[Gatorbates]

Curiosity question … has anyone out there started their own biz on the side while being employed full time?

I work full time for a large corporation … and since I’m now a CPA, I just registered and created my own business, so I can do some tax work on the side, (on my own time of course – I’ve checked the code of conduct, and it’s permissible.)

Just wondering if anyone has done this, and if so, how it worked out for you. My goal is to monitor my intake of clients so I won’t be over my head … and just “see how it goes” … and re-evaluate everything in a year, 2 or 3 …

Thoughts?

Licensed Florida CPA:
B: 71, 73, 79
A: 83
R: 78 (expired), 77
F: 74, 74, 80

It's finally freaking over.

[Anonymous]

I have been researching this as well and would like to start something up for next year. There are lots of threads on this and other material online. Some things I've been looking at are software, insurance and PTIN. Also, I've been looking at getting efile set up. I've set a goal to get x number of clients for next year. This way, I will cover my costs and make a little extra cash. Going to start with simple returns and progress from there. Like you, just want to see where it takes me. Not quitting my day job anytime soon.

[Anonymous]

Just asking around, the people I questioned that had others prepare their taxes paid around 150-200 (simple stuff)…and these preparers were not even CPA's. Either McTax places or EA's or whatever. Try and get your hands on some pricing lists or just call around.

[Anonymous]

Just asking around, the people I questioned that had others prepare their taxes paid around 150-200 (simple stuff)…and these preparers were not even CPA's. Either McTax places or EA's or whatever. Try and get your hands on some pricing lists or just call around.

[Anonymous]

@tncincy – If you don't mind me asking, how do you go about getting clients? About how many taxes did you prepare the first few years you did it?

I think taxes can be a lucrative biz to be in. Am I wrong?

[Anonymous]

@tncincy – If you don't mind me asking, how do you go about getting clients? About how many taxes did you prepare the first few years you did it?

I think taxes can be a lucrative biz to be in. Am I wrong?

[Anonymous]

You need to think about what it will cost you first and how much you will charge. That will dictate the minimum number of clients you need. Unless you live in the same location as to tncincy her answer won't help you. You might need. 15 clients to break even whereas she might only need 5.

[Anonymous]

You need to think about what it will cost you first and how much you will charge. That will dictate the minimum number of clients you need. Unless you live in the same location as to tncincy her answer won't help you. You might need. 15 clients to break even whereas she might only need 5.

[Anonymous]

No I know, I was just curious how many returns tncincy is able to handle without having to turn people away or hire someone to help.

I did a few returns this last season, but am not sure how to gauge how many I could max out at.

[Anonymous]

No I know, I was just curious how many returns tncincy is able to handle without having to turn people away or hire someone to help.

I did a few returns this last season, but am not sure how to gauge how many I could max out at.

[Anonymous]

My wife helps with that….lol

[Anonymous]

My wife helps with that….lol

[mlindse5]

@bernhardt, the way I have expanded my client base it to be active in the community that you wish to serve. You can look into joining a BNI networking group. This group is not cheap, but I have made my dues back 20x. Also looking into local chambers or business associations. Another thing that helps is know who the other small business owners are in your area and frequent their business. Go to restaurants, coffee shops, gifts shops that are not chains. Be their customer first and build a relationship, then when they ask what you do, you have a great way to potentially pick them up as a client. I was friendly with my pizza shop owner for over a year before we had a discussion about their books. Now I'm doing the write, tax returns, and business adviser. Be out there, be friendly, and have business cards on hand ALWAYS!

I also do ALL active military, clergy(preacher, minister, etc) for free. It's my way to give back to those who do a lot for others. It is also good because they have spread the word and have brought many paying clients through the doors.

For pricing, don't be cheap. Have a minimum price and don't drop below it.

CPA-GA

NEVER, NEVER, GIVE UP!

[mlindse5]

@bernhardt, the way I have expanded my client base it to be active in the community that you wish to serve. You can look into joining a BNI networking group. This group is not cheap, but I have made my dues back 20x. Also looking into local chambers or business associations. Another thing that helps is know who the other small business owners are in your area and frequent their business. Go to restaurants, coffee shops, gifts shops that are not chains. Be their customer first and build a relationship, then when they ask what you do, you have a great way to potentially pick them up as a client. I was friendly with my pizza shop owner for over a year before we had a discussion about their books. Now I'm doing the write, tax returns, and business adviser. Be out there, be friendly, and have business cards on hand ALWAYS!

I also do ALL active military, clergy(preacher, minister, etc) for free. It's my way to give back to those who do a lot for others. It is also good because they have spread the word and have brought many paying clients through the doors.

For pricing, don't be cheap. Have a minimum price and don't drop below it.

CPA-GA

NEVER, NEVER, GIVE UP!

[Anonymous]

@mlindse5 – I visited a local BNI chapter a couple weeks ago and I was thinking of joining. How many clients do you feel you net from that group? Are they predominantly tax clients, or a mix?

There used to be only one BNI chapter in my town, and over the last year 3 others have opened up. The one I visted a couple weeks ago is the only one with no Accountant because it is the newer one. Should I jump on it?

@Gatorbates – Sorry to hijack your thread, but at least it is on topic…..right?

[Anonymous]

@mlindse5 – I visited a local BNI chapter a couple weeks ago and I was thinking of joining. How many clients do you feel you net from that group? Are they predominantly tax clients, or a mix?

There used to be only one BNI chapter in my town, and over the last year 3 others have opened up. The one I visted a couple weeks ago is the only one with no Accountant because it is the newer one. Should I jump on it?

@Gatorbates – Sorry to hijack your thread, but at least it is on topic…..right?

[Author]

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