Startup cost
$6.5k
TRUiC Business Ideas
How to Start a Tax Preparation Business
Decision Snapshot
Tax Preparation
Idea Score
69
Profit margin
41%
Break-even
4 mo–12 mo
Time to launch
12 wk–36 wk
Demand trend
Stable
5-yr failure rate
—
Capital intensity
Low
Time commitment
Seasonal
Part 1 - How to start a Tax Preparation business - Background
As the owner of a tax preparation business, you’ll have the responsibility of cutting through the fog of federal, state, and local tax preparation, filing returns, and often earning tax rebates for individuals and, perhaps, small businesses.
Our guide is in 3 parts:
- Part 1 - How to start a Tax Preparation business - Background
- Part 2 - Our planner tool to see if this idea is the right fit for you
- Part 3 - Action plan to get started
What are the costs involved in opening a tax preparation business?
You can start your tax prep business relatively modestly, but there are some unavoidable costs to consider:
Office rent—zero to $1,500 or more. This is a business that you can run from your home, but you must consider if that would be a smart move. First check to make sure your neighborhood is zoned for seeing clients (hopefully a lot of them over the course of a few months) from your residence. Also keep in mind that a storefront office in a part of town with good traffic can act as a billboard and encourage walk-in trade. This might be especially important when you start out. As for the cost of office space, that can vary dramatically from region to region and even from one part of town to another. Look for space that has been empty for awhile and a landlord who might be motivated to get some cash flow to the building for a short lease period of perhaps only three or four months rather than watch the space sit idle.
Business cards, logo and signage—$1,000 or less. If you’re operating out of your home, signage might not even be allowed. But anytime you are able to hang a sign, it will serve as a free billboard and encourage impulse walk-ins. Your logo and business cards can be designed inexpensively if you find a talented graphic design student trying to build a portfolio.
Office equipment and automation—$2,000, est. or more. Even if you’re working out of your home, you want your business to look as professional as possible. That means you should have an office desk and a comforable chair for yourself and as many as two for clients. You’ll also need at least one laptop and printer, or a computer for every employee.
Tax preparation software—$400-$500. There are various vendors depending on your needs.
Legal, licensure and insurance—2,000 est. You must first pass a 60-hour tax prep training course that can cost in the $500-$600 range, depending on where it’s taken. There are additional costs from the IRS and for liability insurance. Furthermore, a few states require additional regulatory adherence. Visit here for an explanation of some of the training costs and requirements.
Employee costs—Vary. Some of the leading competitors pay individual tax preparers as little as $10 an hour. Others pay a commission of perhaps 20 percent of the fees generated. You’ll also be responsible for tax withholdings and your FICA and Medicare contribution for each hire.
What are the ongoing expenses for a tax preparation business?
If you have a temporary storefront, rent and utilities will be among your largest fixed costs. Temporary employees will also cost you either an hourly rate or a percentage of the business they handle. Other costs might include advertising if you’re looking for a sudden uptick in business.
Who is the target market?
Who will your typical clients be? You might mostly see lower-income earners filing to receive their earned income tax credit. Or more complicated cases from the self-employed or smaller businesses. Or the middle class, who aim to take advantage of various tax credits. Making this decision will help you determine where you might open a storefront, how and where you might market your business and what specific skills you must master.
How does a tax preparation business make money?
You’ll charge a fee for your services, based on the complexity and time involvement of the filing.
How much can you charge customers?
According to a National Society of Accountants survey released in 2017, the average fee charged by tax preparers for an individual itemized 1040 return with a Schedule A form and state tax return was $273. For small business clients, the average charge was $457.
How much profit can a tax preparation business make?
Error-free speed is of the essence. With a statistic mentioned earlier of the average itemized individual return generating $273 in fees, one of these per hour is possible. However, especially as you start your business and before you attract a significant client base, you’ll face unprofitable downtime.
How can you make your business more profitable?
Some accountants or CPAs offer tax prep as one of a range of accounting services. This business is also compatible with financial services, real estate brokerages, insurance and other fields where the business owner is comfortable discussing financial issues with clients. Also keep in mind that if your client base significantly consists of private contractors and small business owners, they might have additional tax issues throughout the year.
And finally, consider conducting tax prep training classes as a complementary service. You could conduct such a class through The Income Tax School.
Day-to-Day and Growth
What happens during a typical day at a tax preparation business?
Think of your business as falling into two periods—tax season and pre-season—with very different areas of responsibility for each. During tax season, you’ll primarily see clients and prepare and file their taxes. Your goal is to do almost nothing but handle your clients since the tax-filing season is bound by the deadline dictates of the Internal Revenue Service and other taxing agencies.
Off-season, your responsibilities are more diverse. Your pre-season day will probably include some or all of the following activities.
