top of page

Bean Counter Bookkeeping Bothell WA

HOME
ABOUT
BLOG
SERVICES
SCHEDULER
CURRENT CLIENTS
CONTACT

Schedule your service

What your numbers are really saying...

Check out our availability and book the date and time that works for you

OUR SOCIAL LIFE

Follow Along

If you've never heard of this account (and aren't throwing anything in it), consider yourself good to keep scrolling!!

But, if you even think you might need to use this account, here's what you need to know:

Undeposited Funds is a holding spot for client payments you've received; then, you can group them together into the bank deposit that matches what actually hits your account.

If you invoice using QuickBooks, this can be especially helpful to check off multiple invoices in a single bank deposit.

Lost? If you're going to mess around with Undeposited Funds, I strongly recommend hiring a bookkeeper to keep things straight for you.

This is an account I often clean up when I take on new bookkeeping clients, and I'd be more than happy to do it for you, too!

If you've never heard of this account (and aren't throwing anything in it), consider yourself good to keep scrolling!!

But, if you even think you might need to use this account, here's what you need to know:

Undeposited Funds is a holding spot for client payments you've received; then, you can group them together into the bank deposit that matches what actually hits your account.

If you invoice using QuickBooks, this can be especially helpful to check off multiple invoices in a single bank deposit.

Lost? If you're going to mess around with Undeposited Funds, I strongly recommend hiring a bookkeeper to keep things straight for you.

This is an account I often clean up when I take on new bookkeeping clients, and I'd be more than happy to do it for you, too!

Is it time to hire a bookkeeper?

Is it time to hire a bookkeeper?

Maybe it's because I am a Gen X'er but I still love the idea of an analog life... we could all afford to spend a little less time on our screens these days!

If you want to go analog when it comes to your finances, here are a few old-school tips I have:

1️⃣ Each month, print out your bank statements. Review line-by-line and highlight anything that stands out to you.

Did you have a huge, unexpected expense?

Did you forget you were still paying for that subscription?

2️⃣ Physically write down important finance dates!

You know that aesthetic desk calendar you bought a few months ago?

Mark tax return due dates, estimated tax deadlines, your pay days, and any other big bills due or tasks you need to remember. 📆

Plus, writing things down is proven to help you remember them a little easier!

Let me know - are you tracking your finances the analog way?

Maybe it's because I am a Gen X'er but I still love the idea of an analog life... we could all afford to spend a little less time on our screens these days!

If you want to go analog when it comes to your finances, here are a few old-school tips I have:

1️⃣ Each month, print out your bank statements. Review line-by-line and highlight anything that stands out to you.

Did you have a huge, unexpected expense?

Did you forget you were still paying for that subscription?

2️⃣ Physically write down important finance dates!

You know that aesthetic desk calendar you bought a few months ago?

Mark tax return due dates, estimated tax deadlines, your pay days, and any other big bills due or tasks you need to remember. 📆

Plus, writing things down is proven to help you remember them a little easier!

Let me know - are you tracking your finances the analog way?

It's pretty simple: I've never had a client regret saving MORE for estimated taxes than they needed to...

But I've definitely had to help them figure out how they're going to pay for their unexpected tax bills when they don't put enough money aside.

In my humble opinion, there's no harm in putting away a *little* more than you think you're going to owe.

The worst case? You have extra money left over in your bank account. 🤷

And if you park your estimated tax money in a HYSA, it'll earn money while you sleep!

Don't know how much you *should* be saving? Knowing your numbers is the first step; that's where we can help!

It's pretty simple: I've never had a client regret saving MORE for estimated taxes than they needed to...

But I've definitely had to help them figure out how they're going to pay for their unexpected tax bills when they don't put enough money aside.

In my humble opinion, there's no harm in putting away a *little* more than you think you're going to owe.

The worst case? You have extra money left over in your bank account. 🤷

And if you park your estimated tax money in a HYSA, it'll earn money while you sleep!

Don't know how much you *should* be saving? Knowing your numbers is the first step; that's where we can help!

How do we help? Good bookkeeping! This allows you to easily run your A/R Aging Report to see exactly who owes you, how much they owe you, and how overdue their payments are.

How do we help? Good bookkeeping! This allows you to easily run your A/R Aging Report to see exactly who owes you, how much they owe you, and how overdue their payments are.

Back in the day, I was happy to take on any and all clients' books... but I learned my lesson pretty quickly!

If I don't do a diagnostic review (a quick dive into your books to gauge their status), I can't give you an accurate quote, timeline, or scope of my work.

Being able to see what I'm dealing with helps manage both of our expectations!

