Home-Based personal tax return service

Employees with more complex returns, self-employed people, gig workers, small landlords, seniors and newcomers to Canada who want help.

A fee per return, priced by complexity. Self-employed and rental returns cost more, and some clients pay for extras like prior-year catch-up filings.

• Comfortable with tax rules and software
• Careful with detail and deadlines
• Clear, friendly explanations for non-experts

• Check CRA EFILE rules, including identity checks and record keeping
• Do not call yourself a CPA or accountant unless your provincial body allows it
• Errors can cost clients penalties, so ask about professional liability insurance
• Keep client documents and data secure, and check privacy rules in your province
• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence
• Quebec has its own provincial return and rules, so check Revenu Québec and language requirements

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on your tax software, computer and secure storage, insurance, and marketing. Working from a home office keeps premises costs out of the budget.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on how many returns you file and what you charge. The work is busiest from February to April, so income may be uneven across the year.

Check CRA EFILE rules, including identity checks and record keeping. Do not call yourself a CPA or accountant unless your provincial body allows it. Also look into professional liability insurance, data privacy, home-based business licences, and Quebec's Revenu Québec rules.