Hey, I’m Dwan Bruce. I’ve been using QuickBooks Online to manage my business finances, but I recently realized I’m behind on getting everything cleaned up for tax filing. I was hoping to activate the Bookkeeping service that QuickBooks offers so I could get some help organizing my accounts before I start dealing with the IRS.
When I tried to set it up from my dashboard, I wasn’t exactly sure which plan I needed or if I was already eligible for the service through my current subscription. I saw a few options under the Live Bookkeeping tab, but it wasn’t super clear whether the tax prep support is included or if I’d need to upgrade something first. I also wasn’t sure if I’d be connected to a live expert or just using automated cleanup tools. To make things trickier, I tried reaching support but didn’t get a clear timeline on how long the setup would take — and tax deadlines are creeping up fast.
Has anyone here gone through the process of activating QuickBooks’ Bookkeeping service specifically for tax prep? Did it include year-end organization and Schedule C support, or did you have to request that separately? I just want to make sure I’m not missing anything before I commit to a service — especially when timing and accuracy matter so much during tax season. Any real-world experiences or tips would really help.”
Hey Dwan Bruce,
Thanks for reaching out — you’re absolutely taking the right step by looking into QuickBooks Live Bookkeeping Service before tax season gets any closer. I know it can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure which plan covers what and deadlines are looming. You’re not alone in this — and the good news is, I’m here to help make the process simple and stress-free.
Whether you’re looking for year-end cleanup, Schedule C support, or just want clarity on whether your current subscription includes Live Bookkeeping —I’ve got you covered. We’ll go step by step — starting with checking your current subscription to see if you’re eligible or you’ll need to add the Live Bookkeeping service separately, and from there, I’ll help you choose the right plan based on how far behind your books are.
Most importantly, I’ll make sure you know exactly what to expect — from how the setup works to when you’ll be connected with a real bookkeeping expert (yes, a real person!). You don’t have to navigate this alone. Just let me know your current QuickBooks plan or what you’re seeing in your dashboard, and I’ll take care of the rest. We’ll get your accounts organized and IRS-ready for tax season.
Understanding QuickBooks Online Live Bookkeeping Services
QuickBooks Live Bookkeeping offers online bookkeeping services that connect small businesses with trusted and dedicated QuickBooks-certified virtual bookkeepers who work with you to understand your business and support you along with their team.
QuickBooks Live Expert Assisted and QuickBooks Live Expert Full-Service Bookkeeping give you access to bookkeepers, who are available to provide resource support so you can make smarter decisions with your books, business tax, payroll tax, sales tax and 1099 filings. They categorize transactions, reconcile accounts and provide general information to common tax questions related to regulations, deadlines, deductions, business entity, business payment options, payroll tax filing, payroll tax requirements, 1099s, and sales tax.
Important: Both QuickBooks Live Expert Full-Service Tax and QuickBooks Live Expert Assisted Tax are “powered by TurboTax” tax preparation services and each require an active QuickBooks Online subscription.
Who Can Use the QuickBooks Online Live Bookkeeping Service?
QuickBooks Live is available to businesses who use QuickBooks Online and have filed taxes in the last calendar year. You’re not eligible for this service if:
- Your business is extremely complex.
- You deal in foreign or cryptocurrency.
- Your business and personal expenses are heavily mingled.
- Your business is legal at the state level, but not necessarily the federal level.
Note: You can’t sign up for QuickBooks Live if you’re on a trial period of QuickBooks Online.
We’ll review your books during your first appointment to see if you’re eligible, if you have historical records for your business.
Before You Start:
Verify your QuickBooks Live Bookkeeping subscription within your QuickBooks Online account.
- Sign in to qbo.intuit.com.
- Click the Gear icon and choose Account & Settings.
- Under the Billing & Subscription menu, the QuickBooks Live Bookkeeping Setup should indicate that you’re subscribed.
- Select Done to exit the page.
