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Getting started with Keeper
Start tracking write-offs. Save on taxes.
Getting started with Keeper
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Referral program 2025 Sweepstake FAQ
We've updated 0ur referral program to benefit both you and your friends!
Starting February 3rd, 2025, our referral program is getting even better. Here's how it works:
- Share Your Unique Link: Invite a friend to join Keeper by sharing your unique referral link.
- Have Them Subscribe: Make sure your friend signs up for an annual plan using your link.
- Get Rewarded: We’ll send you $50 via PayPal 30 days after your friend starts their subscription.
But that’s not all! We’re thrilled to announce an exciting sweepstake:
Keeper sweepstakes: February 3rd - April 15th, 2025
Refer a friend who subscribes to Keeper (Annual or Premium), and if they stay on and use Keeper for 30 days, you’re automatically entered into our raffle. One lucky winner will be announced on May 23, 2025.
This is a one-time promotion, so don’t miss out—start referring today!
Sweepstake FAQ
What do I win exactly?
You win a $700 flight voucher to any airline of your choosing, paid for by Keeper!
How do I enter the sweepstake?
Keeper is running the sweepstake from February 3rd, 2025 to April 15th, 2025. You are automatically entered into the raffle if you refer someone who ends up paying for a Keeper subscription (Annual or Premium) and they stay on (and use Keeper) for 30 days. The winner will be announced on May 23rd. This is a one-time promotion.
Are all my previous referrals reset?
Yes! However, if you invite your friend or colleague again, now there’s an added incentive that they get 25% off their subscription, and you get $50.
I’ve already referred a friend to Keeper. They haven’t subscribed yet, but they plan to. Do I still get a reward?
The easiest and most preferred method is if you resend them your unique share link and your friend or colleague subscribes through that. However, if they just paid for a Keeper plan, feel free to message our team and we will look into it for you.
When do I get $50?
Once the person you refer has paid for and used Keeper for at least 30 days, you are eligible to receive the $50 reward.
How will I get my reward for my referral?
All referrals are paid out via PayPal. In the Referrals tab, within the Keeper app, you will be prompted to insert your PayPay email address.
How do I access my Referrals dashboard?
Easy! There are two ways to access the referrals dashboard.
Option 1: Go into the Keeper app, and hit “Referrals” on the bottom right
Option 2: Log in to your Keeper web dashboard and hit “Referrals” on the sidebar.
Access referrals via App
Access referrals via Web Dashboard
Are referrals also a one-time promotion?
Nope. The sweepstakes are separate from our referral program offering, which gives $50 per successful referral after the individual referred stays and uses Keeper for 30 days. So even if you don’t win the sweepstake, you still get $50 per successful referral, up to $500 (10 referrals)!
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Keeper’s Add-on Services
We support a range of specialized tax services designed to handle more complex situations, including but not limited to:
- S Corporation filing
- Partnership filing
- S-Corp and Partnership formation
- Foreign Tax Scenarios
- 1:1 Accountant Consultations
- Financial Statement Preparation
- Tax Planning Guidance
- Estate Accounting
- Business Registration Assistance
- Multi-state Tax Filings (2 or more states)
- + More!
These services require additional expertise and come at an extra cost, but they’re still far more affordable than hiring a traditional accountant. You can also find more details on our add-ons and pricing here: https://www.keepertax.com/consultation-with-a-tax-pro
Our business tax filing and formation service connects you directly with an experienced tax expert who will handle both your S-Corp return and personal tax filing. By working with the same expert, you’ll ensure consistency and accuracy across your filings, with your shareholder (K-1) income and any other income seamlessly incorporated into your individual return.
Getting started is simple. Once we have all the information we need, your case will be assigned to a dedicated tax expert who will guide you through the process and prepare your filings. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and provide additional details as needed, and we’ll respond promptly to any concerns.
Important Considerations for Add-On Services
If you’re planning to form an S-Corp or partnership, file an S-Corp or partnership tax return (Form 1120-S or Form 1065), or need help with additional services like issuing 1099s or scheduling a 1:1 call with an accountant, it’s essential to handle these items first before filing your personal tax return (Form 1040) with Keeper.
Taking care of these steps beforehand ensures your personal filing is accurate and complete!
Your personal tax filing should include all relevant business details, such as income, deductions, and K-1s, preventing potential delays or the need for amendments later.
To access Keeper's Add-on services, you’ll need either the Filing + Deductions ($199) subscription or the Premium ($399) subscription, depending on your needs.
These services are charged as add-ons, requiring an additional fee beyond our standard subscriptions.Reach out today to get started and make your tax season stress-free!
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FAQ
Below, you'll find a variety of common scenarios and frequently asked questions you may encounter while you're getting familiar with the Keeper app.
Question
Answer
What is Keeper?
Keeper is a tax filing software that connects to your bank to automatically personalize your experience and uncover tax breaks. We help independent contractors, small business owners, and freelancers discover deductions and file taxes.
