Bookkeeping and Accounting for Journalists

Chasing a lead and don't have time for bookkeeping and accounting in your journalism business? We've got your books covered, so you can focus on delivering the news. Give our services a try for free.

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How Bench works with journalists

Get your bookkeeping, income tax prep, and filing done by experts—backed by one powerful platform. Bench works seamlessly with journalists, ensuring you can focus on the stories that matter.

We get you set up

Our squad takes a moment to thoroughly comprehend your journalistic endeavors, address your queries, assist you in connecting your accounts, and guide you on the functionality of Bench.

We do your bookkeeping

Every month, your dedicated bookkeeper categorizes your journalism-related transactions and compiles comprehensive financial statements. Should they require any further information from you, they'll promptly reach out.

We deliver tax-ready financials

Our team of experts is adept at understanding the financial intricacies of the journalism industry and will tailor their approach to your specific requirements.

Here’s why journalists like you trust Bench with their bookkeeping and accounting

Get fast, unlimited support from our expert advisors

Stressed about keeping your finance in check while you're chasing stories? At Bench Accounting, we'll regularly update you with your bookkeeping status. And if there are any immediate financial queries or concerns keeping you from an important scoop? Rest assured, we'll respond in one business day or less.

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screenshot of Bench support app

Guaranteed accuracy in every detail

At Bench Accounting, our platform is designed to streamline your financial data from major providers—eliminating typical errors. We’re in collaboration with renowned merchants like Gusto, Stripe, Shopify, and Square—ensuring your financial records as a journalist are always on point.

See where you’re spending. Make smart decisions

Wave farewell to mountains of paperwork and tedious manual logging—we streamline inputs directly from linked accounts. Gain insights from a singular, central dashboard and grasp a clear understanding of your financial status. This empowers you as a journalist to make strategic decisions easily. With Bench Accounting, you can focus on your stories rather than worrying about bookkeeping.

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Bench integrates with your favorite small business tools

We sync seamlessly with your financial accounts and tools to keep your books up-to-date and save you the time and effort of manually uploading documents.

Trusted by 25,000+ American small business owners

“Bench helped me replace QuickBooks, and save about 6 hours per month of horrible accounting work, which is priceless.”

CHRIS RONZIO

CEO, TRAINUAL
“This is the first year where it’s tax season and I don’t feel anxious one bit.”

DR. BUKKY KOLAWOLE

FOUNDER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, RELATIONSHIP HQ
“Bench has lifted a giant weight off my shoulders and freed up my time so I can focus on earning money and working with clients, meetings and calls.”

HEATHER SHOLL

FOUNDER, THE VILLAGES GYM
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We know bookkeeping for journalists

At Bench, we understand that journalists need their focus on the heart of the story, not the intricacies of payroll taxes and ledger entries. Freelance journalists, in particular, have unique financial landscapes with varying income sources, receipts, and business-related expenses that need managing. This dynamic system requires industry-specific knowledge to handle bookkeeping in an error-free and tax compliant manner. With the ever-changing laws and tax regulations that affect the journalism profession, rest assured that our skilled bookkeepers are up-to-date on all relevant information and handle it effortlessly.

Our intuitive software enables seamless tracking of your income and expenditure, but the magic doesn’t stop there. We pair this software with actual human bookkeepers who are experienced professionals in the industry, helping ensure nothing falls through the cracks. They not only maintain your books but also ensure your accounts comply with current industry laws and adhere to the required tax regulations specific to journalists. Whether it's recognizing deductions such as research materials and travel expenses or understanding the impact of new tax regulations on your bottom line, Bench's blend of innovative software and professional expertise provides a bookkeeping solution that's tailored for the needs of journalists.

Simple, straightforward pricing for everything your business needs.

Get bookkeeping, tax prep, advisory, and filing with Bench's powerful, easy-to-use platform.

