What to prepare when your books are months or years behind
A calm, step-by-step list of what to gather before catch-up bookkeeping, for businesses and nonprofits.
Being behind is common and fixable. Gathering the right records first keeps catch-up work shorter and cheaper.
Gather these first
- Bank and credit-card statements for every month that's missing
- Sales records and invoices
- Receipts and bills (photos are fine)
- Payroll records and any CRA notices
- Past GST/HST or PST filings
How long to keep records
The CRA generally requires you to keep books and records for six years from the end of the tax year they relate to (source: canada.ca, "Keeping records", reviewed October 2026).
How catch-up is quoted
We review your records first and quote catch-up work separately before any monthly plan starts. Start with a free assessment.
Want a cleaner year-end handoff?
We'll review what is missing and show you how to get your books ready for your year-end accountant.
Every enquiry gets a reply within one business day. Nothing is billed until you accept a flat fee in writing.
Averon Accounting is a bookkeeper in Abbotsford, BC serving small businesses across the Fraser Valley. See what bookkeeping costs in BC or check your CRA deadlines.
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Wondering about fees? See what a bookkeeper costs in BC or our monthly pricing.