From application to your first return.
Opening your own tax office is a sequence: credentials first, then business setup, software and bank-product enrollment, training, and outreach. Here's the path, step by step — and what to start now so you're ready by January.
- Week 1
Apply and talk it through
Tell us about your experience, the clients you serve (or want to serve), and the business you want to build. We'll walk through software, bank-product options, training and package fit — before you commit to anything.
- Weeks 1–2
Get your credentials moving
Every paid preparer needs a current PTIN from the IRS. To e-file returns yourself, your firm also needs an EFIN — and the IRS can take up to 45 days to process an e-file application, so this is the step to start first.
- Weeks 2–4
Set up your business basics
Choose your business structure, get an EIN, open a business bank account, and put your data-security plan in writing. We'll point you to the requirements and checklists; your own attorney or accountant should advise on entity choice.
- Weeks 3–6
Software and bank-product enrollment
Once your credentials are in place, we set up your software account and walk you through bank-product enrollment, which is subject to the bank partner's application, approval and fees.
- Weeks 4–8
Training
Learn the software workflow, client intake, e-signature and remote filing, fee collection and season procedures — so your first returns aren't also your first time in the software.
- Before January
Marketing and client outreach
Line up returning clients, referrals and local outreach before the season opens. Marketing-kit contents are confirmed with your package.
- Filing season
File, get paid, and get support
Prepare and e-file returns under your own name, collect your fees (upfront or, where offered, through an approved bank product), and reach out for help when you need it.
Timelines are typical, not guaranteed — IRS processing, state requirements and bank-partner approvals vary. Refund-transfer and fee-deduction products, if offered, are provided by an approved bank partner and are subject to eligibility, approval, program terms, and fees. Bank partner and specific terms will be confirmed before enrollment.
What you'll need
before you file.
The essentials every independent office puts in place. Our step-by-step guide covers each one in detail, with official sources.
PTIN
Required for anyone paid to prepare, or help prepare, federal returns. Renewed every year.
EFIN
Your firm's IRS e-file ID, issued after your e-file application and suitability check. Start early.
Business entity & EIN
Sole proprietorship or LLC, an EIN, and any local business licenses your city or state requires.
Business bank account
Keeps your fees and expenses separate; typically needed for bank-product enrollment and fee deposits.
Written security plan
Tax professionals must protect client data — the FTC Safeguards Rule requires a written information security plan (WISP).
Education & state rules
Consider the IRS Annual Filing Season Program, and check whether your state requires preparer registration.
A team behind your name on the door.
- Software setup — account setup and a walkthrough of the workflow you'll use every day. See software & features.
- Bank-product enrollment — what refund transfers are, how fee deduction works, and what the bank partner requires.
- Training — onboarding, tutorials and season procedures. See training & support.
- Marketing basics — practical outreach ideas and materials, confirmed with your package.
Start the steps that take longest.
Your EFIN and bank-product enrollment take time. Apply now and we'll help you sequence everything for the 2027 season.