Do I Need a Bookkeeper if I’m a Gig Worker?
Monday, June 16, 2025
In today’s flexible work environment, gig work is more popular than ever. Whether you're driving for a rideshare company, delivering groceries, freelancing online, or offering your skills on platforms like Fiverr or TaskRabbit, you’re running a business. But with that flexibility comes financial responsibility, and that leads to a big question:
Do I really need a bookkeeper as a gig worker?
Let’s break it down.
What Does a Bookkeeper Actually Do?
A bookkeeper handles the day-to-day financial tracking of your income and expenses. This includes:
- Recording income from different platforms or clients
- Categorizing expenses (fuel, tools, subscriptions, etc.)
- Reconciling bank statements
- Keeping your financial records organized for tax time
In short, a bookkeeper makes sure your numbers are accurate and your books are clean.
Why Bookkeeping Matters for Gig Workers
You might think, “I’m just making side income, can’t I just track things in a spreadsheet?” That might work for a while, but here are a few reasons why working with a bookkeeper is a smart move, even for solo gig workers:
1. You’re Self-Employed
As a gig worker, you’re considered self-employed in the eyes of the IRS. That means you’re responsible for tracking all income and expenses and reporting them correctly. Bookkeepers help ensure your tax return is accurate and optimized.
2. Tax Deductions Save You Money
A professional bookkeeper knows what expenses are deductible, and which ones aren’t. If you miss deductions (like part of your phone bill, mileage, or software costs), you’re leaving money on the table. If you claim something incorrectly, it could trigger an audit.
3. Quarterly Taxes Are a Thing
Self-employed individuals often need to pay estimated taxes quarterly. A bookkeeper can help you stay ahead of deadlines so you're not caught off guard by a big bill or penalties.
4. It Saves You Time and Stress
Let’s be real, chasing down receipts, calculating income from multiple apps, and trying to make sense of it all is a headache. Delegating this task frees up your time so you can focus on your actual gig work, and maybe even enjoy your time off.
When a Bookkeeper Becomes Essential
While not every gig worker may need full-time bookkeeping help, here are signs that it’s time to bring in a pro:
- You make over $50,000/year from gig work
- You operate on more than one platform or have multiple income sources
- You’re planning to grow your side hustle into a full-time business
- You find yourself scrambling at tax time every year
J&S Accounting Is Here to Help
At J&S Accounting, we specialize in helping gig workers like you stay on top of your finances, without the stress. Whether you're looking for one-time setup help, monthly bookkeeping, or tax prep services, we offer flexible, affordable options that scale with your needs.
Let us handle the books, so you can focus on the hustle.
Contact us today for a free discovery call.
About J&S Accounting
At J&S Accounting, we provide expert bookkeeping services tailored to the unique needs of small businesses and nonprofits. We recognize the challenges that come with maintaining accurate financial records and how vital this is for the smooth operation and growth of your business. As a woman and minority-owned firm, we’re proud to offer our expertise to businesses in Savannah, GA, and across the nation, helping them navigate financial complexities and achieve better financial management.
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Disclaimer:This content is for information purposes only and should not be considered legal, accounting, or tax advice, or a substitute for obtaining such advice specific to your business from a professional accountant. Additional information and exceptions may apply. Applicable laws may vary by state or locality. No assurance is given that the information is comprehensive in its coverage or that it is suitable in dealing with a customer’s particular situation. J&S Accounting does not have any responsibility for updating or revising any information presented herein. Accordingly, the information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for independent research. J&S Accounting does not warrant that the material contained herein will continue to be accurate, nor that it is completely free of errors when published. Readers and viewers should verify statements before relying on them.
© 2023 J&S Accounting. All Rights Reserved.
Disclaimer
This content is for information purposes only and should not be considered legal, accounting, or tax advice, or a substitute for obtaining such advice specific to your business from a professional accountant. Additional information and exceptions may apply. Applicable laws may vary by state or locality. No assurance is given that the information is comprehensive in its coverage or that it is suitable in dealing with a customer’s particular situation. J&S Accounting does not have any responsibility for updating or revising any information presented herein. Accordingly, the information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for independent research. J&S Accounting does not warrant that the material contained herein will continue to be accurate, nor that it is completely free of errors when published. Readers and viewers should verify statements before relying on them.