If you are a non-U.S. founder managing a U.S. company, there is no room for tax uncertainty. A missed form, a late filing, or the wrong classification can cost you thousands. That is why finding the right tax partner is not just about software. It is about trust, flexibility, and support that fits your business model.
In this article, we take a deep look at two platforms many founders consider: Bookmate and Bench.co. On the surface, both offer bookkeeping and tax services. But when you dig deeper, their models, pricing, and approach to international compliance are fundamentally different.
Let’s break it down.
Two Different Models for Two Different Founders
Bench.co is best known for bookkeeping. Their entire service model is designed around pairing you with a bookkeeper to categorize your expenses, generate reports, and hand off clean books to a tax team once a year. Everything is bundled under one monthly subscription. There is no option to file your taxes without first subscribing to their bookkeeping services.
Bookmate was created with a different kind of founder in mind. Our clients are global entrepreneurs who do not necessarily need full bookkeeping, but they do need accurate tax filings, IRS extension support, and someone who understands how foreign-owned U.S. companies operate. Bookmate offers standalone tax filing at a flat rate, optional bookkeeping, and unlimited access to Tax Sales Consultants and licensed CPAs. You choose the level of service that fits your needs, not the other way around.
Pricing and Flexibility: A Big Difference
Bench.co starts at 339 dollars per month for basic bookkeeping or 299 if billed annually. Their bundled bookkeeping and tax package ranges from 499 to 699 dollars per month depending on complexity. There is no way to file your U.S. taxes through Bench unless you also pay for ongoing monthly bookkeeping. For early-stage founders, this can feel like overkill.
Bookmate flips this model. Tax filing alone costs 400 to 500 dollars per year. Bookkeeping is completely optional and starts at 150 dollars per month. There are no hidden fees, no forced bundles, and no hourly billing. You pay for what you need, when you need it. IRS extension filing is also included automatically with every tax return. There is no need to request it or pay extra.
What About International Founders?
This is where the differences become even more clear.
Bench.co markets itself toward U.S.-based small businesses. If you are an American founder with clean books and standard income streams, it may be a decent fit. But if you are a foreign founder running a U.S. LLC or C Corporation, things get complicated quickly.
Bookmate exists to solve those complications. From day one, our clients are international founders who need help with IRS forms like 5472, 1120, 1065, or 1040-NR. We specialize in cross-border filings and entity structures with foreign ownership. Our team understands how Stripe Atlas founders, international e-commerce businesses, and global contractors operate. We walk you through each step with precision and context that generic providers often miss.
Real Support vs Recurring Touchpoints
Bench promises clients dedicated bookkeeping teams and monthly calls. But many reviews mention long onboarding processes, slow response times, and limitations in how much hands-on help you can get during crunch time. While the platform itself is well-designed, you may still feel like you are navigating tax season alone.
Bookmate does things differently. Every client gets real-time, unlimited access to our Tax Sales Consultants via email or call. If needed, you will also be connected to a licensed CPA who understands your country, your structure, and your tax treaty. No waiting for monthly calls. No digging through help centers. You get a real person who will walk you through what needs to be filed and why.
What Customers Say
Bench clients often appreciate the user-friendly interface and bookkeeping tools. But many reviews point to frustration with bundled pricing, hard-to-reach tax support, or delays when dealing with filings that go beyond the basics. It is a solid option for clean, domestic companies that want done-for-you books.
Bookmate’s clients value clarity and international expertise. Founders from over 50 countries use our service to stay compliant, prepare for funding, or expand operations without getting caught off guard by U.S. tax law. They describe the team as responsive, clear, and willing to explain everything without overcharging or upselling services they don’t need.
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?
If you are a U.S.-based founder looking for full-service bookkeeping and are okay bundling everything under one provider, Bench.co may be a good option. It simplifies your monthly books and automates tax preparation, provided your structure stays straightforward.
If you are an international founder with more specific needs, Bookmate is the better fit. You get flexible, flat-fee tax filing, optional bookkeeping, and a real support team that understands foreign ownership, cross-border filings, and how to stay compliant without breaking the bank.
Add to that our built-in IRS extension filing and affiliate program for partners and creators, and you get more than just a tax service. You get a partner who understands global founders from the inside out.
Book Your Free Consultation with Bookmate
No matter where you're located, our expert team is ready to support your next step. Schedule a free call and tell us about your company’s goals. Whether you're launching your first U.S. entity or preparing to raise capital, we'll ensure your tax setup is clear, compliant, and built to scale.
Visit us anytime at trybookmate.co.
