RemoteBooksOnline vs Merritt Bookkeeping: Which Service Offers More Value for Small Businesses?
Both RemoteBooksOnline and Merritt Bookkeeping serve small businesses looking to outsource their bookkeeping. But while Merritt offers a simple, budget-friendly option, RemoteBooksOnline goes further with CPA-reviewed financials, catch-up work, and integration flexibility.
Download Our Free Brochure →This guide compares RBO and Merritt across all major areas – pricing, services, integrations, and results – to help you choose the better bookkeeping partner.
Service Offerings
| Feature/Service | RemoteBooksOnline | Pairo |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Bookkeeping | Yes – CPA-reviewed, handled in-house | Depends on freelance partner hired via platform |
| Catch-Up Bookkeeping | Yes – up to 24+ months | Offered by select freelancers only |
| Tax Filing Support | No – tax-ready books provided | Depends on freelancer – not standardized |
| White-Label for CPAs | Yes | No |
| Industry Flexibility | All SMBs – real estate, law, ecommerce, etc. | Varies by available freelancers |
Verdict:
RemoteBooksOnline provides more robust support, more industry flexibility, and CPA oversight. Merritt is a budget option for simple use cases.
Pricing Comparison
RemoteBooksOnline offers fixed monthly pricing, CPA review, and a free first month. Catch-up is quoted up front and is affordable for small businesses.
Merritt Bookkeeping charges a flat $190/month, but the service is limited to simple transactions, no CPA oversight, and no catch-up support.
| Service | RBO | Merritt Bookkeeping |
| Monthly Bookkeeping | Included, CPA-reviewed | Included — basic only |
| Catch-Up Work | Yes, with custom quote | Not offered |
| Tax Filing | No, but books are tax-ready | No |
Verdict:
RBO may cost a bit more, but delivers much greater value – especially if you’re behind on books or need CPA-reviewed reporting.
Technology & Integration
RBO integrates with both QuickBooks Online and Xero – allowing clients to stay on their preferred platform with no disruption.
Merritt only supports QuickBooks Online, and requires clients to grant login access. It does not support other accounting platforms.
Verdict:
RBO offers more flexibility and works within your stack. Merritt is QuickBooks-only and lacks adaptability.
Customer Support
RemoteBooksOnline assigns a dedicated bookkeeper + CPA reviewer, reachable by phone or email. Clients enjoy continuity and human support every month.
Merritt Bookkeeping uses a support queue system with email-only access. There is no phone support or CPA involved.
Verdict:
RBO offers real, responsive support. Merritt is more hands-off and limited in communication.
User Reviews & Reputation
RemoteBooksOnline:
- Trusted by SMBs across many industries
- Great reviews for CPA oversight and responsive support
- Valued for catch-up services and integration flexibility
Merritt Bookkeeping:
- Known for simplicity and low pricing
- Reviews note lack of customization and no CPA support
- Not ideal for businesses with more than basic needs
Notable Review Themes:
- RBO: “Best for growth,” “CPA-reviewed books saved us at tax time,” “Cleaned up 12 months fast.”
- Merritt: “Simple but basic,” “Good if you don’t need much,” “No catch-up or personal help.”
Pros and Cons
RemoteBooksOnline – Pros:
- CPA-reviewed monthly financials
- Works with both QuickBooks and Xero
- Catch-up bookkeeping included
- Phone + email support
- First month free
Merritt – Pros:
- Low monthly price
- Simple and streamlined for QBO users
- Great for very small or early-stage businesses
RBO – Cons:
- No tax filing (CPA books only)
- Slightly higher price point
Merritt – Cons:
- No CPA review
- No catch-up work
- No real-time communication or support
Test Case: Consultant in Colorado Springs
Background:
A solo consultant had used Merritt for 6 months but fell behind due to business travel. Merritt couldn’t offer catch-up work or answer detailed accounting questions.
Solution:
Switched to RemoteBooksOnline. The RBO team caught up 8 months of backlogged books and began monthly CPA-reviewed bookkeeping inside QuickBooks.
Results:
- Books cleaned up in 2 weeks
- CPA confirmed accuracy before tax filing
- Client avoided penalties and got clear cash flow reports
- Now receives personal support with each monthly review
FAQs
Does Merritt Bookkeeping offer CPA-reviewed reports?
No. Merritt provides basic bookkeeping with no CPA involvement.
Can I use Xero with Merritt?
No. Merritt only works with QuickBooks Online.
Can RBO clean up my books if I’m behind?
Yes — we specialize in full catch-up bookkeeping for up to 24+ months.
Is RBO worth it if my books are simple?
Absolutely. Even simple books benefit from CPA-reviewed accuracy and audit-ready preparation.
Do both offer free trials?
Only RemoteBooksOnline offers a free first month with no credit card required.
Conclusion: Which One’s Right for You?
If you’re looking for affordable, CPA-reviewed bookkeeping with flexibility, catch-up services, and real support – RemoteBooksOnline wins. It’s perfect for SMBs who want peace of mind, clean reports, and scalable service.
Merritt is a solid low-cost option for simple, early-stage businesses using QuickBooks – but lacks the depth needed for confident financial decisions and tax prep.
Stay organized and tax-ready year-round with our flat-rate monthly bookkeeping services.
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If you’re behind on your books, our catch-up bookkeeping services can help you get current fast-no stress, no mess.
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