Steps to Subscribe to QuickBooks Online Live Bookkeeping Service
QuickBooks Live helps keep your books up-to-date, accurate, and ready for tax time. This service gives you live, one-on-one support from a QuickBooks-certified bookkeeper who works with you to understand your business. If you already have a QuickBooks Online subscription, you can seamlessly subscribe, or resubscribe, to QuickBooks Live Expert Assisted.
- Log in to QuickBooks as a Primary or Company admin.
- Navigate to Live Experts.
- Select See price to be taken to the pricing section.
- Choose an option from the dropdown menu that best describes the last business tax year you filed.
- Click See price and Try now.
- Review or update your billing info.
- Choose Subscribe.
- Schedule an appointment with an onboarding expert.
- When you schedule your appointment, you’ll hear from your bookkeeper who will give you more instructions.
Contact the QuickBooks Online Live Bookkeeping Expert
When you’ve subscribed to QuickBooks Live Bookkeeping, you can schedule monthly calls with your bookkeeper through either the QuickBooks Online mobile app or your web browser. These sessions help you stay aligned on your books and get real-time support. You’ll also have access to the Document and Request Center to stay in touch with your bookkeeper between appointments, or connect with a QuickBooks product expert for app-related questions but remember they can’t give you specific bookkeeping advice.
What’s Included and What’s Not in QuickBooks Online Live Bookkeeping Service?
QuickBooks Live Bookkeeping is designed to take the stress out of managing your finances by pairing you with a team of experts who help keep your books accurate and up to date. But to make the most of the service, it’s important to understand exactly what it covers — and what it doesn’t.
What’s Included in the Service
The QuickBooks Live Bookkeeping service is split into two phases: cleanup and monthly bookkeeping.
Cleanup
In your first appointment, your bookkeeper will walk you through QuickBooks Live Bookkeeping, and help you set up your chart of accounts, connect your bank accounts, and guide you in uploading your financial documents. Once your bookkeeper has all the necessary information, they’ll begin the cleanup process — which includes categorizing transactions and reconciling accounts. This phase typically takes around 30 days to complete from the time they receive everything they need from you. After cleanup, you’ll be matched with a dedicated bookkeeper who will handle the ongoing, month-to-month management of your books.
Monthly Bookkeeping
Each month, your bookkeeper categorizes your transactions and reconciles your accounts. This ensures every transaction is recorded under the correct account, giving you a clear view of your income and how funds are being used.
While QuickBooks Live Bookkeeping doesn’t file your taxes, your bookkeeper will help ensure your books are IRS-ready — including generating reports you can use for Schedule C if you’re a sole proprietor.
What’s Not Included in the Service
QuickBooks Live Bookkeeping Service does not include:
- Sending invoices or paying bills
- Managing inventory, accounts receivable, or accounts payable
- Financial or tax advice
- Filing income or sales tax returns, or creating and sending 1099s
- Managing payroll
Note: QuickBooks Online offers Payroll as an optional add-on service for an additional cost. Your bookkeeper can help you to manage transactions but doesn’t provide QuickBooks Online training. For that, explore our available QBO training resources.
Final Note!
Dwan, you’re doing an amazing job just by asking the right questions, and taking the right steps to get organized, you’re already ahead of the curve. I know tax time can feel overwhelming, especially when things feel a little behind or scattered, but I want you to know that you’re not alone in this.
With QuickBooks Live Bookkeeping Service, you’ll have a dedicated bookkeeping expert who understands your unique business needs. We’ll help you to clean up your books, categorize your expenses, and make sure you’re fully prepared for tax season — including the reports you’ll need for Schedule C.
Once you’re set up, we’ll walk you through scheduling your first personalized call with a Live Bookkeeper. Whether you need help sorting past data, tackling a tricky financial question, or just getting reassurance that you’re on the right path — we’re here for all of it.
If you ever feel unsure or stuck at any point, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to make things as easy and stress-free as possible for you.
Disclaimer: The information outlined above for “How Can I Activate QuickBooks Online Live Bookkeeping Services For Year-End Tax Prep?” is applicable to all supported versions, including QuickBooks Desktop Pro, Premier, Accountant, and Enterprise. It is designed to work with operating systems such as Windows 7, 10, and 11, as well as macOS.