I'm a CPA and haven't done 1040's for clients in about 10 years (under a firm). I was thinking of picking up some returns on the side as a side-gig and wanted to get some input from those that do this, as a starting point for my research. Any thoughts you can share are appreciated.
I will get a PTIN, but do I need anything else and are you generally required to sign the returns (rather than handing them to the client at that point)? How about various states, do you need to do anything as far as registering in each state to file that state's returns (or if I have a registered business can I file returns in states as they come up)? For example, if a client needs a Kansas return, can I file that KS return for them, or do I need to be registered to do business in that state (which would suck if you had just one client that needed it). I've prepared state returns before, but again, under a firm so not sure what was needed on the administration side.
What softwares do you all use as paid preparers? I'd like something that you can easily key in all the tax forms but also have some intelligence behind it whether interview questions or other to help catch things (research components would be great as well).
Lastly, how do you guys usually quote clients? Do you have a set amount per item, i.e. 1 W-2 is x amount, one 1099 is y amount, etc.? This is the part I'm having the hardest time with b/c it's hard to know how long some will take until you get into them. Just curious how you all approach it.
Thanks for any insight everybody!
I will get a PTIN, but do I need anything else and are you generally required to sign the returns (rather than handing them to the client at that point)? How about various states, do you need to do anything as far as registering in each state to file that state's returns (or if I have a registered business can I file returns in states as they come up)? For example, if a client needs a Kansas return, can I file that KS return for them, or do I need to be registered to do business in that state (which would suck if you had just one client that needed it). I've prepared state returns before, but again, under a firm so not sure what was needed on the administration side.
What softwares do you all use as paid preparers? I'd like something that you can easily key in all the tax forms but also have some intelligence behind it whether interview questions or other to help catch things (research components would be great as well).
Lastly, how do you guys usually quote clients? Do you have a set amount per item, i.e. 1 W-2 is x amount, one 1099 is y amount, etc.? This is the part I'm having the hardest time with b/c it's hard to know how long some will take until you get into them. Just curious how you all approach it.
Thanks for any insight everybody!