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Interviewing and hiring temporary tax-prep employees, if you have a customer base that justifies seasonal help
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Seeking temporary storefront offices if you plan on working from such a public space rather than from your home
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Ordering and mastering your tax preparation software since software glitches or usage confusion during filing season can result in customer fee losses in the hundreds or thousands of dollars
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Conducting marketing and social media strategies to atttract customers
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful tax preparation business?
In the beginning, your sales and marketing skills will be critical. That’s because you have a narrow window of opportunity for attracting business and plenty of name-brand competition (H&R Block, Jackson Hewitt, TurboTax, etc.). You must also have the patience to prepare for your business success by taking the 60-hour tax course you’ll need for certification and applying for efiling licensure from the IRS.
Once you’re in business, you’ll have to be able to work fast, efficiently and accurately to see as many clients and submit as many tax filings as you can over your limited calendar time. You must also be able to make your clients feel at ease regarding such topics as income, debt, taxes and penalties.
What is the growth potential for a tax preparation business?
The U.S. tax code contains 73,000 pages. Eighty-two million individuals file annually and the complexity of the process discourages most people from preparing their own taxes. While politicians from both parties promise simplification of the tax code, the reality is that the process only grows more complex. That means you can always feel confident of a customer base eager for your help.
What are some insider tips for jump starting a tax preparation business?
Start slow. In fact, before going on your own you might consider working for a season for one of the large competitors. This is a good way to sharpen your skills at using the software, confronting a variety of taxation challenges and working productively. You might also keep your day job and take on a few clients on nights or weekends at first. If you meet their needs they’re likely to be back for years to come—and be powerful word-of-mouth recruitment tools.
How and when to build a team
You look forward to the day when you’re so busy you need additional help. Remember, you don’t want to turn any client away because you don’t have time for them or you could lose them to a competitor forever. Before that happens, start to post for help on job boards. But be sure you state the requirement that applicants must have passed the 60-hour training course (or additional training if they’re to take on business tax clients).
Part 2 - Is a Tax Preparation business the right fit for you?
Business Evaluation & Strategy Tool
We'll walk you through the four pillars every business needs: Points of Leverage, Marketing Strategy, Financial Model, and Personal Compatibility. At the end you'll see a personalized report and your action plan below will be tailored to your answers.
Step 1 of 4 — Points of Leverage
Every viable business has natural advantages. Below are common leverage points across four categories. Pick the ones that apply to your Tax Preparation business. We've pre-suggested a few based on your idea — review and adjust.
Step 2 of 4 — Marketing Strategy
Without a way to connect with customers, even great businesses fail. Pick the channels you plan to use to reach your customers.
Step 3 of 4 — Financial Model
Enter your monthly baseline costs — the minimum overhead to keep the business running. Then we'll calculate how many sales per month you need to break even.
Step 4 of 4 — Personal Compatibility
A business that doesn't fit your life will fail no matter how good the numbers look. Tell us how this business fits you.
Your Tax Preparation Evaluation Report
Complete the four pillars and your personalized summary will appear here.
Points of Leverage
Marketing Strategy
Financial Model
Personal Compatibility
Part 3 - Action plan to launch your Tax Preparation business in 90 days
Nine concrete steps to take you from idea to open business, grouped into 30-day phases. Complete the planner above and we'll highlight what's most important for your situation.
First 30 days — Foundation
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Form your legal entity
An LLC keeps your personal assets separate from business debts and lawsuits — the most common reason small business owners choose this structure. Sole proprietorships and partnerships do not provide this protection.
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Get an EIN and register for taxes
Apply for your free Employer Identification Number through the IRS, then register for any state or local taxes that apply to your business (sales tax, franchise tax).
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Open a business bank account and credit card
A dedicated business account is required to maintain personal asset protection. Mixing personal and business finances ('piercing the corporate veil') can void your LLC's liability shield.
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Set up business accounting
Recording expenses and income from day one makes tax filing easier and lets you see when the business is actually profitable. Use software (QuickBooks, Wave) or a part-time bookkeeper.
Days 30–60 — Compliance & Risk
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Get permits and licenses
State and local requirements vary widely. Brick-and-mortar businesses typically need a Certificate of Occupancy; service businesses may need specific professional licensing; food businesses need health permits.
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Get business insurance
General Liability Insurance is the most common starting point. If you'll have employees, most states require Workers' Compensation. Specific industries need additional coverage (product liability, professional liability, etc.).
Days 60–90 — Launch
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Define your brand
Your brand is how customers perceive and remember you. A clear name, logo, and visual identity make every later marketing decision easier and protect you legally as you grow.
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Create your business website
Every legitimate business needs a website. Social media pages are not a substitute — you don't own the platform. Modern website builders mean you can launch a clean site in a weekend without a developer.
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Set up your business phone system
A dedicated business number keeps your personal life private, makes the business look legitimate, and lets you route calls professionally. Cloud phone services start under $20/month.