By linking your accounts, our expense tracking app lets us track and categorize your business expenses as they happen throughout the year — creating a list of business deductions that will save you time and money when you file your taxes. Deductions will automatically be applied to tax returns filed with Keeper.
You can interact with our AI tax assistant via the Ask tab in the app and get help from a tax assistant staff member. Our team of tax professionals and experts is always on standby to assist you with tax-related questions!
Can Keeper track my income?
We do not track income. We focus on tracking business expenses.
How do I update my payment method?
To update your billing information, log in to the Keeper app and go to the “Settings” tab located at the bottom right-hand corner of the screen. Scroll down to find and select “Manage Subscription”, then choose “Edit Payment Method.” From there, you can update your current payment details.
Can I include deductions on my quarterly taxes?
You can use the deductions you've tracked in the Keeper app to estimate how much your deductions will be for the entire year. This will help you determine your estimated net self-employment annual income, which is what your quarterly tax payments should be based on. You can user Keeper's free Quarterly Tax Calculator and read more about quarterly taxes here: https://www.keepertax.com/quarterly-tax-calculator
I have multiple LLCs, how do I separate these within the app?
If your LLCs are single-member LLCs, the IRS considers you to be one entity for tax filing. This means that you can track all of your business expenses together! If you choose to file with Keeper, we’ll intelligently allocate your expenses by income source at tax time.
Can I use my tax refund to pay for my subscription?
You will need to purchase your subscription with us before you file your tax return. Every return filed with Keeper is reviewed by a tax expert before it is filed, so we need to charge for the subscription before we send it to the IRS.
How can I add receipts to the app?
Tap on the corresponding transaction and select 'Add receipt photo'.
Can I deduct the income I pay to myself?
For sole proprietors and single-member LLCs, paying yourself (owner's draws) is not considered a deduction so we won’t track it in the app.
How can I update my filing status in the app?
You can update your filing status and other personal information anytime from your tax profile. Just go to the Deductions tab, select the three-dot menu, and choose Tax Estimate. From there, click "Improve this estimate" to access your tax profile. This will ensure the best estimates while you’re tracking your expenses throughout the year.
If you are currently working on your return in the app and need to update your filing status, you can do so from the “Household Details” section.
Does Keeper track mileage?
Keeper doesn’t track mileage directly, but we provide a free template that you can use to record it. You can access the mileage template here: https://www.keepertax.com/posts/mileage-log-template
If you use your car for work, we automatically track your car-related expenses, such as gas and maintenance. In some cases, this could be more beneficial for you at tax time!
When you file your taxes with Keeper, you can enter your mileage information along with your vehicle details in the File Taxes tab. This information will help us decide whether you should claim your actual car expenses or opt for the standard mileage deduction.
How much does Keeper cost?
We offer different subscription plans to fit your needs.
- Just Tax Filing – $99/year: Covers W-2 employment, investments, and e-filing for federal & state taxes. Excludes 1099/business deductions.
- Filing + Deductions – $199/year: Best for freelance (1099) or business income. Includes tax filing and the ability to claim 1099/business deductions.
- Premium – $399/year: Our most comprehensive plan, including everything in the Deductions + Filing plan plus prior-year returns, amendments, quarterly tax support, and personalized assistance for complex tax situations.
- Only Deductions – $20/month: Track deductions for freelance (1099) or business income without filing taxes.
Can I pay the annual subscription in installments?
We are not currently offering any installment plans for our annual subscription. We do have a monthly subscription of $20 per month, but it does not include tax filing.
How do I log into the Keeper app?
Press “Get started” and enter the same phone number or email address you used when creating your account. Keeper doesn't use passwords.
We will send you a 6-digit security code to your phone number or email address instead to confirm your sign-in.
Kindly note that if you enter a different number than what you used previously, this may create an additional subscription, which may cause you to be charged extra.
I already filed my personal return, can you help me file my business return?
If you have a single-member LLC, the IRS considers you and your single-member LLC or sole proprietorship to be one entity for tax filing. This means that you’ll need to file an amended return to include your business income and expenses if you've already filed an individual tax return. If you’d like to file an amended return, Keeper can provide free resources that can help you with the process. We also have a premium subscription that includes filing amended returns.
How do I include my LLCs information or my EIN on my tax return?
The IRS considers you and your single-member LLC or sole proprietorship to be one entity for tax filing. We’ll use your social security number to file your income taxes - no need to include your EIN or LLC information. You can enter the income you received from your business in the Freelance income section of the tax filing menu and add all your expenses from the Deductions tab in the Keeper app.
I have foreign income, how do I include this when I file taxes?
If you have paid taxes to another country, our Premium subscription ($399/year) includes preparing your return and applying the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) to help avoif double taxation.
For digital nomads or expats with more complex situations, such as qualifying for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) or navigating foreign bank account reporting (FBAR) requirements, we offer specialized tax support through our add-on services. You can learn more about our add-on services here: https://www.keepertax.com/consultation-with-a-tax-pro
How do I file my taxes with Keeper?
