Write-up work

Definition

Bookkeeping and compilation billed monthly, which is the recurring half of a small practice's fees.

Why It Matters

Write-up work transfers far better than tax returns do, because the client has already accepted that staff and not the principal does it. It also prices differently: a practice that is mostly write-up sells on a recurring base, and one that is mostly seasonal returns sells on a relationship the buyer has to earn twice. Ask for fees split into write-up, tax and any attest work, by client. The mix decides both the multiple and how much of the first year goes on keeping clients instead of serving them.