Make your Free Bookkeeping Contract

A Bookkeeping Contract enables a bookkeeper to outline the terms of an arrangement with a client. Signed by both the client and the bookkeeper, this essential document helps to set expectations and reduce the risk of conflicts. Different from a generic bookkeeping contract template that you might discover elsewhere, each Bookkeeping Service Agreement from Rocket Lawyer comes with the option of Document Defense^®, so an attorney in our network can respond on your behalf if you need to demand payment or face another issue.

Even if your bookkeeping business is brand new, it is crucial to record the details of your work in a contract. You may decide that you want this document due to the fact that, when done properly, it presents these benefits:

• Both parties know when invoicing will happen
• Roles and responsibilities are understood by all
• There are no surprises about how long the engagement will last

Anyone opting not to make a Bookkeeping Agreement, in many cases, should anticipate common issues like questions about timing and uncertainty about fees.

Specifics that you should plan to include are:

• Your client's contact information
• What tasks you are committed to performing
• Whether the work will be ongoing or if it will last for a set period of time
• What fees will be charged and when

As expected, your agreement will also include typical language in relation to the non-employer relationship between the bookkeeper and client, confidentiality, indemnification, and lastly, dispute resolution methods. When you make your agreement, you'll also be able to select which state's jurisdiction it will be subject to. Using the document tool, you are able to add further custom alterations, as necessary. For the sake of understanding the scope of services provided, it will be important to outline the responsibilities and liabilities of each party. For example, an accountant may be responsible for just an individual's taxes, or for maintaining all the corporate financials, bookkeeping and taxes of an entire business.

Fortunately, you will not need to start from scratch when getting your contract in writing. With Rocket Lawyer, any bookkeeper can create a free Bookkeeping Contract with relative ease. Your agreement will be assembled step by step, as you enter details along the way. Normally, given the level of customization, you might ultimately pay a traditional attorney fees in the hundreds of dollars, if not more.

If you've got any hesitations or questions about the process, you can ask an attorney today. You should also feel free to browse the other business legal documents in our library.

Alongside each Bookkeeping Service Agreement, there will be a checklist of instructions on what you should do next. As a Rocket Lawyer member, you will be able to edit, print, save it as a Word or PDF file, make a copy, and/or add RocketSign^® electronic signatures as needed. Most importantly, you should be sure to send a final copy of the signed agreement to the client.

If you attempt it by yourself, hiring a legal professional to comment on documents could be costly. Some attorneys will not even agree to review documents that they didn't author. In the event that a lawyer does offer to help you, they most likely would still demand their standard rate for doing it. An easier option is via the On Call attorney network. If you become a Premium member, you can get your agreements reviewed by an experienced contracts attorney. Whether you end up producing additional copies of your Bookkeeping Services Contract or other agreements for your business, Rocket Lawyer is here for you.