing you to receive professional bookkeeping support without needing to be located near our office.

While we serve clients nationwide, we are based in western Wisconsin and also work with many businesses throughout Wisconsin and the Twin Cities area.