Why “Clean Enough” Bookkeeping Turns Into IRS Trouble (Bookkeeping Mistakes That Trigger Audits)

Concerned business owner holding a binder next to a warning about why ‘clean enough’ bookkeeping causes IRS trouble and bookkeeping mistakes that trigger audits.

Why “Clean Enough” Bookkeeping Turns Into IRS Trouble Most business owners think their books are “good enough.”The numbers look right.The bank account roughly matches.The reports export.Nothing seems obviously wrong. But “clean enough” bookkeeping is one of the most dangerous financial traps a business can fall into—and one of the leading bookkeeping mistakes that trigger audits. […]

The Audit-Ready Chart of Accounts: How to Structure Your Books for Accuracy and Compliance

Brian preparing audit-ready chart of accounts on computer

The Audit-Ready Chart of Accounts: How to Structure Your Books for Accuracy and Compliance Your Chart of Accounts is the backbone of your bookkeeping system. If it’s messy, outdated, overly generic, or missing essential categories, your financials will always be wrong—no matter how much you reconcile. Most businesses don’t realize that errors in their Chart […]

Top 10 Missed Deductions for Service-Based Businesses (Service-Based Business Tax Deductions You Shouldn’t Miss)

Brian holding a clipboard which reads 'top service-based business tax deductions.'

Top 10 Missed Deductions for Service-Based Businesses (Service-Based Business Tax Deductions You Shouldn’t Miss) Service companies—from contractors and HVAC techs to consultants and home-service pros—miss thousands of dollars in service-based business tax deductions every year. Not because they don’t qualify for them, but because their bookkeeping isn’t structured to capture them. If your books are […]

How to Know If Your Books Are Lying to You (Bookkeeping Mistakes to Watch For)

Brian from Giesler-Tran Bookkeeping highlighting 10 bookkeeping mistakes to watch for with a welcoming pose.

How to Know If Your Books Are Lying to You (Bookkeeping Mistakes to Watch For) Most business owners assume their books are “fine”—until something breaks. A tax bill looks too high, cash flow feels tight for no reason, revenue doesn’t match deposits, payroll suddenly seems off… or worse, the IRS sends a letter. These are […]

Review of QuickBooks Online: A Game-Changer for Bookkeeping Professionals

Bookkeeping Services in Camas WA

Review of QuickBooks Online: A Game-Changer for Bookkeeping Professionals As the owner of Giesler-Tran Bookkeeping, I’ve tested many accounting tools, but QuickBooks Online (QBO) stands out as a true cornerstone for my business. Here’s how it’s helped me streamline my workflow and deliver even greater value to my clients. Seamless Collaboration and Remote Access QuickBooks […]

What Should I Expect to Pay for a Good Bookkeeper? (And What You Actually Get)

What Should I Expect to Pay for a Good Bookkeeper? (And What You Actually Get) Short answer: For a good bookkeeper expect to pay enough that they’re reliable, secure, and fast — not bargain-basement. Here’s the blunt breakdown and what you should actually get for your money. Price Ranges (US, Realistic) Basic / very small […]

What Should I Expect to Pay For a Good Bookkeeper? (2025 Guide) | Giesler-Tran Bookkeeping

Bookkeeping Services in Camas WA

What Should I Expect to Pay for a Good Bookkeeper? (2025 Guide) Short answer: For a good bookkeeper, expect to pay enough that they’re reliable, secure, and fast — not bargain-basement. Here’s the blunt breakdown and what you should actually get for your money. Price Ranges (US, Realistic) Basic / very small business: $200–$500/month (~$2,400–$6,000/year)1 […]

Let’s Get Real: $300-$700/Month for Bookkeeping Is Not Expensive—In Fact It’s Incredibly Reasonable | Giesler-Tran Bookkeeping

Let’s Get Real: $300–$700/Month for Bookkeeping Is Not Expensive Let’s put things in perspective. Even at the high end, $700 a month is less than $24 a day—less than you’d spend on lunch for two. In fact, it’s incredibly inexpensive thanks to virtual bookkeeping services. For $300–$700 a month, you get professional, industry-specific bookkeeping that […]

Cutting Corners: Would You Use Inferior Gas in an Airplane? | Giesler-Tran Bookkeeping

Would You Use Inferior Gas in an Airplane? Of course not. You’d never risk your family’s safety by fueling a plane with bargain-bin gas. So why trust the engine of your business—your financials—to the cheapest bookkeeper you can find? Your Bookkeeper is Your Business’s Co-Pilot Accuracy Matters: Just like a plane needs the right fuel, […]