How BalancedRow works

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, represent you before the IRS, or give tax, accounting, financial, or legal advice.

What we do is simple: we help you ask for help clearly, then we try to match you with a licensed accountant, usually a CPA or IRS Enrolled Agent, who may be able to handle the work you need.

This is useful if you are:
- filing a personal return
- running a small business
- behind on bookkeeping
- setting up payroll
- new to the US tax system
- an ITIN filer or a non-native English speaker who wants a clearer, safer process

If you want help with a specific service, you can also read more about tax preparation, bookkeeping, or payroll.

How the matching process works

1. You tell us what you need.
You share basic contact and request details. For example: personal tax return, LLC bookkeeping, late payroll setup, ITIN-related questions, or help cleaning up records.

2. We review your request for fit.
We look at the type of work, your location, language needs, and whether you need help as an individual or business owner.

3. We try to connect you with licensed accountants.
If we have participating accountants who may fit your request, we pass along your contact and project details so they can decide whether to reach out.

4. You compare your options.
You can ask about experience, timing, communication style, documents needed, and fees. You are in control the whole time.

5. You verify before sharing sensitive information.
Before you send tax documents, an SSN, an ITIN number, or banking details, verify the person's credential and PTIN yourself. Use the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers and, when relevant, your state board of accountancy.

6. You decide who to hire — or not hire.
There is no obligation. If nobody feels right, do not move forward. You should confirm the fee, scope of work, and timeline in writing before any work starts.

If you want tips on comparing professionals, see how to choose an accountant and CPA vs EA vs tax preparer.

What it costs you

Matching is free to you. You do not pay BalancedRow to request a match.

Participating accountants pay BalancedRow a flat fee to participate. That means your cost, if you hire someone, is the fee you agree on directly with that accountant for the work they will do.

Here are typical ranges and estimates, not quotes or guarantees:
- Individual tax return: $180-$500
- Small-business tax return: $500-$1,800
- Monthly bookkeeping: $150-$600 per month for lighter to moderate volume
- Payroll: $40-$120 per month, often plus a per-employee charge
- Hourly CPA work: $150-$400 per hour

The real fee depends on the work involved, your situation, the records you bring, how clean or messy the books are, deadlines, and your area. A return with rental property, multiple states, 1099 income, late books, or missing records usually costs more than a simple return.

A good rule: ask for the scope and fee in writing before you hire. If the work may change, ask what could increase the price. You can also learn more about common costs on our pricing page.

Your information stays in your control

This part matters.

BalancedRow collects contact and request details only. We do not ask for or need your Social Security Number, ITIN number, bank-login details, financial-account numbers, or tax documents to match you.

To protect yourself:
- Never send an SSN or ITIN to anyone you have not verified.
- Never share bank usernames or passwords.
- Never upload tax returns or ID documents until you know who you are dealing with.
- Ask for the accountant's full name, license type, PTIN, firm name, and a secure way to exchange documents.
- Verify the credential yourself before sharing anything sensitive.

If you are an immigrant, new filer, or ITIN holder, please know this: getting help is normal. You do not need to guess your way through it. Start carefully, verify first, and keep control of your documents until you are comfortable. If that sounds like you, our ITIN & immigrant help page may help you feel more prepared.

What makes a good match

The cheapest option is not always the best option. A good match usually comes down to a few practical things:

• License and verification. Hire a qualified, licensed accountant such as a CPA or IRS Enrolled Agent, and verify the credential and PTIN yourself.
• Relevant experience. Ask whether they regularly handle your type of return, business, payroll setup, or bookkeeping cleanup.
• Clear communication. You should understand what they need from you, what they will do, and when they will do it.
• Written scope and fee. This protects both sides.
• Respect for your privacy. Secure document sharing matters.

You are not looking for magic. You are looking for someone qualified, clear, and trustworthy. That is a much better way to avoid expensive mistakes than rushing into the first offer you hear.