It always goes one of two ways: a potential client is terrified to show me their "messy" books that aren't bad at all, OR someone thinks their books are pristine, but I find more than a few issues in them!

I want you to fully understand the service I'll be providing for you, how long I expect it to take, and why I'm pricing it the way I am. Then, you have all the power to choose if it makes sense to work with me.

Back in the day, I was happy to take on any and all clients' books... but I learned my lesson pretty quickly!

If I don't do a diagnostic review (a quick dive into your books to gauge their status), I can't give you an accurate quote, timeline, or scope of my work.

Being able to see what I'm dealing with helps manage both of our expectations!

It always goes one of two ways: a potential client is terrified to show me their "messy" books that aren't bad at all, OR someone thinks their books are pristine, but I find more than a few issues in them!

I want you to fully understand the service I'll be providing for you, how long I expect it to take, and why I'm pricing it the way I am. Then, you have all the power to choose if it makes sense to work with me.

As a bookkeeper, I love it when my restaurant clients want to use QuickBooks because it's the best option for clean, organized books and custom reporting.

Whether you are using Toast, Clover, or Square we can make your bookkeeping complete by syncing it with QuickBooks online.

Schedule a free consultation today!

As a bookkeeper, I love it when my restaurant clients want to use QuickBooks because it's the best option for clean, organized books and custom reporting.

Whether you are using Toast, Clover, or Square we can make your bookkeeping complete by syncing it with QuickBooks online.

Schedule a free consultation today!

Listen, I'm not telling you to go out and open a billion credit cards (in fact, please do NOT do that!!!).

What I do want, however, is for you to open up a credit card that is ONLY used for business expenses.

And yes, it should be connected to its own separate business bank account.

If you're that business owner who uses their personal credit card for every purchase, business or personal, you're making your life so much harder.

When you only have one card for everything, you've got to remember whether that Target run was for shampoo or printer ink before you decide whether it's a write-off!

Sorting through all your transactions like that takes up valuable time that most people just can't afford to lose, especially when the solution is soooo simple. 💳

Listen, I'm not telling you to go out and open a billion credit cards (in fact, please do NOT do that!!!).

What I do want, however, is for you to open up a credit card that is ONLY used for business expenses.

And yes, it should be connected to its own separate business bank account.

If you're that business owner who uses their personal credit card for every purchase, business or personal, you're making your life so much harder.

When you only have one card for everything, you've got to remember whether that Target run was for shampoo or printer ink before you decide whether it's a write-off!

Sorting through all your transactions like that takes up valuable time that most people just can't afford to lose, especially when the solution is soooo simple. 💳

HONESTY HOUR: How often are you actually doing your bookkeeping? 👀

In my opinion, you need to be doing your bookkeeping on a monthly basis (and that's the bare minimum).

The more often you're in your books, the easier it is to remember any details on a transaction or catch issues early.

But, for your business specifically, it's all going to come down to your transaction volume, whether you have payroll, sales tax, or inventory to track, and how up-to-date you need your financial reporting.

We have plans that align with every size of business!

HONESTY HOUR: How often are you actually doing your bookkeeping? 👀

In my opinion, you need to be doing your bookkeeping on a monthly basis (and that's the bare minimum).

The more often you're in your books, the easier it is to remember any details on a transaction or catch issues early.

But, for your business specifically, it's all going to come down to your transaction volume, whether you have payroll, sales tax, or inventory to track, and how up-to-date you need your financial reporting.

We have plans that align with every size of business!

The bookkeeping team keeping it all together. Never letting a paycheck, sales tax return, or bank account get left behind. 📈

The bookkeeping team keeping it all together. Never letting a paycheck, sales tax return, or bank account get left behind. 📈

You're at the final part of your bookkeeping ✨glow up✨, this is really where everything comes together!

When your foundations + systems are rock-solid, you end up with financial reports you can use to move the needle in your business.

When you can click in and see exactly how much you're earning, how much you're spending, and how much cash you have left, you're empowered to make decisions as a CEO.

And if you dutifully clicked through this whole series, but truly just don't have the capacity to glow up your books, We are here for you!

You don't have to do it all alone, especially when it comes to your bookkeeping!

You're at the final part of your bookkeeping ✨glow up✨, this is really where everything comes together!

When your foundations + systems are rock-solid, you end up with financial reports you can use to move the needle in your business.

When you can click in and see exactly how much you're earning, how much you're spending, and how much cash you have left, you're empowered to make decisions as a CEO.

And if you dutifully clicked through this whole series, but truly just don't have the capacity to glow up your books, We are here for you!

You don't have to do it all alone, especially when it comes to your bookkeeping!

