Bookkeeper Solutions for Tiny Clients - The QuickBooks Ledger
As a bookkeeper, you know that tiny clients can present unique challenges. These small businesses have only a handful of transactions each month and don’t need all the features of a full accounting software package. For these types of clients, QuickBooks Ledger might be the perfect solution.
In this article, I will walk you through who should use QuickBooks Ledger, as well as how to use the Ledger to provide ease and organization to your small clients, all for a budget-friendly price.
Watch the video here, or keep reading!
What is QuickBooks Online Ledger?
If you've been looking for an affordable solution to manage tiny clients, QuickBooks Ledger is here, and it’s available for just $10 a month (February 2025).
This new option, which launched in 2024, is designed to fill the gap for clients who need basic bookkeeping features without the cost and complexity of a higher-tier QuickBooks Online plan.
QuickBooks Ledger is a stripped-down version of QuickBooks that includes just the essential features for small businesses with minimal bookkeeping needs. It’s available exclusively through QuickBooks Online Accountant, which means only bookkeepers can set up this plan for their clients—at this time small business owners cannot sign up for it directly.
RELATED YT VIDEO: How to sign up for a free QuickBooks Online Accountant account
Who Should Use QuickBooks Ledger?
Small businesses that deal with only a few transactions per month and are currently using Excel or another basic system for managing their finances will want to sign up for the QuickBooks Ledger.
QuickBooks Ledger is not suitable for businesses with complex financial operations or a large number of transactions.
QuickBooks Online Ledger could be the perfect solution for a seasonal business that only needs accounting during certain parts of the year or a service-based business (which doesn’t require inventory tracking).
Note: You can’t downgrade existing clients to the Ledger plan. This option is designed for new clients only.
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What’s Included in QuickBooks Ledger?
Although QuickBooks Ledger is a more affordable version of QuickBooks, it still offers all the core features necessary to manage basic bookkeeping needs. You can connect your client’s bank accounts and automatically import and categorize transactions via bank feeds.
For basic reporting, the plan provides all the essential reports, including the Profit & Loss statement and Balance Sheet. This allows you to monitor your client’s financial health without having to rely on complicated spreadsheets.
Additionally, QuickBooks Ledger includes 1099 tracking for clients who work with contractors, making it easier to track and generate the required 1099 forms at tax time.
The best part is that you can invite your clients to access their books online through the cloud, allowing them to view their financials at any time.
What’s Not Included?
While QuickBooks Ledger covers the basics, there are some features missing that you’ll find in other QuickBooks plans:
Receipt capture and organization
Invoicing
Sales receipts
Mileage tracking
For many small, service-based businesses, these missing features won’t be an issue. But if any of these advanced services are critical for your client, the next tier up (Simple Start) might be a better fit.
RELATED LINK: QuickBooks Online Pricing
How to Use QuickBooks Ledger for Tiny Clients
To get started with QuickBooks Ledger, you’ll need to use QuickBooks Online Accountant. Here are the steps:
Sign in to QuickBooks Online Accountant
If you don’t already have an account, you can sign up for free.
Add a new client
Once you’re logged in, go to your dashboard and click "Add New Client." Fill out your client’s details.
Choose QuickBooks Ledger
Select the $10/month Ledger plan.
Set up the account
After adding your client, you can start setting up their account, connecting bank feeds, categorizing transactions, and generating reports.
Be sure to invite your clients to access their QuickBooks Ledger account, so they can see their financials anytime.
RELATED YT VIDEO: How to work with BIG clients as a bookkeeper
Final Thoughts on QuickBooks Ledger
QuickBooks Ledger is a fantastic option for bookkeepers who work with small clients. It’s simple, affordable, and provides the essential tools your tiny clients need to manage their books without breaking the bank. If you’ve been struggling to find an affordable accounting solution for your smallest clients, QuickBooks Ledger is worth exploring.
I’d love to hear from you—have you used QuickBooks Ledger for your clients? How did it work for you? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts!
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