Personal tax return preparer

Individuals and families who find tax software confusing, newcomers to Canada, people with rental or self-employment income, and seniors.

A fixed fee per return, priced by complexity (simple employee return, self-employment, rental income). Prior-year filings and CRA letter help can be charged separately.

• Comfortable with tax software and numbers
• Attention to detail
• Explaining tax in plain language
• Handling private documents responsibly

• CRA requirements for EFILE registration and for authorization to act on a client's behalf
• Titles like Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) are protected, so don't use them without the designation. Check your provincial CPA body
• Professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance, and commercial general liability if you meet clients in person
• Client privacy: store documents securely and check your privacy law obligations
• Very busy from roughly February to April and quiet for the rest of the year
• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence
• In Quebec, provincial returns go through Revenu Québec and clients may expect service in French

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $500 to $2,500, depending on your software, equipment, insurance and home office setup. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $2,500, depending on how many clients you take on.

Check CRA requirements for EFILE registration and for authorization to act on a client's behalf. Titles like Chartered Professional Accountant are protected, so check your provincial CPA body. Also check insurance, privacy obligations and any home-based business licence.

Estimates start at about 8 hours a week, depending on your client load. The work is very busy from roughly February to April and quiet for the rest of the year, so plan your income and time around that seasonal pattern.