Bookkeeping and Accounting for Private Investigators

Looking for a bookkeeper and accountant for your private investigation firm? We manage your books, so you can dedicate more time to solving your cases. Sign up today and get a free month of bookkeeping, valued at $299.

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How Bench works with private investigators

Get your bookkeeping, income tax prep, and filing handled by experts—supported by one robust platform. Bench partners with private investigators, so you can focus more on your surveillance and less on your spreadsheets.

We get you set up

Our team takes the time to intimately comprehend your private investigation operations, respond to your queries, assist you with integrating your accounts, and guide you through the workings of Bench.

We do your bookkeeping

Each month, your bookkeeper categorizes your private investigation transactions and prepares detailed financial statements. If they need any additional information, they won't hesitate to reach out.

We deliver tax-ready financials

Our team of experts is well-versed in the taxation stipulations relevant to private investigators and will tailor their approach to meet the unique requirements of your business.

Here’s why private investigators like you trust Bench with their bookkeeping and accounting

Get fast, unlimited support from our expert advisors

We'll consistently provide you with updates about your bookkeeping status. Got urgent queries related to your private investigation firm's financial records that can't be put on hold? Rest assured, we'll have them answered in one business day or less.

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screenshot of Bench support app

Guaranteed accuracy in every detail

Our platform offers the ability to automate data inputs from the majority of significant providers to sidestep frequent errors. We collaborate with business partners like Gusto, Stripe, Shopify, and Square— ensuring your financial records are always on point. This makes Bench Accounting an essential tool for private investigators who require accurate accounting without the fuss.

See where you’re spending. Make smart decisions

Say farewell to the mountain of documents and tedious manual surveillance—we automate data collection directly from linked accounts. Gain insights from a single centralized dashboard allowing private investigators to easily comprehend the state of their operations and make informed, strategic decisions.

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Bench integrates with your favorite small business tools

We sync seamlessly with your financial accounts and tools to keep your books up-to-date and save you the time and effort of manually uploading documents.

Trusted by 25,000+ American small business owners

“Bench helped me replace QuickBooks, and save about 6 hours per month of horrible accounting work, which is priceless.”

CHRIS RONZIO

CEO, TRAINUAL
“This is the first year where it’s tax season and I don’t feel anxious one bit.”

DR. BUKKY KOLAWOLE

FOUNDER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, RELATIONSHIP HQ
“Bench has lifted a giant weight off my shoulders and freed up my time so I can focus on earning money and working with clients, meetings and calls.”

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FOUNDER, THE VILLAGES GYM
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We know bookkeeping for private investigators

In the private investigation profession, there are several unique financial aspects that require careful navigation. These may include tracking expenses for multiple investigations, managing varying client invoicing, and staying abreast of industry-specific tax deductions. All of these can present complexities in bookkeeping that Bench is expertly equipped to handle. Furthermore, private investigators often work irregular hours which can make traditional bookkeeping methods inconvenient. With Bench, you also gain access to our intuitive software which allows you to access your financials at your convenience. It's bookkeeping tailored around your unique needs as a private investigator.

In addition to simplifying your everyday bookkeeping, Bench deeply understands the legal and tax environment surrounding your profession. Our team is aware of the laws, regulations, and specific tax obligations associated with running a private investigation business. Whether it's navigating tax deductions for surveillance equipment or understanding expense categorization for case-specific costs, our team will guide you through it in an easy-to-understand manner. We make tax season stress-free by preparing your financials for tax filing and by providing year-round tax support. With Bench, private investigators can focus on solving cases while we take care of the financial puzzle.

Simple, straightforward pricing for everything your business needs.

Join over 35,000 US-based business owners who have streamlined their finances and have grown their businesses with Bench.

Choose Plan

Bookkeeping

Reliable bookkeeping to cover your basic financial reporting needs.

$299/mo

billed annually. 100% tax deductible.

Dedicated bookkeeping experts
Accurate monthly books and year-end tax-ready financial packages
P&L, balance sheet and 1099 reporting
Unlimited communication with your bookkeeping team

Bookkeeping & Tax

Full-service bookkeeping with income tax filing and advisory to manage your financials seamlessly.
$599/mo

billed annually. 100% tax deductible.