You can get started with filing your taxes with Keeper by accessing the File Taxes tab in the Keeper app or logging in at keepertax.com
How do I update my vehicle business usage, home office percentage, or business phone usage?
You can adjust your vehicle, home office, and phone business usage percentages in your tax profile. Simply go to the Deductions tab, select the three-dot menu, and choose Tax Estimate. Then, click "Improve this estimate" to access your tax profile.
My refund says deposited in the Keeper app, but I haven’t received it.
The refund status indicator in the Keeper app is based on a 21-day estimate. The most up-to-date information can be found at irs.gov/refunds The IRS processes most returns within 21 days, but some returns take up to 90 days for the IRS to process. Continue checking your status at irs.gov/refund and call the IRS if there is no update within 90 days of filing.
Do I need to keep receipts?
The Keeper app helps you track your expenses and provides a summary of your transactions. While it's a useful tool for maintaining records, it's not a replacement for actual receipts. The IRS may require original receipts for certain tax-related matters. We suggest adding a photo of the receipt to the app when possible. Bank statements can also be used in some instances as evidence of an expense when a receipt isn't available.
Where do I enter my medical expenses?
Medical expenses are typically considered personal expenses, and they aren’t something we track here in the app. Instead, you will be asked about that when you file your return with us.
You have the option of itemizing your deductions or using the federal standard deduction amount. Itemized deductions include premiums for health insurance, medical and dental bills, mortgage interest paid, real estate taxes, gambling losses, and charitable donations. If the total amount you paid for these items equals less than the standard deduction amount, then we recommend you use the standard deduction amount, as this will be most beneficial to you.
It is saying my income is lower than my deductions.
You can check the total amount of your deductions by tapping on the Estimated Savings amount to view your Total Deductions amount in the app or by exporting your deductions. You can then compare this to the total amount of income you entered under Freelance Income. If some deductions category totals seem high, you can review those deduction categories from the Deductions tab and remove any invalid business expenses. If your deductions are valid, you can bypass the warning in the app and proceed with submitting your information for review.
It says my vehicle expenses or mileage is too high.
You can review the Credits and Deductions > Vehicle Deduction section in the tax filing menu to ensure you’ve entered your mileage correctly. You can also review the deduction categories on the Deductions tab that are related to your vehicle expenses. If your mileage and deductions are accurate, you can bypass the warning and submit your return for review.
Can you tell me more about the premium plan?
Our premium subscription covers preparing complex tax returns, tax amendments, quarterly tax filings, and navigating audits. Premium subscribers have an assigned tax expert available to answer tax questions and prepare tax returns, including returns with complex tax scenarios such as rental income, S-Corp shareholder income, foreign income, and more.
I need an export of my expenses.
To export your tracked expenses, go to the 'Deductions' tab, choose the year you want to export, and select the three-dot menu in the top-right corner. An export copy will be sent to the email address associated with your account.
If you haven't received the requested export, please check your spam or junk folder. Next, verify the email address registered in the app under Settings > Login credentials, ensuring you're checking the correct inbox. You can also update your email address and request a new export. If these steps don't resolve the issue, please let us know and we will further assist you.
I need a letter from my tax preparer or a CPA.
Keeper is unable to provide a comfort letter. As a software company that aids in self-prepared returns, we lack the capability to verify whether or not you were self-employed. Verification of such information lies solely with you. However, we can certainly assist you by providing a copy of your return and Schedule C, which you can utilize to verify your income information.
I thought the Keeper tax was free. I’ve had Keeper tax for a while, and now, all of a sudden, it’s asking me to pay an annual fee.
Keeper does offer a free version that is limited to linking your bank accounts and has limited expense-tracking abilities. To have access to the full app, including the tax deduction summary export file, you will need a paid monthly or annual subscription.
We offer a monthly plan for $20/mo which includes expense discovery and tracking, as well as access to a tax deduction summary file and a personal bookkeeper. You can view subscription options in the 'Manage subscription' settings in the app and start a 7-day free trial.How do I delete my Keeper account and data? You can delete your Keeper account and all data from the 'Manage subscription' settings in the Keeper app. IMPORTANT! - Don't forget to export your deductions before deleting your Keeper account. All your banks will be unlinked, and you'll lose all your deduction records. Your account will be unrecoverable.
Can I deduct charitable donations?
We don't track charitable expenses as deductible in the app since they aren't business expenses, but you can classify transactions as Charity, and we will ask you about your charitable contributions when you file your return with Keeper.
How do I cancel?
You can cancel your subscription from the Settings > Manage Subscription section in the app.
Can I deduct the purchase of a $3000 computer for my business with Keeper?
If the business-related cost of the computer is less than $2,500, you can categorize it as either "Other Expense" or "Supplies" in the app. Remember to deduct only the portion that is used for business purposes.
If the business-related cost exceeds $2,500, it will be classified as a capital expense and will not be included with your Schedule C business expenses. Generally, equipment costs over $2,500 must be depreciated as a capital asset instead of being claimed as a business expense deduction.
