Seasonal home tax preparer

Wage earners, families, gig workers, retirees and people who find tax software confusing.

A flat fee per return, with higher prices for itemized deductions, self-employment income or extra state returns. Some preparers add a small fee for amended returns or prior-year filings.

• Comfortable with numbers and detail
• Willing to learn current tax rules each year
• Clear, patient communication with clients
• Careful handling of private data

• A PTIN is required for paid preparers, and some states (for example California, Oregon, Maryland and New York) have extra registration or education rules, so check yours
• Professional liability (E&O) insurance and general liability cover, check what you need
• Protecting client data: IRS rules require a written security plan, so check requirements for your setup
• Income is concentrated in a few months, so plan your cash flow for the rest of the year
• Check home occupation permit, HOA or lease rules if clients visit your home

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $2,500, depending on your software, training and insurance. These are estimates. Check what professional liability (E&O) and general liability cover you need before taking clients.

A PTIN is required for paid preparers, and some states, such as California, Oregon, Maryland and New York, have extra registration or education rules, so check yours. Also check the IRS requirement for a written data security plan.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on how many clients you take on. These are estimates, and income is concentrated in a few months, so plan your cash flow for the rest of the year.