[Anonymous]

I recently left my job in public accounting (tax) in central CA and my family and I moved to Northern CA where I have taken a F/T job with a community college as an accountant. I have my reasons (I’m sure you know what they are) for leaving the tax world, and I’m enjoying the slower pace of both my new geographical area and work life.

I am, though, hoping to make a little money on the side. I have a few ideas, but was hoping to hear from some of you on what worked or hasn’t worked for you.

1) Tax prep – Do any of you do tax prep on the side? I’ve considered trying to find some small/easy clients that are just a little too complicated to do themselves or are needing a little more guidance. What software did you use? Was it worth it?

2) Bookkeeping/Consulting/Clean-up. Any one had success doing any of this? Where did you find your clients? What worked best?

I don’t need to make a ton of money. I’m not looking to bill people $100+ an hour, just looking to make a little extra cash when I have time available.

[Nikki374]

Great question! I am interested in doing the same thing on the side, mostly bookkeeping but maybe some tax prep for small clients.

[alloverit]

Do you have a Master's degree? Maybe adjunct teaching with your employer, and in California I believe a bachelor's WITH a CPA can qualify for community college teaching…it's a good way to make an extra $10k per year if you have the interest.

[Recked]

A qualified bookkeeper (non-CPA) gets about $50/hour in my area of NY 2 hours north of NYC.
As an EA + bachelors + 10 years experience I was billing out $150/hr for tax work and audit rep.

Working for less than $100/hour should get your lots of horrible clients. Don't sell yourself short.
You do all CPAs a disservice by charging too little for your time.

[Madhav]

I have a question too. I recently passed CPA with no acct. experience and soon i have accounting assistant interview. Am i lowering myself too much? Thanks.

[Author]

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