Questions Folks Usually Ask
Running a business is hard enough, your bookkeeping shouldn't leave you second-guessing. Here, you'll find straight-shooting answers to the questions folks like you ask most, along with the rock-solid promises that guide how I do business. From confidentiality to communication, Twisted Wire Bookkeeping is built on transparency, reliability, and a whole lot of heart.
Where questions meet clarity, and trust takes root.
Intro & Anchor Links
Got questions? I’ve got straight answers.
Click any of the links below to jump straight to that section of the FAQ:
Who I Work With
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A: I work with folks who live and work close to the land, tradespeople, ranchers, small-town shop owners, and family-run operations. These are the kinds of businesses that keep rural communities running, and I’m proud to support them.
My clients include:
- Ranchers tracking livestock costs, grazing leases, and fuel expenses
- Electricians, welders, and contractors who’d rather be on the job than in front of a spreadsheet
- Small-town shop owners managing product sales, local vendors, and seasonal swings
- Homegrown businesses like bakers, crafters, and florists building something of their own
If you take pride in what you do and just need someone to help with the books, we’ll probably get along just fine.
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A: Nope. I’m based in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, and I love supporting folks around here, but I also work with clients across state lines. With secure tools, screen sharing, and clear communication, we can get your bookkeeping done no matter where you are.
If you’re comfortable texting, emailing, or hopping on a quick call, we’ll have no problem working together remotely.
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A: Absolutely not. You don’t need fancy spreadsheets or color-coded folders. Whether you’re buried in receipts or haven’t opened QuickBooks in a year, I’ll meet you right where you’re at.
It’s my job to help you get organized, not to judge where you’re starting from. If you’re ready to get a handle on things, I’ll walk you through it step by step.
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A: I work best with people who are honest, communicative, and ready to move forward. You don’t need to be perfect, or have it all figured out, you just need to be willing to work together and follow the systems I’ve set up to make things run smooth.
If you’re respectful, show up for your business, and want clear, grounded bookkeeping without the runaround, I’d be glad to work with you.
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A: I don’t take on clients who aren’t ready to engage in the process. If you’re looking for someone to “fix the numbers” or avoid taxes, I’m not the right fit.
I’m focused on serving small, independently owned businesses, folks who value honest communication, consistency, and mutual respect. If you’re looking for someone to “fix the numbers” or skip corners, we’re probably not a good match.
I don’t work with large corporations or out-of-scope industries like international accounts. But if you’re a local grower, retailer, or service provider working hard to build something solid, I’m open to the conversation.
Services & Pricing
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A: I offer both, and we’ll talk through what fits your business best.
If you want predictable support each month, my flat-rate packages keep things simple. You’ll know exactly what’s included and what it costs, no surprises. If you only need help occasionally or during busy seasons, I also offer hourly services that give you flexibility without the commitment.
Either way, we’ll build a working relationship that feels steady and easy to manage. I don’t push anyone into a plan that doesn’t make sense for them.
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A: Absolutely. If your business grows, slows down, or shifts direction, we can adjust. I check in with my clients regularly and stay flexible so you’re never paying for more than you need or stuck without support when you do.
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A: I handle the taxes that keep your business running day-to-day and month-to-month:
- Payroll tax filings (Forms 941 and 940)
- South Dakota and Wyoming unemployment and withholding reports
- Monthly or quarterly sales tax and excise tax filings
I’ll make sure everything gets submitted accurately and on time, without the stress. If you have employees or collect sales tax, I’ve got you covered.
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A: Nope, that’s a job for your CPA or tax preparer. But I’ll make sure your books are clean, current, and tax-ready so their job is easier (and your bill is often smaller). If you don’t already have someone you trust, I’d be glad to recommend a few folks who share my values of honesty and clarity.
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A: We’ll figure it out together. During our discovery call, I’ll ask about how your business runs, what kind of support you’re looking for, and how hands-on or hands-off you want to be. Then I’ll walk you through your options so you can choose what feels right.
And if we start somewhere and need to pivot later on, that’s okay too.
