Home-based tax adviser for individuals

Sole traders, landlords, contractors, higher earners and people with other income who want help getting their tax right.

Fixed fee per tax return, hourly rate for advice, and optional annual packages that include reminders and a yearly review.

• Good knowledge of UK personal and self-employed tax
• Careful with detail and deadlines
• Explaining tax in plain language

• Register with HMRC for anti-money laundering supervision, which is required for tax advisers, so check the current rules
• Professional indemnity insurance in case of errors
• Registering with the ICO for data protection and keeping client data secure
• Registering as a tax agent with HMRC to act for clients, and getting each client's authorisation
• Very busy period around the January deadline, so plan your workload
• The title 'tax adviser' is not protected, so check what you can say about your qualifications and avoid overclaiming

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on your software, insurance and how you set up and promote your practice. Treat this as an estimate and check which registrations and insurance you need.

Monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £3,500, depending on how many clients you take on and the hours you work. Expect a very busy period around the January deadline, so plan your workload.

Check the current rules on registering with HMRC for anti-money laundering supervision, registering as a tax agent and getting client authorisation, ICO registration, and professional indemnity insurance. The title 'tax adviser' is not protected, so avoid overclaiming qualifications.