FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

1. "What services do you offer?"

2. "What do you need access to?"

Connect to business bank accounts, business credit cards, payment processors, QuickBooks and of course we need access to the person who can provide us with access, and also answer questions.  

3. "Do you need to talk to my tax preparer?"

We always value the opportunity to coordinate with tax preparers/ CPA's.  Typically the work flows from our bookkeeping to them.  If they have questions or require more focus in a certain area then we are flexible and we look forward to working together. 

4. "Do you work with QuickBooks online?"

Yes, I can either connect to your existing account or I can provide you with your QuickBooks online account for an additional fee, the retail cost.

5. "How do you handle personal expenses mixed in?"

Personal expenses will be ignored in the bookkeeping software, so there needs to be clarity around what is a personal expense vs. a business expense. Ideally when business accounts are used exclusively for business, this is a non-issue.  Otherwise the answers will come from you. 

6. "How much do your bookkeeping services cost?"

We are strategically priced at fair market rates and your price depends on your business' monthly volume and complexity. Below is a Bookkeeping Monthly Plans comparison:

7. "How much is your Set-up fee?"

It is a one time payment of  $199.

8. "Why do I need to pay an Set-up fee?"

Significant time is spent on analyzing each business' requirements and setting up the the business for repeatable monthly success with regards to data integrations and creating the correct chart of accounts for revenue and expenses, that will give you a strong foundation for executing on monthly accounting.

9. "How much do your Additional Services cost?"

The cost of tax returns and notary services depends on your personal circumstances and requirements, so we will provide you with a personalized custom quote.

10. "How soon can you start?"

After our DISCOVERY DISCUSSION (phase 1), we will know which package works for you.  Pay the applicable fees and we'll be ready to start your ONBOARDING.

11. "What does each account mean?"

Accounts are defined as connected bank, credit card or payment processor integrations that require reconciliation. Any unconnected accounts which require manual entry will be billed at $75 per hour.

12. "What is a transaction threshold?"

Transaction is each bank/credit card feed line you process (add/match/exclude) + any additional QBO transactions you create (invoices, bills, journal entries) if applicable.

13. "What is a complexity fee?" 

Some clients require more time and effort than others. The following are examples of complexity flags that slow down the accounting process:  

• Reimbursements: More than 15 reimbursements/month (owner/employee paying personally and getting paid back).

• Loan-like transfers: Anything requiring recurring principal/interest splits, or constant “moving money around to cover stuff” without a clear pattern.

• Multiple income streams + messy deposits (reconciliation friction).

• Payment processors: 3+ processors (e.g., Stripe + PayPal + Square) OR multiple payout schedules.

• Deposits that bundle sources: Deposits where one bank deposit represents multiple sales channels and there’s no clean report to tie out.

• Undeposited Funds requirement: If they need Undeposited Funds + batch deposits to be right (common in retail/appointments), that’s a complexity bump.

• Cash deposits: Regular cash deposits with incomplete documentation.

If a client has at least 2 complexity flags then a complexity fee applies, between $150 and $300 per month, depending on the actual complexity. 

14. "What if I need to reschedule or cancel the service?" 

Services with Cohen Consulting are charged monthly, and either the client or Cohen Consulting may terminate the relationship at any time.  You are not locked into an annual contract because we believe that the value should be presented every month.  However if a monthly service is canceled mid-month there are no pro-rated refunds.  

15. "Can I change the chosen service(s)?"

Yes, based on the requirements of your business, your level of service may automatically adjust depending on the number of monthly transactions, the complexity of work and the number of integrated accounts.  

16. "How and where can I pay?"

Upon the beginning of the monthly relationship, a recurring payment structure will be set up on a credit/ debit card or directly from a business bank account.  Receipts are delivered after payments are made.  

17. "How does the remote service work?"

These days we have so many technological solutions that enable remote work.  Documents may be exchanged, if not in person, then through snail-mail, emails, video calls, screen shares, phone calls, electronic signatures, texting and automated receipt capture.