If you need assistance with depreciating the cost of your computer, we can help you with this when you file your taxes with us through our premium subscription.
I received a 1099K and 1099 NEC from Uber how do I enter this? I think the 1099 NEC amount is included in the 1099K amount
If you received both a 1099-K and 1099-NEC from Uber, you should enter both under the Freelance Income section. While entering your 1099-K, make sure to include your expenses as well. If you believe the 1099-NEC amount is included in the 1099-K amount, you might want to double-check your records or reach out to Uber for clarification.
When filing your Uber taxes, we'll help you choose between the actual expense method and the standard mileage method ensuring you receive the greatest possible return.
I need help linking my Uber Pro card. It says I’m entering the wrong number every time I try to verify.
Uber Pro Card has a unique login flow which could be the issue. The login flow is this:
1. Enter your phone number
2. Enter the OTP code sent to your phone number
3. Enter your Passcode, which is a PIN code that you set up in your app
What we've seen happening is that users enter the OTP code a 2nd time which you should be entering the Passcode. If you don't know what your Passcode is, here's instructions on resetting it here:
https://support.branchapp.com/hc/en-us/articles/360045621272-How-do-I-Reset-my-Passcode-Is there a restriction on the number of devices I can use to access my Keeper account?
Currently, there is no limit. Simply log in to your account using the phone number or email address linked to your Keeper account. We'll send you a 6-digit security code via text or email to verify your sign-in. Enter this code on the device you wish to use to access your Keeper account.
The PDF you sent to sign my return is blank, or there's nowhere to sign.
1. Ensure your browser or PDF viewer is up to date, as outdated software can sometimes cause issues with viewing documents.
2. Try downloading the form using a different browser or device to see if the issue persists.
I have my Capital One card linked, but it’s not displaying all my transactions
While our system can track up to 18 months of transaction data, it is still dependent on your bank on how far they allow us to see past purchases. Some banks only allow a few months.
Unfortunately, Capital One only allows us to view the past 90 days of transactions, so if you have deductions past that timeframe that you haven't already selected, you'll need to add those manually by using the + symbol on the Deductions tab.
I'm married filing separately, do I need to include my ex's SSN/information?
If you are still legally married but separated, you have a few options for your filing status: "Married Filing Jointly," "Married Filing Separately," or "Head of Household."
- If you choose to file as married (either jointly or separately), you will need to include your spouse’s information.
- If you have a dependent, you can opt to file as "Head of Household," which allows you to file without including your spouse’s information.
The amounts listed on my 1095-A for my monthly premium vary. What should I enter?
If the amounts are different, you should calculate the average amount for each column and enter that. Additionally, you can upload a photo or a copy of your 1095-A form in the 'Drop Off Forms' section of the File Taxes tab.
I have another Keeper account. Is there a way to recover it? If you haven’t deleted your other Keeper account, you can easily recover it by logging in to the app using the email address or phone number associated with that account.
Can you file my C-Corp taxes? While Keeper specializes in helping freelancers and small business owners with their personal and business taxes, we don’t currently support C corporation filings. However, we can assist with your personal tax filings. If you’ve received dividends or other distributions from your C corporation, you should receive a Form 1099-DIV, which reports these payments. We can include this form in your return.
We also recommend not tracking your C-Corp’s expenses within the app, as those should be reported on your C-Corp's return. Instead, use the app to track your Schedule C business expenses if you have any self-employment income.
Where can I add my property taxes? When you file your tax return with Keeper, you can enter your property taxes if you choose to itemize your personal deductions instead of selecting the standard deduction.
However, if you have a home office for your 1099 work or business, you can classify this expense as "Home Office Expense" in the app. This lets you deduct it directly instead of itemizing it on your return.
How can I view my expenses from each bank account or card? To filter your expenses by account, navigate to the Deductions tab and select the 'Account' filter at the top of the page. Then, choose the specific bank account or card you want to view, and it will automatically display all expenses associated with that account.
How do I delete all my expenses and start over?
At the moment, we don’t have a feature that allows you to delete all your expenses and reset your account. However, you can recategorize any expense in the Deductions tab of your app or dashboard. Just select the expense you want to edit, and you can adjust its amount, category, or mark it as deductible or non-deductible.
If needed, you also have the option to delete your Keeper account in the Settings tab > 'Manage subscription' section and create a new one.
For expenses that you've manually added, you can delete them by selecting the expense and choosing the delete option. Please note that this option is only available for manually added expenses, not for those imported from your linked account.
Why is my tax bill so high? The amounts on your tax return are based entirely on the information and income you've provided to us. If this information is accurate, then the figures on your tax return should also be correct. You can revisit the File Taxes tab to check the information you've entered. If you’d like a draft copy of your return for a more detailed review, just let us know, and we’ll be happy to email it to you.
