Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about NBC SmartBook Contractor — bookkeeping, payroll, 1099s, and bond-ready financials for RGV construction businesses.

Getting Started

What is SmartBook Contractor?+

A monthly bookkeeping package built specifically for RGV contractors doing public and private construction work. Includes job costing, payroll, 1099 tracking, and bond-ready financials.

How do I get started?+

Call (956) 997-9100 or book a free 15-minute consultation. We assess your current books and recommend the right tier.

How long does onboarding take?+

Typically 5–7 business days for new QBO setup. If you need a books cleanup first, that takes 2–4 weeks depending on the backlog.

Do I need to come into the office?+

Not required. We work remotely via QBO. But we are in McAllen and welcome in-person visits Mon–Fri 11AM–5PM.

Bookkeeping & Services

Do you do tax preparation?+

No. We do tax coordination — we organize your books, categorize transactions, and deliver a clean package to your CPA at year-end.

What software do you use?+

Primarily QuickBooks Online (QBO). We also support Sage 50. We do NOT support Xero.

Can you handle certified payroll for ISD contracts?+

Yes. Certified payroll reports are included in Growth and Premium tiers.

What happens if I have employees in multiple counties or states?+

Contact us for a custom quote. Multi-jurisdiction payroll is available as an add-on.

Do you track all my subcontractors?+

Yes. All tiers include 1099 tracking. We maintain subcontractor documentation and file 1099-NECs at year-end.

Pricing & Contracts

Is there a minimum contract?+

No. All plans are month-to-month. Cancel anytime with 30 days notice.

Is there a setup fee?+

Yes, one-time onboarding fee of $500 for new QBO setup. Books cleanup (if needed) starts at $1,500 and is quoted separately.

Can I switch tiers?+

Yes. Upgrade or downgrade with 30 days notice. No penalty.

What payment methods do you accept?+

ACH bank transfer, credit card, or check.

Bond Work

Do I need a performance bond to bid McAllen ISD work?+

Yes, typically required for contracts over $25,000 on public projects.

How do I get a surety bond?+

Work with a bonding company (surety). They review 2–3 years of financial statements. Clean books = faster approval = bigger bond capacity.

How long does it take to get bond-ready?+

If your books are current, 2–4 weeks for surety-formatted financials. If you need a cleanup, add 2–4 weeks.

What if my books are a disaster?+

That's what our Books Cleanup service is for — starting at $1,500. We've seen it all.

Didn't find your answer?

Call us directly — we're a real team in McAllen, not a chatbot.