Who We Work With (and Who We Don't)

A good fit

You will probably like working with us if

You run a service business in Washington State (attorneys, consultants, agencies, landscapers, contractors, trades) or an optometry practice anywhere in the country.
Revenue is somewhere between $500,000 and $10 million and the team is under 50 people. That is where monthly numbers start deciding real money.
You want the numbers monthly, not once a year at tax time. Bookkeeping, payroll, tax, and advice from the same people, so nothing gets lost in a handoff.
You had a bad accountant before and you know exactly what it cost you. Many of our best clients arrived that way.
You want tax planned, not just filed. Entity structure, owner comp, and the moves that have to happen before December, not in April.
You are a decent communicator and open to learning what your numbers mean. We will teach; you have to want to know.

Probably not a fit

We will likely say no, kindly, if

You want a tax return and nothing else. A tax-only preparer will serve you better and cost you less.
You want to keep your current bookkeeper and add us for advice or tax on top. Advice on someone else's books is a guess. We do not sell it.
Revenue is under about $500,000. The package would cost more than the problems it solves. A part-time bookkeeper plus a solid preparer is the right move for now; come back when you outgrow them.
The work is highly complex: heavy inventory, job costing across many projects, multi-entity consolidations, or a full outsourced accounts-receivable department. There are firms built for that. We are not one of them.
You want creative accounting. No.
You want to be left alone. The package works because we talk about the numbers. If you would rather never hear from your accountant, we will frustrate each other.

Why the list is short

Saying no is how we stay good at yes

A boutique firm cannot be excellent for everyone. We chose two kinds of businesses whose numbers we understand deeply, Washington service businesses and optometry practices, and we built one package around them: monthly bookkeeping in QuickBooks Online, weekly payroll, tax planning and preparation, and advice from the people doing the work. It runs from $750 a month. Everything on this page follows from that choice.

When a business is not a fit, we tell you on the first call and, when we can, point you somewhere better. Nobody benefits from a mismatch that surfaces in month four.

Book a 30-minute strategy call See pricing first

Common questions

Before you book

What size business does Caro & Associates work with?

Most of our clients bring in between $500,000 and $10 million a year and have fewer than 50 employees. Below about $500,000 the monthly package usually costs more than the problems it solves, and we will tell you that on the first call.

Do you work with businesses outside Washington?

For service businesses, we work with Washington State companies. For optometry practices, we work nationwide.

Can I keep my current bookkeeper and hire you just for advice or tax?

No. Advice is only as good as the numbers under it, so we do the books, the payroll, the tax, and the advice as one package. If keeping your current bookkeeper matters more, we are not the right fit and we will say so.

Do you prepare tax returns only, without monthly service?

For businesses, no. Our clients are on the monthly package and the return is part of it. We do prepare individual returns for the owners of businesses we serve.

What happens if we are not a fit?

We tell you on the first call, and when we can, we point you toward the kind of provider that fits better: a part-time bookkeeper, a tax-only preparer, or a firm built for your industry or size.

From the Learning Center

Our clients' reviews

Here is what they say about working with us

Jose and his team are fantastic! I feel I'm in excellent hands when having them prepare my taxes. They are thorough and knowledgeable. I'm a loyal and happy customer.

Sarah S. Business Owner

Jose is a true pleasure to work with. He's extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and efficient in his work. He's got superb support staff and he's also just an all-around great guy. Definitely going to recommend to others!

C. Rixse Business Owner

Been doing business with Caro & Associates since I started my small business. Save me tons of money...highly recommended.

Junior R. Business Owner

Highly recommend bookkeeping service in north Seattle, very professional and detail oriented. Thanks again!

Blair R. Business Owner

Who we work with, and who we don't

You will probably like working with us if

We will likely say no, kindly, if

Saying no is how we stay good at yes

Before you book

Keep reading: cost & pricing

How Much Does Monthly Accounting Cost for a Small Business?

How Much Is Your Optometry Practice Worth? 3 Ways to Value It

Your Books Look Clean. So Why Is Cash Still Tight?

Here is what they say about working with us