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Pilot is an outsourced bookkeeping and CFO services platform designed primarily for VC-backed startups. It offers bookkeeping, tax, and financial reporting. For freelancers and solopreneurs, Pilot is generally overkill — it's priced and designed for companies with investors, employees, and complex financial operations.
Our Scores
3.6
Ease of Use
4.0
Features
3.2
Value
3.9
Support
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Investor-grade financial reporting
- ✓Dedicated team of expert bookkeepers
- ✓Integrates with popular startup tools (Stripe, Gusto)
- ✓CFO services available as add-on
- ✓GAAP-compliant accounting
Cons
- ✗Very expensive for freelancers ($499+/month)
- ✗Overkill for solo operators
- ✗Designed for startups, not freelancers
- ✗No free trial
- ✗Onboarding can be slow
Best For
- →VC-backed startups needing investor-ready financials
- →Companies with multiple employees
- →Businesses needing CFO-level financial reporting
- →Startups preparing for fundraising
Not Ideal For
- ✗Solo freelancers and solopreneurs
- ✗Budget-conscious businesses
- ✗Anyone without complex financial needs
Pricing Plans
Core
$499/month
- ✓Monthly bookkeeping
- ✓Financial statements
- ✓Tax support
- ✓Dedicated bookkeeper
Select
$849/month
- ✓Everything in Core
- ✓CFO services
- ✓Burn rate tracking
- ✓Investor reporting
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pilot good for freelancers?
Pilot is not designed for freelancers. It's built for VC-backed startups with $499+/month price points. For solo freelancers, Bench or Wave is a much better fit.
How does Pilot compare to Bench?
Both offer outsourced bookkeeping, but Pilot targets startups (complex needs, higher prices) while Bench targets small businesses and freelancers. For most solopreneurs, Bench is the better choice.
Does Pilot handle taxes?
Pilot offers tax support as part of higher-tier plans, covering business tax returns. However for freelancers filing Schedule C, tools like TurboTax Self-Employed or Keeper are more cost-effective.
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Tax Information Notice
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Tax laws change frequently. Always consult a qualified CPA or Enrolled Agent for your specific situation.