Can you send me a copy of my W-2 or 1099 form? The fastest way to obtain your W-2 or 1099 form is to reach out directly to the issuer, such as your employer or client. However, if you filed with us and uploaded your forms during the process, you can easily download a copy from the File Taxes tab under the Past Returns section. Just select the return you filed with us, and you’ll find the option to download a copy of your return along with the tax forms you uploaded.
Why did I stop receiving messages about my expenses? We have switched to a notification-based system for tracking expenses, replacing the previous text-based system. This means you will no longer receive expense messages in the chat. You can update your notification preferences regarding deductions anytime in the Settings tab under Notifications.
Why can't I start filing my quarterly taxes within the app? You can visit the Settings > Tax University > Quarterly Taxes section in the app to find more information about quarterly taxes and use our quarterly tax calculator.
If you’re accessing your account online, you can find the quarterly tax calculator here: https://www.keepertax.com/quarterly-tax-calculator
Please note that our tax filing system within the app is designed only for your annual federal and state return.
We also offer a premium subscription that provides access to a tax expert who can assist you in calculating your quarterly tax payments.
How would I file an amended return without the Premium subscription? If you choose to file an amended return on your own, you may find this IRS guide useful: https://www.irs.gov/filing/file-an-amended-return
I've changed my phone number and can't log in to my Keeper account. What should I do? If you're unable to log in with your phone number, please try using the email address you registered with Keeper. After entering your email, we’ll send you a security code to help you log in. Once you’re logged in, make sure to update your phone number by going to Settings > Login Credentials.
Do you have CPAs? All tax returns are reviewed by experienced tax experts, each of whom is a registered agent. Our premium subscription also includes access to a dedicated tax expert who can answer your specific tax questions.
How much will I receive as a tax refund? You can use the "Estimate my Refund" feature in the File Taxes tab of the Keeper app to know how much you will owe in taxes or if you're due a refund. However, please note that this calculator does not consider all your income, credits, and deductions, but it's still helpful for getting a rough estimate.
If you're accessing your account via the Keeper website, you can use this calculator instead: https://www.keepertax.com/1099-tax-calculator
Additionally, you can complete the filing process in the File Taxes tab and submit your tax file for review. Our team of tax experts will review your tax return for accuracy. Once the review is complete, you can return to the same tab to see if you owe taxes or are due a refund.
If you have already filed your tax return, you can go back to the File Taxes tab to check your tax bill/refund details.
Will your system be able to identify all of my deductions? We highly recommend reviewing all your expenses in the Deductions tab to ensure everything is properly accounted for. As Keeper learns your spending habits over time, it will better identify which purchases are consistently personal or business-related. Some transactions will be automatically categorized, but for others, you'll need to manually mark them in the app.
Can we schedule a call or in-person meeting? We offer personalized 1:1 calls with an accountant to discuss tax planning and strategies, like retirement contributions, which can help lower your tax liability. Please note, this is an add-on service and comes with an additional fee beyond your subscription. For more details, you can visit this link: https://www.keepertax.com/consultation-with-a-tax-pro
However, if you have any questions about the Keeper tax filing process, need help with what to report, or need assistance navigating the app, we're happy to assist you through chat or email.
How can I obtain a copy of my Schedule C? Keeper automatically prepares your Schedule C based on the income and deductions you report. You won't be able to view it until your tax return is finalized. If you’ve already submitted your tax return with us, you can download a copy of your return, including your Schedule C, in the File Taxes tab under the Past Returns section.
Do you assist with filing sales and use tax returns and/or franchise taxes? Currently, Keeper only supports the filing of annual federal and state tax returns. We do not handle sales and use tax returns and/or franchise taxes. For more information on how to file these, we recommend visiting your state’s website.
Do I need to complete and submit W-9 and W-4 forms myself, or does Keeper assist with this? You will need to fill out and submit W-9 and W-4 forms directly to your clients or employers. Keeper does not manage the completion or submission of these forms on your behalf, but we can offer guidance on how to fill them out. Is Keeper hiring? How can I apply? You can explore current job opportunities by visiting our Careers page under the About Us section on our website at https://www.keepertax.com/. Just scroll to the bottom of the homepage to access it. Do you support filing for non-resident aliens (Form 1040-NR)? Unfortunately, Keeper currently doesn’t support filing for non-resident aliens (Form 1040-NR). Does Keeper file business taxes? Keeper offers add-on services for business tax filings, including S-Corp and partnership returns. One of our experienced tax professionals will personally handle both your business and personal returns, making the entire process seamless and stress-free. Since this is an add-on service, an additional fee will apply on top of your subscription. You can learn more about our add-on services here: https://www.keepertax.com/consultation-with-a-tax-pro
If you're interested, let us know, and we'll be happy to assist you with the next steps!
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What is Keeper?
Keeper is an app that connects to your bank to automatically identify and categorize expenses that may qualify for tax deductions, thereby helping you uncover tax breaks! We help independent contractors, freelancers, and small business owners discover deductions and file taxes. Our ultimate goal? To help you save on taxes!
Why is it so crucial to track your business deductions? Simply put, business deductions are your best friend if you have any type of 1099 or self-employment income. You can deduct anything you purchase for your work, but for it to be deductible, it must be tracked.