Everything in the Bookkeeping plan, plus:
Dedicated team of licensed tax professionals to file your income tax return on time
Annual income tax filing for businesses (partnerships, S corps, C corps)
Annual income tax filing for individuals (sole proprietors, contractors)

Bookkeeping

Reliable bookkeeping to cover your basic financial reporting needs.

$349/mo

billed monthly. 100% tax deductible.

Dedicated bookkeeping experts
Accurate monthly books and year-end tax-ready financial packages
P&L, balance sheet and 1099 reporting
Unlimited communication with your bookkeeping team

Bookkeeping & Tax

Full-service bookkeeping with income tax advisory and filing to manage your financials seamlessly.
$699/mo

billed monthly. 100% tax deductible.

Everything in the Bookkeeping plan, plus:
Dedicated team of licensed tax professionals to file your income tax return on time
Annual income tax filing for businesses (partnerships, S corps, C corps)
Annual income tax filing for individuals (sole proprietors, contractors)

Frequently Asked Questions

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As a private investigator, what specific expenses can I deduct and how should I properly document them?

As a private investigator, there are several expenses you can deduct from your taxes. These can range from operational to administrative costs. Some examples include:

  • Vehicle expenses used for investigative work
  • Travel expenses, meals, and entertainment related to your business
  • Office expenses such as rent, utilities, insurance, and maintenance
  • Tools and equipment necessary for your work such as cameras, recorders, computers, and software
  • Training and education expenses that maintain or improve your skills

To properly document these expenses, it is important to keep detailed records. Receipts, invoices, vehicle mileage logs, and other proofs of purchase should be kept and organized. It could be beneficial to engage a bookkeeper or use an expense tracking software to simplify the documentation process.

Remember, every individual and business situation is unique. We recommend consulting with a professional tax consultant or CPA to get advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

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What type of accounting practices should I follow to accurately manage and monitor my private investigation business income?

For a private investigation business, it's important to follow generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) to manage and effectively monitor your income. Here are some key practices:

  • Accurate Record Keeping: Keep track of all business-related expenses and income accurately. This includes maintaining all receipts, invoices, and bank statements so you can reconcile your accounts regularly.
  • Separate Personal and Business Finances: Always keep your personal and business bank accounts separate. It makes tracking business income and expenses easier, and prevents any legal issues down the line.
  • Quarterly Tax Estimations: As a private investigator, you are considered self-employed. Therefore, you should pay estimated tax quarterly to avoid large year-end tax bills.
  • Use Accounting Software: Consider using accounting software tailored for small businesses. It can help simplify your bookkeeping and provide a clear picture of your finances at any time.
  • Retain a Professional: While managing your business, you may not have time to handle all your accounting needs. Hiring a professional bookkeeper can help ensure your books are in order and free up more time for you to focus on operations.

Following these practices can help ensure your private investigation business income is accurately managed and monitored. Remember, Bench Accounting is here to help with all your bookkeeping needs!

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How can Bench Accounting help a private investigator like me in terms of tax-related issues?

Bench Accounting can significantly help private investigators in managing tax-related issues. Our dedicated team of skilled and experienced bookkeepers ensures proper organisation and classification of all your expenses and revenue. With accurate financial records, tax calculation becomes easier and more precise.

Moreover, we also provide tax filing services, which include identifying and applying relevant deductions to minimise your tax liability. This not only keeps your business compliant but also saves you money. With Bench Accounting handling your tax-related issues, you can focus your energy and time on your primary services as a private investigator.

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Does Bench outsource bookkeeping?

Nope! All bookkeeping is completed in-house.

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Will I have one point of contact?

Your bookkeeper will be your main point of contact, but at times you might hear from another member of your team. This is usually when your bookkeeper goes on vacation, is sick, or otherwise unavailable.

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How much time each month will I have to spend managing my Bench account?

We handle the bookkeeping for you but sometimes we’ll need your input, especially at year-end. On average, expect to spend 15 minutes each month answering questions for your bookkeeper, or uploading supporting docs.

Bookkeeping Services for Private investigators

Discover how we can help you have better finances with a personalized demo from a Bench expert, ready to answer all your questions. Sign up as a customer today and get a free month of bookkeeping.

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