Do I Need an Accountant If I Have QuickBooks?

Using QuickBooks is a great step toward managing your business finances. It helps you track income, categorize expenses, send invoices, and even run reports. But the big question is: Do you still need an accountant if you use QuickBooks?
The short answer? Yes—for most business owners, having both is ideal.

Let’s break it down.

What QuickBooks Can Do

QuickBooks is a powerful accounting software that helps you:

• Track income and expenses
• Send invoices and accept payments
• Reconcile bank accounts
• Generate basic reports (Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet)
• Run payroll (with an add-on)

📌 Example: If you’re a freelance designer in Los Angeles, QuickBooks can help you track payments from clients, log your Adobe subscription as an expense, and remind you of unpaid invoices.

What an Accountant Can Do That QuickBooks Can’t

While QuickBooks handles data entry and basic financials, it doesn’t replace the knowledge of a real accountant.

Here’s what an Accountant Los Angeles or CPA Los Angeles can help you with:

• Choosing the right business structure (LLC, S Corp, etc.)
• Maximizing tax deductions
• Avoiding costly IRS mistakes
• Filing complex tax returns
• Preparing for audits
• Planning for growth or sale of your business

📌 Example: You may enter your business meals in QuickBooks—but an accountant will tell you which ones are actually deductible under IRS rules.

Common Mistakes Without an Accountant

Even with QuickBooks, many business owners make mistakes like:

• Misclassifying expenses (leading to missed deductions)
• Not reconciling correctly
• Forgetting to pay estimated taxes
• Mixing personal and business finances
• Thinking QuickBooks automatically files your taxes (it doesn’t!)

QuickBooks + Accountant = Smart Combo

Think of QuickBooks as the tool, and your accountant as the expert who uses that tool properly to save you money and keep you compliant.

📌 Example: A small retail shop in Los Angeles uses QuickBooks to track daily sales.
Their Tax Accountant Los Angeles reviews those records quarterly to catch errors, adjust for seasonal expenses, and help the owner stay ahead of estimated tax payments. This combination helps the business stay organized and avoid penalties.

Why You Still Need a Pro

Even the most advanced software can’t:

• Strategize your tax planning
• Represent you in an audit
• Give personalized financial advice
• Keep up with new tax laws and local regulations

An Accountant Los Angeles understands the nuances of California and federal tax rules that affect your industry and location. That’s peace of mind QuickBooks can’t offer on its own.

Final Thoughts

Using QuickBooks is a smart move. But pairing it with a knowledgeable accountant gives you the best of both worlds: efficient tracking and expert guidance.

So, do you need an accountant if you have QuickBooks?
Yes—especially if you want to keep your business compliant, optimized, and growing.

For more information about our services, please visit our website.

Velin & Associates, Inc

8159 Santa Monica Blvd STE 198/200 West Hollywood, CA 90046
323-902-1000
dmitriy@losangelescpa.org