Don't confuse this with the standard deduction you claim when filing your tax return. As a self-employed individual, you can claim the standard deduction and deduct business expenses. While this might seem confusing, you can find a detailed explanation in our article, “Can I Take the Standard Deduction and Deduct Business Expenses?”
So, how do deductions work? Essentially, a portion of every dollar you spend on your business can reduce your tax bill at the end of the year. Without diligent tracking, you risk overpaying on your taxes, leaving money on the table that could have stayed in your pocket.
With Keeper, you ensure that every business expense is tracked, every deduction is applied, and filing taxes is as efficient as possible. This not only saves you money but also frees up valuable time to focus on growing your business. Our app offers a variety of services tailored to meet your needs. You can view our subscriptions to see which plan is best for you! Whether you prefer to simply track your expenses or take full advantage of our app by also filing your taxes, we’ve got you covered.
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How Keeper works
Tax deductions can be a game-changer for self-employed individuals, but tracking them can often feel like a full-time job. Our app is designed to simplify the tax deduction process for self-employed individuals and small business owners by linking directly to your bank accounts. This integration allows Keeper to automatically track and categorize your business expenses throughout the year, so you can effortlessly maximize your tax savings.
Here’s how Keeper works its magic to help you find and manage your deductions with ease.
1. Seamless Expense Tracking
Keeper links directly to your bank accounts and credit cards, allowing it to track and categorize your expenses as they happen throughout the year — creating a list of deductions that will save you time and money when you file! This automatic tracking ensures that no deductible expense slips through the cracks. Whether you’re a delivery driver needing to deduct gas and car maintenance or a real estate agent managing costs like office space and client photography, Keeper keeps a detailed record of all your eligible expenses.
2. Automate Your Deductions
When you subscribe to Keeper, you’re not just getting a simple tracking tool. You’re accessing premium expense management software that learns about your job and the types of expenses you incur. For recurring expenses like utilities or subscription services, Keeper prompts you to set up "rules" to automate their categorization. This means you won’t have to manually track these deductions each month — Keeper does it for you!
3. Customizable Rules
You have the flexibility to create your own rules within the app. Whether it's for business deductions or personal expenses, you can set rules for how different types of charges should be categorized.
You can easily review and update these rules via the app by accessing the Deductions tab, and selecting the 'create a rule' icon, found next to the + icon in the upper right corner.
For more detailed instructions on how to create rules, you can check out our Deductions tab article.
4. Effortless Tax Filing
When you file taxes with Keeper, we submit all your deductions for you, along with all the necessary tax forms — taking the stress out of tax filing.
Once you’re done filing, a tax pro will review your return to make sure everything is correct. When the review is complete, you'll receive a notification in-app and through email, asking you to confirm your estimated refund (or tax bill) amount. We'll only file once you've authorized us to do so.
Your annual Keeper subscription includes filing with the IRS and up to two state returns. If, for any reason, you decide not to file with us, no problem! You can export your business deduction sheet straight from the app or your web dashboard and take it to your accountant.
You can learn more about our tax filing service by going to the Filing Taxes section of the help center!
5. Expert Assistance Whenever You Need It
Why spend time researching tax questions or scheduling appointments with a CPA when Keeper provides around-the-clock support? Every Keeper subscriber has access to our 24/7 AI chatbot, backed by a team of agents and tax experts ready to assist you with:
- Double-checking tricky deductions
- Setting up and managing rules
- Answering complex tax questions
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And so much more!
Here are some of the questions they can help you answer:
- Does my child qualify as a dependent on my return this year?
- Can I deduct the cost of a haircut?
- Do you keep up with medical expenses in the app?
Whether you have questions about your tax situation or need assistance with the app, your tax assistant is here to help.
In essence, Keeper isn’t just about managing your expenses — it’s about transforming the way you handle your finances. Think of us as your personal tax concierge, dedicated to maximizing your tax savings and helping you understand the often-confusing world of taxes.
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How to sign up for Keeper
Excited to create a Keeper account? Getting started is a breeze! Just head over to our website and click on "Try for free" to set up your account.
You'll need to provide your phone number and email address. These will be used for logging into your account, though you can update them anytime through the app once your account is set up.
Next, you'll answer a few questions designed to help us understand your spending habits better, which will enable our app to track your deductions more effectively. We encourage you to provide accurate answers to make the most out of our services.
Additionally, you can download our app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store to enjoy seamless access on your mobile device.
After setting up your account, you'll select a subscription plan and enter your preferred payment method. Then, you can enjoy a 7-day free trial to explore the features our app has to offer! For more details on the free trial and our subscription options, be sure to check out our informative articles Subscriptions and Keeper's Free Trial.
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Managing your account
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Managing your connected financial accounts
Your selection will determine how transactions from each account are categorized in the app.