This part of my Glow Up series is all about your systems, and this quote was all too appropriate: ↓

"You do not rise to the level of your goals, you fall to the level of your systems."

I absolutely love a good system and swear that implementing them in your business is a game changer.

👉 Swipe to learn three bookkeeping processes you *must* have to keep your business operating smoothly!

This part of my Glow Up series is all about your systems, and this quote was all too appropriate: ↓

"You do not rise to the level of your goals, you fall to the level of your systems."

I absolutely love a good system and swear that implementing them in your business is a game changer.

👉 Swipe to learn three bookkeeping processes you *must* have to keep your business operating smoothly!

I'm kicking off my ✨ Glow Up Your Bookkeeping ✨ series, and it starts where every true glow up starts: the basics.

I'm covering the key components of a good bookkeeping system...

Without these, your books are going to be a MESS!

So tune in, follow these action items, and get ready to turn your messy books into financial clarity.

I'm kicking off my ✨ Glow Up Your Bookkeeping ✨ series, and it starts where every true glow up starts: the basics.

I'm covering the key components of a good bookkeeping system...

Without these, your books are going to be a MESS!

So tune in, follow these action items, and get ready to turn your messy books into financial clarity.

STOP SCROLLING and check your bookkeeping for these problems right now ↓

1️⃣ Forgetting to record your payment/merchant fees.

2️⃣ Recording sales tax as income.

3️⃣ Booking your whole loan payment to interest expense (instead of splitting out the portion paying down your principal).

4️⃣ Recording estimated tax payments as an expense.

5️⃣ Going more than two months without reconciling your bank + credit card accounts.

If you don't feel totally confident checking your books for these things, it's time to hire a pro!

STOP SCROLLING and check your bookkeeping for these problems right now ↓

1️⃣ Forgetting to record your payment/merchant fees.

2️⃣ Recording sales tax as income.

3️⃣ Booking your whole loan payment to interest expense (instead of splitting out the portion paying down your principal).

4️⃣ Recording estimated tax payments as an expense.

5️⃣ Going more than two months without reconciling your bank + credit card accounts.

If you don't feel totally confident checking your books for these things, it's time to hire a pro!

Advice I'd give to anyone starting a business in 2026: ↓

Build the foundational systems of your business like you're going to be doing 6+ figures of business tomorrow.

That means opening up a bank account specifically for your business, choosing the right entity type (LLC, sole prop, S corp, etc.), getting all necessary licenses + permits, and building out your support team.

Advice I'd give to anyone starting a business in 2026: ↓

Build the foundational systems of your business like you're going to be doing 6+ figures of business tomorrow.

That means opening up a bank account specifically for your business, choosing the right entity type (LLC, sole prop, S corp, etc.), getting all necessary licenses + permits, and building out your support team.

A good bookkeeper won't categorize your expenses without fully understanding *what* you bought and why.

To accurately categorize your business transactions, I normally need more info on expenses like:

→ Meals (who you were with, business purpose)

→ Travel (where you went, business purpose)

→ First-time contractor payments (info from their W-9)

→ Purchases over $2,500 (to determine whether to capitalize or not)

→ Any unusual/irregular expenses

I've got these bookkeeping boundaries in place for a reason, not to make your life harder, but to protect us both!

A good bookkeeper won't categorize your expenses without fully understanding *what* you bought and why.

To accurately categorize your business transactions, I normally need more info on expenses like:

→ Meals (who you were with, business purpose)

→ Travel (where you went, business purpose)

→ First-time contractor payments (info from their W-9)

→ Purchases over $2,500 (to determine whether to capitalize or not)

→ Any unusual/irregular expenses

I've got these bookkeeping boundaries in place for a reason, not to make your life harder, but to protect us both!

Have you been on the fence to get bookkeeping support?

Whether you work with us or someone similar this is pretty much what you can expect!

Before we can totally take over your bookkeeping, we'll need some secure access to your current bookkeeping systems and a little bit more data on your business.

Once we've checked those boxes off, your part is done!

The only times you'll hear from us next are if we have any clarifying questions or when we've got your financial reports ready to review!

Have you been on the fence to get bookkeeping support?

Whether you work with us or someone similar this is pretty much what you can expect!

Before we can totally take over your bookkeeping, we'll need some secure access to your current bookkeeping systems and a little bit more data on your business.

Once we've checked those boxes off, your part is done!

The only times you'll hear from us next are if we have any clarifying questions or when we've got your financial reports ready to review!

So, spoiler alert, I don't do taxes...