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A: If something comes up that’s outside the scope of your package, like catching up on past years, adding payroll for new employees, or prepping for a big loan, we’ll talk it through first. I offer à la carte services and custom add-ons so you’re never stuck or left guessing.
You’ll always know ahead of time what to expect. I don’t sneak in surprise fees or tack on extras without a conversation. Everything I do is rooted in clarity and mutual respect.
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A: Yes. Clients who sign up for automatic monthly payments get 30% off QuickBooks Online through my partner discount, and I occasionally offer loyalty perks for bundled services like payroll + sales tax or multi-business clients.
I believe good bookkeeping should feel like a long-term partnership,not a nickel-and-dime situation. We’ll build something that feels fair, steady, and transparent.
Getting Started
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A: When you’re ready, we’ll start with a free discovery call, just 20–30 minutes to talk about your business, what’s been working (and what hasn’t), and what kind of support you’re looking for.
From there, I’ll send over a proposal with the package that fits your needs, along with a clear breakdown of what’s included. If we both feel good about it, I’ll guide you step-by-step through the onboarding process. You don’t need to figure anything out on your own, I’m here to walk you through it.
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A: Onboarding is the first step in getting your books set up—or cleaned up. It typically includes:
- A secure intake form to gather the basics about your business
- Setting up or accessing your bookkeeping software (like QuickBooks Online)
- Sharing key documents or statements (banking, past reports, etc.)
- Reviewing your goals, pain points, and priorities
Once I’ve got everything I need, I’ll get your systems organized and ready to go. You'll always know what's happening, and I won’t leave you in the dark at any step.
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A: You’re not alone and you won’t be the first client I’ve helped dig out of a paper pile (or the digital version of one). Whether you’re a few months behind or haven’t touched your books in years, I can help you get caught up.
We’ll take it step by step. I don’t judge; I just get to work. Clean, current books are always within reach, no matter where you're starting from.
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A: Absolutely. If you’re just getting started and don’t have any systems in place yet, I can set up your bookkeeping from the ground up. That includes choosing and setting up software (like QuickBooks Online), creating a chart of accounts that fits your business, and giving you a clear plan for tracking income and expenses going forward.
I’ll also teach you the basics as we go, so you understand what’s happening behind the scenes without getting overwhelmed.
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A: Not at all, and in most cases, I’ll help you get started with QuickBooks Online from day one. I’m a ProAdvisor and can offer you a 30% discount when you sign up through me, which I’ll include right in your monthly invoice.
If you’re just getting started or have very simple needs, I may use a shared spreadsheet during onboarding to track income and expenses. But long-term, QuickBooks is the platform I recommend for keeping things organized, accurate, and audit-ready.
I’ll walk you through the transition step by step and make sure you’re comfortable with the tools we use no guesswork, no overwhelm.
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A: That’s actually more common than you’d think, especially for folks running small, hands-on businesses. I’ll walk you through everything without using jargon or overcomplicating the process.
You don’t need to have a system in place already. You don’t even need to know where to start. That’s what I’m here for.
You’ll always know ahead of time what to expect. I don’t sneak in surprise fees or tack on extras without a conversation. Everything I do is rooted in clarity and mutual respect.
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A: Most new clients are fully onboarded within 1–2 weeks, depending on how quickly we can gather the information and access we need. If we’re doing cleanup work, that may take longer, but I’ll always give you a realistic timeline upfront and keep you posted along the way.
My goal is to get your books running smoothly as soon as possible, without rushing or cutting corners.
Tools & Tech
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A: I primarily work in QuickBooks Online, it’s secure, reliable, and works well for most small businesses. If you don’t already have an account, I can help you get set up and offer a 30% discount when you subscribe through me.
If you’re using QuickBooks Desktop or another platform, I can review your setup and either work within that system or recommend moving to something simpler. My goal is to keep your books clean, accurate, and easy to access, no matter what stage your business is in.
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A: For most clients, I use a simple system that keeps things clean and easy:
You’ll get a custom receipt upload link, when you click it, a short form opens where you can snap a photo of your receipt, add a quick note (like what it was for), and hit submit. That sends the receipt straight to your secure folder and notifies me automatically.