When you select "Used for 1099 work & personal expenses," the app will automatically differentiate between 1099 work-related (deductible) expenses and personal (non-deductible) ones. If there's an expense that needs clarification, it will be flagged with a yellow light bulb icon, suggesting that you review and categorize it correctly as either a deduction or not
If you select “Used only for 1099 work expenses ,” these expenses will appear normally with a green checkmark to the left, indicating they are being tracked as deductions.
If you select “Used only for personal expenses,” these expenses will still be tracked; however, they will appear dimmed or faded with an 'x' to the left, indicating they are personal expenses and not deductible.
If you do not wish to see transactions from an account that is used only for personal expenses, you should remove the account from your linked accounts. You can do this by going to Settings > Connected financial accounts > (click on the account you want to remove) > Remove this account.
Please note that If you wish to manually add expenses in the app, at least one card/account must be linked! If you do not wish to link your cards, we recommend connecting a PayPal account—an accessible and widely used option for most individuals and one that can be easily created!
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Linking issues troubleshooting guide
Here, we list some common issues you may encounter while linking your bank account or card and how to troubleshoot them. There are times when your account will unlink from the app. This usually happens because your financial institution’s system updates or simply because of a password change.
The account has unlinked
When your account unlinks from the app, we will send you a text or notification letting you know to relink it. You can relink it from the app's Settings tab under the 'Connected financial accounts' section or by clicking on this link: https://keeper.tax/link-cards. If this doesn’t fix the issue, kindly remove the account from the app and relink it from scratch.
You can remove an account by tapping on that account in the Connected financial accounts section. If your account has sub-accounts, you will need to remove those first.
Your bank is not on the list when you try to link your account
Our partner, Plaid, is responsible for connecting cards. When you link an account or card, you are shown a list of possible links. If the bank or card isn't showing up, Plaid doesn't support it yet.
You should check back often for updates on supported banks, as Plaid constantly adds new supported institutions. In the meantime, you can upload a PDF, XLSX, or CSV file of your business expenses from that account or card by logging into your Keeper account online. Then, go to the Deductions tab on your web dashboard, click "Add Expense," and select "Upload Expenses."
Your bank is supported by Plaid, but some sub-accounts aren’t showing in Keeper
Plaid may support your bank, but some account types might not be compatible. If you're not prompted to select certain accounts during the linking process, and they use the same bank login as your other accounts, those account types may not be supported for linking to Keeper through Plaid.
In this case, you can upload a PDF, XLSX, or CSV file of your business expenses from that account. Simply log into your Keeper account online, go to the Deductions tab on your web dashboard, click "Add Expense," and select "Upload Expenses."
How to add/remove a sub-account when your bank is already linked to Keeper
If you aren't able to select which sub-accounts you'd like to link during the initial account-linking process, then you will need to link all the sub-accounts connected to your account, and then you'll be able to remove the accounts you don't want to track by selecting the account from the Settings tab -> 'Connected financial accounts' section in the app and selecting Remove.
If that doesn't work, you may need to change your sharing preferences directly from your bank’s website.
First, you’ll want to log in to your bank's online portal. Then, locate where you manage connected apps and find Plaid. This is where you can add or remove specific accounts that Plaid can access — including Keeper.
Your bank account is linked, but your expenses keep loading or are not showing up
If this happens, first, make sure your account is not linked twice. If it is not, please try removing the account and then re-adding the account in the Keeper app. You may also try uninstalling and reinstalling the app. Also, be sure your phone is updated to the latest software version.
Your most recent expenses are not showing up
It may take 1 to 3 days for your most recent purchases to show up, depending on your bank. If you notice missing transactions or if your recent transactions still aren’t appearing after three days, try removing your linked account and then re-adding it from the 'Connected financial accounts' settings. This will prompt our system to re-scan your transactions.
Your account is already linked, but your expenses aren’t going back far enough
If your linked bank account or card isn't showing enough past expenses, try going to the "Connected Financial Accounts" section under Settings, remove your account, and then link it again to rescan your transactions.
Keep in mind that while our app can track up to 18 months of transaction data, this depends on your bank’s policy. Some banks only allow us to access a few months of your transaction history.
If you've already removed and relinked your account and still don't see older expenses, it’s likely that your bank is limiting how far back we can access. In this case, you can manually add your past expenses by selecting the "+" symbol in the Deductions tab.
Your account has been unlinked for some time without your notice, causing your expenses to stop updating
No need to worry! You can remove your unlinked account and then re-add it from the 'Connected Financial Accounts' settings in the app. This action will prompt our system to rescan your transactions and identify deductions.
You'll still need to review your transactions and mark any that the app isn't certain about. Additionally, you can set rules for transactions, and the app will retroactively apply those rules to other relevant transactions.
I tried to link my account, but it says something went wrong after I entered the code to verify
If you get an error, please let us know so we can take a look to further assist you.
📝 Note: If you have multiple Keeper accounts, linking the same card to more than one account will cause the card to be unlinked from both. To avoid creating duplicate accounts, always log in with the original phone number or email address you used when signing up.