I actually get this question more than you'd think, so here's how I *do* help my clients with their taxes (without actually filing your return):

When it comes to filing your tax return, it all starts with clean bookkeeping!

Your tax accountant needs to know exactly how much you spent on each type of expense to put the correct number in the right place on your tax return.

They also need to know what your income *truly* is. If the income shown on your financials is underreported, you risk getting hit with penalties + interest.

And if you're reporting too much income, you're going to pay too much in taxes!

So no, I'm not filing your return, but my work as your bookkeeper is a key part of your tax season!

So, spoiler alert, I don't do taxes...

I actually get this question more than you'd think, so here's how I *do* help my clients with their taxes (without actually filing your return):

When it comes to filing your tax return, it all starts with clean bookkeeping!

Your tax accountant needs to know exactly how much you spent on each type of expense to put the correct number in the right place on your tax return.

They also need to know what your income *truly* is. If the income shown on your financials is underreported, you risk getting hit with penalties + interest.

And if you're reporting too much income, you're going to pay too much in taxes!

So no, I'm not filing your return, but my work as your bookkeeper is a key part of your tax season!

If your 2026 budget strategy is "check my bank account + hope for the best"...

You can just go ahead and comment "BUDGET" right now to get my free Budgeting for [Your Niches] guide.

It gives you all the tips you need to build the very first budget you'll actually stick to, like how to:

→ Use last year's numbers to set realistic targets

→ Plan for months with uneven income

→ Save enough for estimated taxes

→ Prioritize paying yourself

What are you waiting for?! Click the link in Bio for the download!

If your 2026 budget strategy is "check my bank account + hope for the best"...

You can just go ahead and comment "BUDGET" right now to get my free Budgeting for [Your Niches] guide.

It gives you all the tips you need to build the very first budget you'll actually stick to, like how to:

→ Use last year's numbers to set realistic targets

→ Plan for months with uneven income

→ Save enough for estimated taxes

→ Prioritize paying yourself

What are you waiting for?! Click the link in Bio for the download!

Don't have the Sunday Scaries!

If you do your own bookkeeping, add this 10-minute Sunday bookkeeping reset to your routine.

Getting intentional with these weekly tasks will make your monthly bookkeeping SOOO much more manageable. ✨

Don't have the Sunday Scaries!

If you do your own bookkeeping, add this 10-minute Sunday bookkeeping reset to your routine.

Getting intentional with these weekly tasks will make your monthly bookkeeping SOOO much more manageable. ✨

This is what fills up my cup as a bookkeeper! 🫶

This is what fills up my cup as a bookkeeper! 🫶

Your CPA is always going to need (at a minimum) your Profit & Loss to file your return.

This report shows exactly how much you earned and what you spent for the tax year.

They'll also usually need your Balance Sheet to tie out loan balances, retained earnings, and make sure everything is included on your return.

Partnerships & S-Corp Returns due: March 16th
Sole Props, C-Corps, and Single Member LLC's Returns due: April 15th

Your CPA is always going to need (at a minimum) your Profit & Loss to file your return.

This report shows exactly how much you earned and what you spent for the tax year.

They'll also usually need your Balance Sheet to tie out loan balances, retained earnings, and make sure everything is included on your return.

Partnerships & S-Corp Returns due: March 16th
Sole Props, C-Corps, and Single Member LLC's Returns due: April 15th

Honored to work with the most amazing group of women who crushed January!! We are looking forward to supporting small businesses throughout the PNW in 2026. Here we go again 💕

Honored to work with the most amazing group of women who crushed January!! We are looking forward to supporting small businesses throughout the PNW in 2026. Here we go again 💕

Hold Please while we close out our clients 2025 books, file 1099's, and ensure everything is all set for tax preparation. BRB ❤️

Hold Please while we close out our clients 2025 books, file 1099's, and ensure everything is all set for tax preparation. BRB ❤️

Merry Christmas from the Team at Bean Counter Bookkkeeping!

Merry Christmas from the Team at Bean Counter Bookkkeeping!

Swipe to see my Christmas OOO messages that didn't make the final cut! 🤶

P.S. The Bean Counter team will officially be logging off on 12/22 to enjoy the holidays with our families. We'll be back to business as usual on 1/5/2026.

Swipe to see my Christmas OOO messages that didn't make the final cut! 🤶

P.S. The Bean Counter team will officially be logging off on 12/22 to enjoy the holidays with our families. We'll be back to business as usual on 1/5/2026.

Santa isn't the only one who should be making a list (and checking it twice) this December!

It's time to start making your 1099-NEC list of any non-employees (independent contractors) you paid $600 or more to this year.

Here's what you'll want to include:

→ The names of all contractors you paid $600 or more for their services.