If you’d rather upload documents directly to a shared folder or use a spreadsheet to track things manually, we can do that too. My goal is to make recordkeeping as painless as possible, no apps, no headaches, and no judgment.
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A: To reconcile your books accurately, I’ll need access to your bank and credit card transactions, but we’ll always do it in a way that protects your privacy and works with how you operate.
There are two simple options:
1. Read-only login access: Some clients prefer to securely share their online banking credentials so I can log in and grab the statements myself each month. We’ll use a password manager to store that information safely. I never move money or make transactions, just view and report.
2. Document upload: If you’d rather not share login info, I’ll set up a secure upload link where you can send your monthly bank and credit card statements. The system notifies me automatically when you submit something, no follow-up needed.
Either way, I’ll walk you through how to share what I need, and you’ll stay fully in control of your accounts and your privacy.
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A: Not at all. Many of my clients run hands-on businesses and aren’t super comfortable with online tools, and that’s okay.
I’ll guide you step-by-step through everything we use, explain it in plain English, and make sure you always feel supported. If you can send a photo, open email, or click a link, we’ll make it work.
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A: Your financial privacy is a top priority. I follow industry best practices and have a Written Information Security Plan (WISP) in place to keep your information protected.
All software I use is encrypted, passwords are stored in a secure password manager, and I never share or sell your data ever. Around here, privacy isn’t just policy, it’s personal.
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A: I make it easy no matter how you prefer to work. Most forms—like the intake form, engagement agreement, or pricing sheet can be filled out online using Canva, PDF, or a secure link.
If you’re comfortable on a phone or computer, you’ll be able to click, fill, and send in just a few minutes. If that’s not your style, I’m happy to email or print copies, and I can even hand-deliver forms in person if you’re local.
I want the paperwork to feel straightforward and accessible not overwhelming. We’ll use whatever format makes the most sense for you.
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A: That’s totally fine. I know some folks just prefer to see things in writing and I’m happy to work that way too.
If you’re local, I can drop off printed forms or meet in person. You can also request documents by mail or email and send them back scanned, photographed, or returned in person. I’ll always make sure you have the format and support that fits your comfort level.
Communication & Security
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A: However works best for you. I know most small business owners don’t work a tidy 9–5, so I keep things flexible and respectful.
You can reach me by text, email, or phone or we can schedule a check-in over Zoom if needed. I also offer in-person meetups for local clients, whether that’s at your shop, your kitchen table, or over a cup of coffee.
I check messages consistently and respond within 1–2 business days unless I let you know otherwise. Clear communication is a two-way street, and I’ll always do my part to keep things running smooth.
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A: You’re always welcome to reach out. If it’s something small, a quick question, clarification, or reminder. I’ll usually respond by text or email the same day or next.
If it’s more complex or needs a conversation, I’ll schedule a time to talk so you have my full attention. You won’t be left wondering or waiting, and I’ll always keep you in the loop.
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A: Your privacy is non-negotiable. I follow industry best practices and maintain a written Information Security Plan (WISP) to safeguard your data.
All software I use is secure and encrypted, and passwords are stored in a password manager—not on sticky notes or unprotected files. I don’t share, sell, or disclose any of your information, ever. Around here, privacy isn’t just a policy, it’s personal.
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A: If you choose to give me login credentials (for read-only bank access or software), we’ll store those safely using a password manager. You’ll never need to text or email sensitive logins.
You stay in full control at all times, I don’t move money, make purchases, or make changes in your systems. I’m simply there to view, reconcile, and report on what’s already happening.
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A: Yes. Whether you upload a document, send a form, or submit a receipt through your upload link, I receive an automatic notification and will confirm once I’ve reviewed it.
No more wondering if it went through. I’ll keep you in the loop every step of the way.
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A: Life gets busy, I get it. If you fall behind on sending receipts, bank statements, or other info, just reach out. I’d rather hear from you than chase you.
That said, I work best with clients who are responsive and proactive. I’ll always give you a heads-up if things are falling off track so we can fix it before it becomes a bigger problem.
