A bookkeeping retainer is simply an ongoing monthly engagement instead of a one-time project. For a 1099 agent, that usually makes more sense than DIY-ing it in spreadsheets or paying for an expensive cleanup every spring.
This is educational content, not financial advice. The structure below is illustrative of how packages are typically built. See our pricing page for current SoFlo360 plans.
What a monthly retainer usually includes
- Bank and credit card reconciliation. Every account, every month, matched to statements
- Transaction categorization. Commissions, splits, MLS and association dues, marketing, mileage, and the rest
- Commission tracking. Gross commission and brokerage split recorded per closed deal
- Monthly reports. A profit & loss and balance sheet so you actually know your numbers
- Quarterly-tax support. Clean books your CPA can use to calculate estimated payments
- A point of contact. Questions answered by email or short calls as needed
What's usually not included (and that's fine)
A bookkeeping retainer keeps your books accurate; it generally does not include filing your tax return or giving tax advice. That's your CPA's role. The two work together: clean books in, accurate return out. A good bookkeeper hands the CPA a tidy file instead of a shoebox.
How packages are usually sized
Most flat-fee bookkeeping is priced on volume. How many accounts and transactions run through your business each month. Not on your commission dollars. A solo agent with one checking account and one card is a very different workload from a small team with multiple accounts and a transaction coordinator.
As a rough guide to how tiers are typically structured:
- Solo agent, low volume. One or two accounts, fewer transactions a month: an entry tier.
- Established agent. A few accounts, steady deal flow, more expense categories: a mid tier.
- Small team or high producer. Multiple accounts, higher volume, team expenses: a higher tier.
See how SoFlo360 structures this on the pricing page, and the agent-specific scope on bookkeeping for real estate agents.
Retainer vs. catch-up: which do you need first?
If you're already behind, you may need a one-time catch-up project to get current, and then a monthly retainer to stay current. Starting a clean monthly rhythm on top of a messy prior year doesn't work. The past has to be reconciled first. Many agents do the catch-up before tax season and roll straight into a retainer afterward.
Is a retainer worth it for an agent?
The honest answer: it depends on your volume and how you value your time. If you're closing enough that you're losing deductions, missing quarterly payments, or spending weekends in spreadsheets, a flat monthly fee usually pays for itself in recovered deductions and reclaimed hours. If you close two or three deals a year, a lighter touch may be all you need. We'll tell you which bucket you're in honestly. Book a free consultation and we'll look at your actual volume.
Frequently asked questions
Usually on transaction and account volume per month, not on your commission income. A solo agent with one account costs less to maintain than a team with multiple accounts and a coordinator. Flat monthly pricing is the norm so the cost is predictable.
Generally no. A retainer keeps your books accurate and gives your CPA a clean file to work from. Tax filing and tax advice are the CPA's role. The two are complementary.
Usually you need a one-time catch-up to reconcile the messy prior period first, then the monthly retainer keeps you current going forward. Starting a clean rhythm on top of an unreconciled past doesn't hold up.
If you only close a couple of deals a year, a lighter approach may be enough. If you're losing deductions or missing quarterly payments, a retainer usually pays for itself. An honest look at your volume tells you which it is.
Book a free consultation or learn more about our bookkeeping services.
This post is educational content, not legal or tax advice. For your specific situation, consult a qualified attorney or CPA.