Tax preparation
Prepare individual and small business tax returns, mostly during filing season.
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01 / Why it can workThe upside
Clients return every year, and a book of recurring returns can be sold to another firm.
02 / Watch forThe hard part
Work is highly seasonal and mistakes carry penalties and reputational risk.
03 / CostsWhat the first budget covers
Credentials or registration, tax software, insurance and secure client portals. Expect roughly $500–$5,000 for a lean first version, before your own living costs.
04 / First customerYour first paying step
Prepare returns for a few people you know under proper registration and document a clean intake process.
05 / GrowthHow it grows
Add bookkeeping and year-round advisory work to smooth out the season.
Business snapshot
Tax preparation scores
Startup difficulty4/10
Operating difficulty5/10
Economic potential5/10
Scalability5/10
Resale potential6/10
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