How to use Heard: Master Therapy Practice Finances (2026)

Quick Start

This guide covers every Heard feature:

• 入门 — Create account and basic setup
• How to Use Bookkeeping — Get done-for-you monthly books
• How to Use Taxes — File quarterly and annual returns
• How to Use Payroll — Pay yourself and employees
• How to Use S Corp Election — Save thousands on taxes
• How to Use Support and Community — Get expert help when needed

Time needed: 5 minutes per feature

Also in this guide: Pro Tips | Common Mistakes | 故障排除 | 定价 | 替代方案

Why Trust This Guide

I’ve used Heard for over a year and tested every feature covered here. This how to use Heard tutorial comes from real hands-on experience — not marketing fluff or vendor screenshots.

Heard is one of the most powerful 会计 tools available for therapists today.

But most users only scratch the surface of what it can do.

This guide shows you how to use every major feature.

Step by step, with screenshots and pro tips.

Heard Tutorial

This complete Heard tutorial walks you through every feature step by step, from initial setup to advanced tips that will make you a power user.

听到

Stop wrestling with confusing 会计软件. Heard handles your 簿记, taxes, and payroll so you can focus on your clients. Built specifically for therapists and wellness practitioners.

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Getting Started with Heard

Before using any feature, complete this one-time setup.

It takes about 10 minutes.

Watch this quick overview first:

Now let’s walk through each step.

Step 1: Book Your Free Consultation

Go to joinheard.com and click “Book a free consult.”

Fill out the intake form with your practice details.

Schedule a call with a Heard specialist.

✓ Checkpoint: You should receive a confirmation email with your call details.

Step 2: Complete Onboarding

After your consultation, create your Heard account.

连接您的 商业 bank accounts through secure integration.

Here’s what the dashboard looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: You should see your connected accounts on the dashboard.

Step 3: Attend Your Onboarding Webinar

Schedule your onboarding session with a Heard specialist.

They’ll walk you through the platform features.

Ask any questions about your specific situation.

How to Use Heard Bookkeeping

簿记 lets you get done-for-you monthly books without touching a spreadsheet.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Watch Bookkeeping in action:

Now let’s break down each step.

Step 1: Connect Your Bank Accounts

Go to Settings and select “Bank Connections.”

Link all your 商业 checking, savings, and credit card accounts.

Step 2: Review Your Transactions

Your bookkeeping team automatically categorizes transactions.

Check for any items flagged for your review.

Here’s what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: All transactions should show green checkmarks.

Step 3: Access Your Financial Reports

Navigate to the Reports section on your dashboard.

View your income, expenses, and profit statements monthly.

How to Use Heard Taxes

Taxes lets you file quarterly estimates and annual returns without the stress.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Watch Taxes in action:

Now let’s break down each step.

Step 1: Review Quarterly Estimates

Check your dashboard for quarterly tax estimate notifications.

Heard calculates your state and federal estimated payments.

Step 2: Make Your Payments

Follow the step-by-step payment guidance in your account.

Set reminders so you never miss a deadline.

✓ Checkpoint: You should receive confirmation of your estimated payment.

Step 3: File Annual Returns

Your team prepares your personal tax return using your organized books.

They maximize deductions based on your practice expenses.

How to Use Heard Payroll

工资单 lets you pay yourself and employees with full compliance.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Watch Payroll in action:

Now let’s break down each step.

Step 1: Set Up Gusto Integration

Navigate to Payroll in your Heard dashboard.

Connect to Gusto through the embedded integration.

Step 2: Add Employee Information

Enter details for yourself and any W-2 employees.

Set salary amounts and payment schedules.

✓ Checkpoint: All employee profiles should show as complete.

Step 3: Run Payroll

Review and approve each pay run before processing.

Gusto handles tax withholdings and direct deposits automatically.

How to Use Heard S Corp Election

S Corp Election lets you save thousands on self-employment taxes.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Watch S Corp Election in action:

Now let’s break down each step.

Step 1: Get Your Readiness Report

Request an S Corp analysis from your Heard team.

They’ll determine if electing S Corp status makes sense for your income level.

Step 2: File Form 2553

If S Corp makes sense, Heard files Form 2553 with the IRS for you.

They handle all the paperwork and compliance requirements.

✓ Checkpoint: You should receive IRS confirmation of your S Corp election.

Step 3: Set Your Reasonable Salary

Work with your team to determine a compliant salary amount.

Pay yourself through payroll and take distributions separately.

How to Use Heard Support and Community

支持与社区 lets you get expert help whenever you need it.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Access Messaging Support

Open your Heard dashboard and find the messaging portal.

Send questions directly to your bookkeeping or tax team.

Step 2: Browse the Help Center

Visit support.joinheard.com for articles and guides.

Search for answers to common questions about your practice finances.

✓ Checkpoint: You should find relevant articles within seconds.

Step 3: Join Webinar Q&A Sessions

Register for group webinars where you can ask questions live.

Learn best practices for managing your Heard account.

Heard Pro Tips and Shortcuts

After testing Heard for over a year, here are my best tips.

