Get matched, free, with a licensed accountant near you

What BalancedRow does — and what we do not do

BalancedRow is not an accounting firm, tax preparer, bookkeeper, payroll company, or law firm. We do not prepare returns, keep your books, run payroll, file forms, or give tax or legal advice.

What we do is simple: we help you get connected with licensed accountants, including CPAs and IRS Enrolled Agents, based on the kind of help you need.

People use us when they need help with:
- individual tax returns
- small-business tax returns
- monthly bookkeeping
- payroll setup or payroll support
- catch-up accounting and cleanup work
- general small-business accounting support

If you are not sure what kind of help you need, that is okay. Many people are in that spot, especially first-time business owners, new immigrants, and ITIN filers. You can start here, then learn more about tax preparation, bookkeeping, or ITIN and immigrant support.

How the free matching process works

The process is short and meant to give you control.

1. Tell us the basics. You share contact details and what kind of help you are looking for.
2. We look for a fit. We try to match you with licensed accountants who handle that type of work.
3. You compare. You ask questions, check credentials, and see whether the person is a good fit.
4. You decide. You choose who to hire, or you choose no one.

Matching is free to you. Participating accountants pay a flat fee to be included. That means you can compare options without paying BalancedRow.

Before you hire anyone, ask for these things in writing:
- the exact services included
- the estimated fee range
- what is not included
- expected timing
- what records you need to provide

Real fees vary. They depend on the work involved, your situation, the records you bring, and your area. As a rough guide, an individual return often runs about $180-$500. A small-business return often runs about $500-$1,800. Monthly bookkeeping often runs about $150-$600 per month depending on transaction volume. Payroll often runs about $40-$120 per month plus a per-employee charge. You can read more on our pricing page.

Keep control of your personal information

This part matters.

Do not send sensitive documents to anyone you have not verified. That includes your Social Security Number, ITIN number, bank login, tax return, W-2, 1099, passport, or account numbers.

BalancedRow collects contact and request details only so we can help with matching. We do not ask for:
- SSNs
- ITIN numbers
- bank or credit-card numbers
- online banking logins
- tax documents

When you speak with an accountant, verify who they are first. Then decide what you want to share.

A safe checklist:
- verify the license and PTIN yourself
- look them up in the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers or with the state board of accountancy
- confirm the business name, phone, and email match
- ask for an engagement letter or written scope before work starts
- keep copies of what you send

If you want help knowing what to look for, read how to choose an accountant.

Why many people use a matching service instead of picking blind

A lot of people hire the first person a friend mentions. Sometimes that works. Sometimes it gets expensive fast.

Common problems we hear about:
- the person handles simple returns but not business taxes
- they are too busy during tax season
- they are not clear about fees
- they are hard to reach after getting paid
- they ask for sensitive documents before you have verified them

A matching service gives you a more organized start. You can compare more than one option, ask the same questions, and slow down before handing over private records.

That matters if you are:
- starting a side business
- behind on bookkeeping
- paying contractors or employees
- filing with an ITIN
- more comfortable speaking a language other than English

If you are comparing types of professionals, this guide can help: CPA vs EA vs tax preparer.

Who this is for

BalancedRow is for individuals and small-business owners who want help finding the right licensed accountant without pressure.

That includes people who are:
- filing a return for the first time in the US
- self-employed or running an LLC
- behind on books and need cleanup
- hiring their first employee
- dealing with estimated taxes and not sure where to start
- immigrants, ITIN filers, or non-native English speakers who want a clearer process

You do not need to know the exact accounting term for your problem. Just describe what is going on in plain English. We will try to match you with someone who handles that kind of work.

If your main need is ongoing support for your business, you may also want to read about small-business accounting.

What to do next

If you are ready, use get matched and tell us what you need.

A few last tips:
- Hire a licensed accountant such as a CPA or IRS Enrolled Agent when the work matters to your taxes or business.
- Verify the credential and PTIN yourself before sharing documents or paying anyone.
- Confirm the fee and scope in writing before work starts.
- Keep your sensitive documents until you have verified who you are dealing with.

You do not need to figure everything out alone. Getting help is normal. The key is to move carefully, compare your options, and stay in control.