Small business tax adviser
Help self-employed people and small firms with GST/HST, payroll remittances, tax planning and CRA filings all year.
- C$1.5k-6k
- Part-time
- From home
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A year-round service for sole proprietors and small incorporated businesses: business and self-employment returns, GST/HST filings, payroll remittances, planning for instalments and deadlines, and help dealing with CRA letters or reviews. Work is mostly done remotely, with the odd client meeting.
Your first three steps
- Make sure your tax training and experience cover business returns, GST/HST and payroll, and fill any gaps with courses
- Set up your services and retainer prices, then get your Business Number registered and professional liability insurance in place
- Introduce yourself to local bookkeepers, accountants, business associations and trade groups who can refer clients
Who pays
Tradespeople, freelancers, online sellers, small shops, and owners of small corporations who want someone to keep them compliant.
How it makes money
Monthly or quarterly retainers for ongoing filings and check-ins, plus one-off fees for annual returns, planning sessions and CRA correspondence.
Skills that help
- Solid knowledge of small business tax rules
- Organised, with a calendar of client deadlines
- Clear writing and communication
- Building trust with business owners
Watch out for
- Rules on who may offer public accounting services and use the CPA title. Check your provincial CPA body before advertising
- Professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance, because mistakes can cost clients money in penalties and interest
- Missed deadlines can bring penalties, so use a reliable tracking system
- CRA authorization to act for clients, and secure handling of client data
- Tax rules change often, so budget time for ongoing learning
- Check whether a home-based business licence is needed from your municipality
- In Quebec, check Revenu Québec requirements and French-language expectations
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: small business tax adviser
Researched with live web search for Canada: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a small business tax advisory service?
Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your software, insurance and set-up. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on how many clients you serve and the services you offer.
What rules should I check before offering tax advice to businesses?
Check the rules on who may offer public accounting services and use the CPA title with your provincial CPA body before advertising. Also check professional liability insurance, CRA authorization to act for clients, secure data handling and any home-based business licence.
How many hours a week does a tax adviser business need?
Estimates start at about 20 hours a week, depending on your client numbers. It is a year-round service, and missed deadlines can bring penalties, so use a reliable tracking system. Budget time for ongoing learning as tax rules change often.
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