To start an accounting firm you need a CPA license (if offering attest services), a business entity, professional liability insurance, tax and accounting software, and a client acquisition strategy. Most firms launch in 2–4 months with $10,000–$50,000.
Pass the CPA exam, complete experience requirements, and get licensed in your state if you plan to offer audit or attest services.
Form an LLC, PLLC, or PC depending on your state’s rules for accounting firms; verify ownership restrictions for non-CPAs.
Buy errors and omissions (E&O) insurance ($1M+), which protects you if a client sues over a filing error or missed deadline.
Get certified in QuickBooks, Xero, or Sage; invest in professional tax preparation software like Drake, Lacerte, or ProConnect.
Choose between bookkeeping, tax preparation, payroll, audit, advisory, or a combination; price as hourly, fixed-fee, or monthly retainer.
Implement encrypted document sharing and client communication tools to protect sensitive financial data and meet IRS security requirements.
Network with local businesses, join professional organizations, get referrals from attorneys and bankers, and invest in local SEO and Google Business.
Stay current with tax law changes, complete CPE requirements, and maintain your CPA license with regular renewal and ethics courses.
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You need a CPA license to offer audit, review, or attest services. For bookkeeping, tax prep, and advisory, a CPA is not required but significantly increases credibility.
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Start my free assessmentTo start a law firm you need bar admission in your state, a business entity compliant with ethics rules, malpractice insurance, a practice area focus, and client development systems. Most solo firms launch in 1–3 months with $10,000–$50,000.
To start a marketing agency you need a niche positioning, a service offering (SEO, PPC, social, content, or full-service), a portfolio, client contracts, and a client acquisition engine. Most agencies launch in 1–3 months with $5,000–$30,000.
To start an insurance agency you need a state insurance license, carrier appointments, errors and omissions insurance, a book-building strategy, and agency management software. Most agencies launch in 2–4 months with $10,000–$50,000.