→ Signed W-9s from each contractor.

→ The total paid to each contractor in 2025.

While you are at it, did you pay rent? Your landlord gets a 1099-MISC. Oh, and that Lawyer you paid, they should receive a 1099-NEC (whether they are a corporation or not) for anything over $600.

Lastly, if you paid anyone via PayPal or a credit card those don't get included in your total.

Put any questions in the comments! Happy to answer ❄

Santa isn't the only one who should be making a list (and checking it twice) this December!

It's time to start making your 1099-NEC list of any non-employees (independent contractors) you paid $600 or more to this year.

Here's what you'll want to include:

→ The names of all contractors you paid $600 or more for their services.

→ Signed W-9s from each contractor.

→ The total paid to each contractor in 2025.

While you are at it, did you pay rent? Your landlord gets a 1099-MISC. Oh, and that Lawyer you paid, they should receive a 1099-NEC (whether they are a corporation or not) for anything over $600.

Lastly, if you paid anyone via PayPal or a credit card those don't get included in your total.

Put any questions in the comments! Happy to answer ❄

Just thought I would throw this out there...

💰 2026 TAX BRACKETS 💰

Before you check which bracket your income falls into and start panicking, don't forget that the U.S. has a progressive tax system!

That means that not ALL of your income is taxed at the rate of your highest tax bracket. You will need to start with bucket one and figure out that amount then add it to bucket 2 and so forth.

For example: If Sally and John are married filing jointly and they have adjustable gross income of $126,000 then this is the tax calculation:

Tax Rate #1: $24,800 x 10 % = $2,480

Tax Rate #2: $100,800-$24,800 = $76,000 x 12% = $9,119.88

Tax Rate #3: $126,000-$100,800= $25,200 x 22% = $5,544

Total taxable owed on $126,000 of taxable income = $11,643.88

{Disclaimer: This does not consitute tax advice~ always consult your Tax preparer!}

Just thought I would throw this out there...

💰 2026 TAX BRACKETS 💰

Before you check which bracket your income falls into and start panicking, don't forget that the U.S. has a progressive tax system!

That means that not ALL of your income is taxed at the rate of your highest tax bracket. You will need to start with bucket one and figure out that amount then add it to bucket 2 and so forth.

For example: If Sally and John are married filing jointly and they have adjustable gross income of $126,000 then this is the tax calculation:

Tax Rate #1: $24,800 x 10 % = $2,480

Tax Rate #2: $100,800-$24,800 = $76,000 x 12% = $9,119.88

Tax Rate #3: $126,000-$100,800= $25,200 x 22% = $5,544

Total taxable owed on $126,000 of taxable income = $11,643.88

{Disclaimer: This does not consitute tax advice~ always consult your Tax preparer!}

I had a client come to me earlier this year needing a bookkeeping catch-up in order to file their taxes (a tale as old as time!).

At first, she wasn't sold on monthly bookkeeping... she just wanted to get her taxes done + move on.

But when I emailed over her updated financial reports (like I do with every one of my clients), she was stunned. 😳

All the valuable decision-making info was RIGHT THERE, and she'd be running her business blind without it.

She could instantly see things like:

→ Where her money was going
→ Where she was overspending
→ That she needed to save more for estimated taxes

Good bookkeeping isn't just for taxes; it's for business owners to use to their advantage all year long.

I had a client come to me earlier this year needing a bookkeeping catch-up in order to file their taxes (a tale as old as time!).

At first, she wasn't sold on monthly bookkeeping... she just wanted to get her taxes done + move on.

But when I emailed over her updated financial reports (like I do with every one of my clients), she was stunned. 😳

All the valuable decision-making info was RIGHT THERE, and she'd be running her business blind without it.

She could instantly see things like:

→ Where her money was going
→ Where she was overspending
→ That she needed to save more for estimated taxes

Good bookkeeping isn't just for taxes; it's for business owners to use to their advantage all year long.

.pro-gallery-wix-wrapper {display: block !important;} .pro-gallery-wix-wrapper .gallery-item-container {opacity: 1 !important; display: block !important;}

@beancounterbookkeeping

HOW WE CAN HELP

HOME
ABOUT
SERVICES
SCHEDULER
BLOG

Bean Counter Bookkeeping Bothell WA

GET IN TOUCH

WE ARE PHYSICALLY LOCATED IN WA BUT SERVE CLIENTS NATIONWIDE.

hello@beancounteraccounting.com

(425)219-2763

@beancounterbookkeeping

Schedule a Free Consultation

© 2026 by Bean Counter Bookkeeping.

bottom of page