3 Best Bookkeeping Services for Small Businesses in Austin

Picking the perfect bookkeeping service for small businesses is a big deal, especially in Austin, where entrepreneurs from tech startups to retail shops contribute to the city’s growth.

While Texas lets you off the hook with no personal or corporate income taxes, Austin businesses still have some unique hoops to jump through.

Like the Texas franchise tax and local sales and use taxes.

However, with a reliable partner like doola Bookkeeping handling the details, including Austin’s unique tax requirements, you’re free to focus on building your business.

Whether you’re wondering about collecting the correct sales tax or ensuring your products qualify as tax-exempt, doola Bookkeeping services can keep your business tax-ready and IRS-compliant.

We’ve ranked the top three Austin bookkeeping services — doola Bookkeeping, Bench, and QuickBooks Live — detailing their offerings, standout features, and pricing structures to help you make the best decision for your business.

Before we get started, here’s a quick snapshot of how these services stack up:

doola Bookkeeping vs. Bench vs. QuickBooks

Meanwhile, if you’d like to learn more about doola Bookkeeping and its unique privileges for Austin-based small business owners, our team is just a click away.

Book a demo and let’s get you started.

doola Bookkeeping: $25/Month

doola Bookkeeping is a comprehensive solution for small businesses and startups in Austin, especially if you’re looking for a solution that will grow alongside your needs.

With solutions tailored for freelancers, growing businesses, and seasoned entrepreneurs, doola combines advanced technology with industry-specific expertise to provide a seamless, scalable bookkeeping experience.

doola Bookkeeping offers a holistic approach designed to empower business owners with the tools and dedicated support they need to thrive.

From managing day-to-day finances to tackling tax compliance, it’s a service built for all stages of business.

Key Offerings:

• Monthly bookkeeping and reconciliations

• Comprehensive business metrics dashboards

• Real-time and on-demand financial statements

• Custom reports for profit and loss, expenses, and cash flow

• Efficient invoice generation and payment processing

• Data preparation for year-end tax filing

• Dedicated support with industry-specific bookkeepers

Pricing:

doola Bookkeeping offers structured pricing to meet the needs of small businesses, with transparent, customizable options.

Packages are based on service requirements, allowing businesses to choose what they need as they grow.

Standout Features:

Let’s take a look at some of the best features that place doola Bookkeeping a cut above all the other bookkeeping services in Austin.

1. Industry-Specific Expertise:

doola provides tailored advice by pairing each client with a bookkeeper who understands their specific industry, from tech to retail to consulting.

2. Real-Time Insights and Tracking:

With doola’s dashboard, clients can access their financial data 24/7, empowering them with the insights they need for smarter decision-making.

3. Flexible Plans and Personalized Support:

Scalable services and a dedicated bookkeeper ensure that as your business grows, so does the level of support.

Pros:

✔️ Customizable pricing and service packages.

✔️ Personalized service with dedicated bookkeepers.

✔️ Real-time access to finances via a user-friendly dashboard.

Why Choose doola Bookkeeping?

For Austin business owners looking for a bookkeeping partner that prioritizes flexibility, transparency, and support, doola Bookkeeping stands out as the best choice.

From accurate records to real-time insights, doola Bookkeeping helps you confidently manage your finances and grow your business.

Bench: $249/Month

Bench is a well-known online bookkeeping service catering to startups and small businesses. It offers straightforward bookkeeping with the added benefit of monthly reports and an easy-to-use platform.

Bench excels in simplifying bookkeeping and providing users with a clear snapshot of their financial health each month.

Key Offerings:

• Bench assigns you a team of bookkeepers to manage finances and provide monthly reports.

• Lets you access your financial information and reports from anywhere.

• Bench primarily supports cash-basis accounting, making it suitable for smaller operations without complex financial needs.

Pricing:

As you scale, this service might not hold much value. It’s suitable for smaller, simpler business requirements.

Standout Features:

1. Simple and Affordable:

Bench provides an easy-to-navigate interface with clear monthly reports.

2. Efficient Monthly Reporting:

Regular financial updates make it easier for owners to track finances.