Also, relinking your account will not delete any expenses that have already been tracked by the app. If you want to exclude expenses from a linked account, you can mark them as 'not deductible' in the Deductions tab. This will ensure those expenses are left out of the exported copy of your deductions.
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Your profile and login credentials
Your Profile
To view your Tax Profile information, go to the Deductions tab, select the three-dot menu, and choose Tax Estimate. Then, click "Improve this estimate."
Having detailed information about your employment and income helps us understand your tax situation more accurately. This enables us to build a custom profile for you, maximizing your tax-related benefits.
Household Details: This section includes your filing status, state of residency, number of dependents if any, W-2 employee income, and freelance income.
Freelance work details: Here, you can specify the type of job or business you have, whether you travel for work, work from home, drive for work, or discuss work during meals.
Business use percentages: If you use your car or other resources for work, you can only deduct the percentage of expenses related to your business use. This is known as your business-use percentage. You can set the appropriate percentages for your car, home, phone, and public transport use here.
Login Credentials
To access your Login credentials go to the Settings tab > Login credentials.
Keeper uses email and your phone number (via SMS) to log you in, so it is important to keep these details updated!
Here, you can easily update your name, email address, and phone number.
📝 Note: Since you can log in using either your phone number or email address, if you’ve forgotten one, lost access to it, or changed your contact details, you can still use the other to access your account. Once you're logged in, be sure to go to the Settings tab > Login and credentials section to update your phone number or email address.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to let us know! We'll be happy to help you out.
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Exporting your deductions
One of the key features we provide is the ability to export your deductions. To access this option, you’ll need an active subscription plan (at least the monthly plan) to download an export copy.
We track your expenses throughout the year, ensuring they’re readily accessible whenever you need them. If you’d like a copy of your deductions to print or use elsewhere, you can easily export them as a spreadsheet. Please note, however, that the export will only include business-related expenses or those eligible for your Schedule C (Form 1040). While you can track personal expenses within the app, the export feature is designed exclusively for business deductions.
Below is a sample of what your export copy looks like.
If you need a template like this one to track your expenses, you can download a free copy here.
How to export a copy of your deductions
Exporting a copy of your deductions from Keeper is quick and easy. Whether you need a record for yourself, your accountant, or another tax software, follow these steps to get your expense data.
Steps to Export Your Deductions
- Open the Keeper app or your web dashboard and go to the Deductions section.
- Select the tax year for which you want to export your expenses.
- Tap or click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and choose Export Deductions.
Choosing Your Export Option
When exporting from the Keeper app, you’ll have the option to generate a copy:
- For your personal records
- For your accountant
- For use with other tax software
If you choose "For my accountant," you can enter their email address to have the export sent directly to them. Just select "Connect my accountant," and they’ll receive an email with a download link.
Receiving Your Export
If you choose to export a copy for your own records, you’ll receive an email with the subject line "Your export is ready!" If you do not see it, please be sure to check your spam or junk folder. Kindly note that the link to download your export copy expires after 7 days. If the link expires, you can just email yourself a new one!
💡Tip: You can easily export a copy of your deductions for both the current and previous years. If you've been tracking your expenses with us for a longer period and need copies for earlier years, simply let us know, and we’ll be glad to send you the information via email.
Understanding your export copy
In this section, we’ll help you navigate your export copy, detailing each sheet and how to organize your expenses to suit your needs.
The first sheet, titled 'Schedule C Categories,' provides a summary of your total expenses categorized by Schedule C. This summary can assist you in completing your Schedule C (Form 1040) when filing your taxes. If you choose to file your taxes with us, we’ll automatically complete the Schedule C form for you, along with your reported self-employment or business income.
The second sheet, 'Other Expenses - Grouped,' presents the total of expenses listed under 'Other Expenses' from the first sheet. Here, you’ll find business expenses that don’t fit into specific Schedule C categories, such as software, storage, shipping and more, which are categorized as Other Expenses.
Finally, the third sheet, 'All Business Expenses,' encompasses all the business expenses you’ve tracked with us. It includes additional details such as the purchase date, expense/merchant name, amount, Schedule C category, expense subtype, and any notes you’ve added.
If you want to view your expenses within a specific date range, you can easily sort the expense date column from the most recent to the oldest, or vice versa.
If you need to calculate the total for a specific expense or category, you can sort the expenses in the third sheet alphabetically and then add the amounts by category or expense name.
Note: While the app is great for tracking your business expenses and filing your return, the exported copy of your deductions cannot replace actual receipts or bank statements during an audit. We’ll provide you with an export of the expenses you've tracked in the app, including your notes, but this is just to guide you when gathering the necessary receipts and bank statements to verify your business expenses.
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How to delete my account?
To delete your account, go to the Settings tab of the app and select 'Manage Subscription.' From there, if you scroll all the way down, you'll see an option to delete your account.
Please note that this action will unlink all associated bank connections, and all stored data in your account will be permanently deleted, with the exception of your tax filing data. This specific information must be retained for three years to comply with federal regulations.