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.
No credit card required. By clicking ‘Get Started’, I agree to Bench’s Terms & Privacy Policy.
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.
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.
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
CHRIS RONZIO
DR. BUKKY KOLAWOLE
HEATHER SHOLL
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
billed annually. 100% tax deductible.
Bookkeeping & Tax
billed annually. 100% tax deductible.
Bookkeeping
billed monthly. 100% tax deductible.
Bookkeeping & Tax
billed monthly. 100% tax deductible.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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!
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.
Nope! All bookkeeping is completed in-house.
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.
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.
No credit card required. By clicking ‘Get Started’, I agree to Bench’s Terms & Privacy Policy.