Choose Plan

Essential

Best for those looking for peace of mind and accurate financials done by professional bookkeepers.
$249/mo

billed annually

Dedicated bookkeeping experts
Accurate monthly books and year-end tax-ready financial packages
P&L, balance sheet and 1099 reporting
Unlimited communication with your bookkeeping team

Premium

Best for those looking for an all-in-one bookkeeping, tax advisory and income tax filing service.
$399/mo

billed annually

Everything in Essential plan
Dedicated team of licensed tax professionals to file your income tax return on time
Annual income tax filing for businesses (partnerships, S corps, C corps)
Annual income tax filing for individuals (sole proprietors, contractors)

Essential

Best for those looking for peace of mind and accurate financials done by professional bookkeepers.
$299/mo

billed monthly

Dedicated bookkeeping experts
Accurate monthly books and year-end tax-ready financial packages
P&L, balance sheet and 1099 reporting
Unlimited communication with your bookkeeping team

Premium

Best for those looking for an all-in-one bookkeeping, tax advisory and income tax filing service.
$499/mo

billed monthly

Everything in Essential plan
Dedicated team of licensed tax professionals to file your income tax return on time
Annual income tax filing for businesses (partnerships, S corps, C corps)
Annual income tax filing for individuals (sole proprietors, contractors)

Frequently Asked Questions

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As a freelance journalist, what types of expenses can I claim for my tax deductions?

As a freelance journalist, there are several types of expenses you can claim for your tax deductions. These include:

  • Home office expenses: If you use a part of your home exclusively for your freelance journalism work, you may be able to claim a portion of your rent, mortgage, utilities, and other related costs.
  • Travel expenses: Any costs related to traveling for interviews, story research or other work-related activities can also be deducted. This includes transportation, meals, lodging and other related expenses.
  • Professional fees: Fees for professional organizations, unions or guilds, and any fees for conferences or seminars may be deductible.
  • Office equipment and supplies: The cost of computers, software, cameras, office supplies, and other equipment necessary for your work is typically deductible.
  • Business insurance: If you have insurance specifically for your freelance business, these costs can also be deducted.

Remember, all expense deductions should be both ordinary and necessary for your freelance journalism work. For more specific advice, you should consult with a professional bookkeeper or accountant.

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How can I effectively manage my variable income and track expenses as a journalist?

Managing variable income and tracking expenses as a journalist requires diligent bookkeeping and effective organizational strategies. Here are a few steps to help you manage your income and expenses effectively:

<ul><li>Keep Records of All Income: With a variable income, it's essential to track all your income sources. Make it a habit to record every paycheck or payment you receive.</li><li>Dynamically Adjust your Budget: Since your income may vary each month, your budget should also. Ideally, budget using the income from the previous month to allow for adaptations.</li><li>Track All Expenses: Keep receipts and track all purchases, subscriptions, and equipment costs. This will help control your spending and provide necessary documentation for tax purposes.</li><li>Use a Bookkeeping Service: A professional bookkeeping service like Bench Accounting can simplify the process, providing insightful financial reports, handling your tax filing, and helping you stay organized throughout the year.</li></ul>

Managing a variable income and tracking expenses can be complex. By applying these strategies and leveraging a professional bookkeeping service, you can ensure your finances are properly managed, allowing you to focus more on your journalism work.

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What sort of bookkeeping practices should I follow for my freelance journalism income?

Freelance journalists often have varied sources of income from multiple agencies, publishing firms, or networks, making their financial management and bookkeeping quite challenging. Here are some important bookkeeping practices you should follow:

<ul><li>Track All Your Income: Record all your income, whether it's from assignments, speaking engagements, or royalties. This helps you have a clear picture of your financial standing.</li><li>Categorize Your Expenses: Your expenses like travel costs, equipment, or subscriptions may be business-related. Categorizing them helps with deductions during tax filing.</li><li>Save for Taxes: As a freelance journalist, your taxes aren't automatically deducted. Set aside a portion of your income for tax purposes.</li><li>Keep Records: Maintain all your invoices, receipts, and financial statements. They are crucial for tax filing and audits.</li><li>Hire a Professional: Considering hiring a professional bookkeeper or accountant who can help streamline your financial management.</li></ul>

By adhering to these practices, you should be able to better manage your freelance journalism income and reduce the stress of tax time.

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Does Bench outsource bookkeeping?

Nope! All bookkeeping is completed in-house.

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Will I have one point of contact?

Your bookkeeper will be your main point of contact, but at times you might hear from another member of your team. This is usually when your bookkeeper goes on vacation, is sick, or otherwise unavailable.

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How much time each month will I have to spend managing my Bench account?

We handle the bookkeeping for you but sometimes we’ll need your input, especially at year-end. On average, expect to spend 15 minutes each month answering questions for your bookkeeper, or uploading supporting docs.

Bookkeeping Services for Journalists

Sign up for a Bench trial, and get one month free. If you decide to go with us, we’ll take bookkeeping off your plate—for good.

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