键盘快捷键

Hidden Features Most People Miss

• Profit Allocation Guide: Access this tool to determine how much to pay yourself and set aside for taxes each month.
• Real-Time Income Tracking: Monitor progress toward your annual income goal directly from the dashboard.
• Accountable Plan: Premium members can get an IRS-compliant plan to reimburse home office expenses tax-free.

Heard Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Not Connecting All Accounts

Mistake #2: Ignoring Transaction Review Requests

Mistake #3: Waiting Too Long for S Corp Election

Heard Troubleshooting

Problem: Bank Connection Keeps Disconnecting

Cause: Some banks require periodic re-authentication for 安全.

使固定： Re-connect through Settings > Bank Connections. Upload manual statements if issues persist.

Problem: Transactions Categorized Incorrectly

Cause: Ambiguous merchant names or unusual purchases.

使固定： Flag the transaction and message your bookkeeping team with the correct category.

Problem: Quarterly Estimates Seem Too High

Cause: Estimates are based on current income projections.

使固定： Message your team to review if your income has dropped or expenses have increased.

📌 笔记： If none of these fix your issue, contact Heard support through the messaging portal.

听到的是什么？

听到 is an all-in-one 会计 platform that handles bookkeeping, taxes, and payroll for therapists.

Think of it like having a personal CFO who specializes in therapy practices.

It includes these key features:

• 簿记： Done-for-you monthly transaction categorization and reconciliation.
• 税收： Quarterly estimates and annual filing for personal and business returns.
• Payroll: Pay yourself and employees through integrated Gusto payroll.
• S Corp Election: Guidance and filing to save on self-employment taxes.
• 支持与社区： Unlimited messaging and expert financial help.
• Financial Reports: Monthly income, expense, and profit tracking.

For a full review, see our Heard review.

Heard Pricing

Here’s what Heard costs in 2026:

免费试用： No, but free consultation available.

退款保证： Contact support for specifics.

💰 Best Value: Essential plan — perfect for most solo therapists starting out.

Heard vs Alternatives

How does Heard compare? Here’s the competitive landscape:

Quick picks:

• Best overall: Heard — built specifically for therapists with done-for-you service.
• Best budget: Wave Accounting — completely free for basic bookkeeping.
• Best for beginners: QuickBooks Online — industry standard with extensive tutorials.
• Best for group practices: GreenOak Accounting — personalized service for growing teams.

🎯 Heard Alternatives

Looking for Heard alternatives? Here are the top options:

• 🚀 QuickBooks Online： Industry-standard accounting software with powerful features for DIY bookkeeping and extensive third-party integrations.
• 💰 SimplePractice： All-in-one practice management with EHR, scheduling, billing, and basic bookkeeping for therapists who want everything in one place.
• 🎨 Xero： Clean, user-friendly accounting software with excellent bank reconciliation features and a modern interface.
• ⚡ GreenOak会计事务所： Full-service accounting firm specializing in therapists with personalized human support and CFO-level guidance.
• 🔒 Wave Accounting: Completely free accounting and invoicing software perfect for budget-conscious solo practitioners.

For the full list, see our Heard alternatives guide.

⚔️ Heard Compared

Here’s how Heard stacks up against each competitor:

• Heard vs QuickBooks Online: Heard wins for therapists who want hands-off service. QuickBooks wins if you prefer DIY and saving money.
• Heard vs SimplePractice: SimplePractice focuses on practice management with basic financials. Heard focuses purely on accounting and taxes.
• Heard vs Xero: Xero is cheaper DIY software. Heard provides done-for-you service with therapist expertise.
• Heard vs GreenOak Accounting: Both specialize in therapists. GreenOak offers more personalized service. Heard offers more 自动化.
• Heard vs Wave Accounting: Wave is free but DIY. Heard costs more but handles everything for you.

Start Using Heard Now

You learned how to use every major Heard feature:

• ✅ Bookkeeping
• ✅ Taxes
• ✅ Payroll
• ✅ S Corp Election
• ✅ Support and Community

Next step: Book your free consultation and connect your accounts.

Most people start with bookkeeping.

It takes less than 15 minutes to get started.

常见问题解答

Is Heard worth it for therapists?

Yes, Heard is worth it for most therapists in private practice. It saves you 60+ hours annually on bookkeeping and can help you find deductions you’d otherwise miss. The time savings alone often justify the monthly cost for busy practitioners.

What does Heard do?

Heard handles bookkeeping, taxes, and payroll for therapists and wellness practitioners. They categorize your transactions monthly, calculate quarterly tax estimates, file your annual returns, and help you stay compliant with IRS requirements.

How does Heard work?

You connect your business bank accounts to Heard. Their bookkeeping team then categorizes and reconciles your transactions monthly. They calculate your quarterly tax estimates and file your annual returns. You communicate with them through their messaging portal.

What is the accounting software for mental health professionals?

Heard is specifically built for mental health professionals. Unlike generic accounting software, Heard understands therapy practice expenses, typical deductions, and compliance requirements unique to the mental health field.

How much does Heard cost?

Heard Essential costs $169 per month for sole proprietors. Heard Premium costs $255 per month and includes S Corp support, business tax filing, and payroll. Both plans are billed annually and are 100% tax deductible as a business expense.