Pros:

✔️ Starts at $249/month, making it budget-friendly.

✔️ Assigned bookkeepers offer consistency and reliability.

✔️ The platform is straightforward and accessible for small business owners.

Cons:

❌ Limited tax support

❌ Primarily cash-basis accounting

❌ Scalability limitations

🌐 doola Bookkeeping vs. Bench: Which Bookkeeping Service is Better in Austin?

Both doola Bookkeeping and Bench offer strong bookkeeping solutions for small businesses, but when it comes to Austin-specific needs and advanced support, doola Bookkeeping comes out on top.

The table below will explain why.

QuickBooks Live: $200/Month

QuickBooks Live is an extension of Intuit’s popular accounting software and is ideal for small businesses already using QuickBooks.

With QuickBooks Live, business owners are paired with a certified bookkeeper to ensure monthly reconciliations and financial organization. The platform is intuitive and integrates seamlessly with other QuickBooks tools.

Key Offerings:

• Each user is paired with a QuickBooks-certified expert for monthly reviews and reconciliations.

• Business owners can monitor finances in real-time via the QuickBooks online platform.

• QuickBooks Live offers a range of customizable plans tailored to specific business needs.

Standout Features and Pricing:

The best feature of QuickBooks Live is its seamless integration with the QuickBooks software suite, making it convenient for existing users.

Pros:

✔️ Excellent for businesses already in the QuickBooks ecosystem.

✔️ Easy-to-use, real-time platform.

✔️ Customizable support options.

Cons

❌ Limited tax support, with no franchise or sales tax filing

❌ Excludes software fees in monthly pricing

❌ Less scalable for larger or fast-growing businesses

🌐 doola vs. QuickBooks: Which Bookkeeping Service is Better in Austin?

For Austin’s small businesses, doola Bookkeeping’s inclusive pricing, tailored tax support, and growth scalability make it the superior choice for financial management.

The following table provides a better overview.

What Should You Consider When Choosing a Bookkeeping Service in Austin?

Finding the best bookkeeping service means understanding your business needs and how a service can meet them.

Here are some factors to keep in mind:

1. Local Tax Knowledge:

While Texas has no personal income tax, Austin businesses must navigate franchise and sales taxes.

Opt for a service with Texas-specific tax expertise, such as doola Bookkeeping, which offers robust franchise tax support to keep your business fully compliant.

2. Flexibility and Scalability:

As your business grows, so will your bookkeeping needs.

Look for a service that scales with you, like doola Bookeeping, which provides options ranging from basic bookkeeping to comprehensive, end-to-end accounting packages that grow with your business.

3. Detailed Reporting and Real-Time Access:

For better financial insights, choose a service that offers advanced reporting features and real-time data access.

While Bench and QuickBooks Live provide monthly reports and user-friendly dashboards, doola Bookkeeping takes it a step further, delivering in-depth financial health insights paired with personalized support.

4. Budget-Friendly Options:

Here’s a rule of thumb:

Always consider your budget and select a bookkeeping service that offers the best value.

While Bench is budget-friendly, doola’s comprehensive services and tax support may justify the higher cost for growing businesses.

Explore how doola Bookkeeping works to compare and contrast better.

Why doola Bookkeeping Is Considered the Best for Small Businesses in Austin

doola Bookkeeping is the top choice for Austin-based businesses seeking reliable, growth-ready bookkeeping support.

Here’s why doola Bookkeeping stands out:

Local Expertise:

With an understanding of Texas franchise tax and local sales tax obligations, doola’s team ensures your business stays compliant.

Scalability:

doola offers bookkeeping solutions that grow with your business, including DIY options, catch-up bookkeeping for overdue taxes , and comprehensive accounting.

Dedicated CPA Support:

Unlike many services, doola provides access to a team of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and experts to help you navigate complex financial scenarios, making it a valuable partner as your business scales.

With its Austin-specific tax support, flexibility, and expertise, doola Bookkeeping is uniquely positioned to help local businesses thrive.

So are you ready to take control of your business finances with doola Bookkeeping?

Book a demo with us today and chart your path to entrepreneurial stardom!

Let’s doola it!