Home-based bookkeeping and payroll service

Keep books, run payroll and prepare GST/HST filings for local small businesses from your home office.

Accounting team reviewing financial reports together in a modern office.
Startup costC$500 to C$3k
Monthly revenueC$800 to C$5k
Time needed8+ h/week
First incomeWeeks

Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.

What it is

A one-person service handling monthly bookkeeping, bank reconciliations, payroll runs and sales tax filings for small businesses, using cloud accounting software. You work remotely, with the occasional client meeting.

Your first three steps

  1. Take a bookkeeping course or certification if you lack formal training, and get hands-on with QuickBooks Online or Xero
  2. Set up simple service packages and monthly prices after checking what local bookkeepers charge
  3. Tell local business owners, trades and your network you are taking on your first three clients
Who pays

Sole proprietors, tradespeople, restaurants, shops and other small employers who don't want to do their own books.

How it makes money

A monthly retainer per client or an hourly rate, with extra fees for payroll runs, catch-up work on old books and year-end preparation.

Skills that help
  • Comfortable with numbers and accounting software
  • Careful and organized with deadlines
  • Clear communication with non-accountants
Watch out for
  • Check which services are reserved for licensed CPAs in your province, such as audit and review engagements, and keep your offer within what you are allowed to do
  • Professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance, plus commercial general liability
  • Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence
  • Handling payroll remittances and client banking data carefully, with strong passwords and secure file sharing
  • Register for GST/HST once your own revenue passes the small supplier threshold

🔒 Full research report for Canada

Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.

Coming soon

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a bookkeeping business from home?

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on your accounting software, insurance and home office setup. Budget for professional liability and general liability cover as well.

How much can a home-based bookkeeper earn?

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $800 to $5,000, depending on how many clients you take on and the services you offer. The estimate assumes at least 8 hours a week of work.

Do I need to be a CPA to offer bookkeeping in Canada?

Check which services are reserved for licensed CPAs in your province, such as audit and review engagements, and keep your offer within what you are allowed to do. Also check professional liability insurance, home-based business licence rules and GST/HST registration.

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