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A: Absolutely. If you’re local and prefer to drop off paperwork or printed receipts in person, we can set up a time that works. I also offer printed versions of forms if online tools don’t fit your style.
My goal is to support your business in a way that feels personal and accessible, not complicated.
Payments & Policies
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A: Payments are due by the 5th of each month. I’ll send your invoice in advance so you have time to review it. If payment isn’t received within 7 days, a $25 late fee will be applied.
I completely understand that things come up, if something’s off or running behind, just reach out and let me know. Clear communication goes a long way.
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A: You’ll receive a secure invoice by email each month. You can pay online using a bank transfer (ACH), debit card, or credit card.
If you prefer to pay by cash or check, that’s fine too, especially for local clients. Just let me know and we’ll set up a process that works for both of us.
For monthly clients, I recommend setting up automatic payments it’s one less thing to worry about, and I’ll handle everything on the backend. But if you’d rather pay manually, I’ll always make sure you have a clear way to do so.
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A: Yes. Because I’m based in South Dakota, a state sales tax applies to bookkeeping services provided to South Dakota-based clients. It will be itemized clearly on your invoice.
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A: I don’t lock clients into long-term contracts. If your needs change or you decide to pause services, just give me 15 days’ notice so I can close out your books properly and make sure everything is in good shape.
If something happens suddenly, I’ll still help you exit cleanly, I just ask for honesty and a little notice so I can wrap things up professionally.
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A: In most cases, no. Once services are rendered or a monthly cycle has begun, that time is already committed to your business. If you're on a flat-rate plan, your payment secures that space and service each month.
However, if there’s been a genuine misunderstanding or unexpected issue, I’m always open to a conversation. My policies are firm but fair.
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A: If you’re on a monthly plan and something comes up outside of what’s included, like a cleanup project, adding payroll, or prepping for a loan, I’ll let you know before we proceed. I offer à la carte services and hourly add-ons when needed, and you’ll always be informed before anything is billed.
There are no surprise fees, ever. Everything we do will be clear, agreed upon, and documented.
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A: I try to keep pricing simple and fair. Clients who set up automatic payments get access to my 30% discount on QuickBooks Online, and I occasionally offer bundled pricing for clients who use multiple services (like payroll + sales tax).
If cash flow is tight or your business is just getting started, I’m open to short-term payment plans, just ask. I want to support your success, not add pressure to your plate.
What I Expect from Clients
Working together is a two-way street. I do my best work when clients:
• Communicate openly and respond in a timely way
• Share accurate, organized records and documentation
• Trust the process and follow the systems I’ve put in place
This helps me do my job well and keeps your books running smooth. If things ever feel off-track, I’ll speak up and I hope you’ll do the same.
What Happens Next
When you’re ready, I’ll make it easy to get started. No stress, no pressure, just a simple, steady process that fits your life and your pace.
Here’s what onboarding looks like with Twisted Wire Bookkeeping:
1. We start with a conversation.
We’ll hop on a quick call or meet in person to talk through your business, your books, and what kind of support you need. You can ask questions, and I’ll walk you through the options that make the most sense for where you’re at.
2. We pick a package that fits.
Based on what we talk about, I’ll recommend a monthly plan (or hourly setup, if that works better for your needs). No pressure, just clear pricing and a plan that works for you.
3. We handle the paperwork.
I’ll send over a simple client agreement, a secure onboarding form, and instructions for sharing what I need to get started,things like account access, reports, or logins. I’ll help every step of the way.
4. I get to work.
Once I’ve got everything I need, I’ll dig into your books and start cleaning, organizing, and building systems that support the way you work. I’ll keep you posted and check in if anything needs your attention.
5. You breathe easier.
Your books are off your plate and in steady hands. I’ll keep things updated, stay in touch, and give you the clarity and confidence to make smart decisions, without all the financial guesswork.
I care about your business, and I care about mine too. I’ve built Twisted Wire to be clear, calm, and consistent That only works when expectations go both ways. I’ll show up on time, deliver what I promise, and keep you informed. I ask that you do the same.