Thinking about starting a tax prep business but unsure what the first year actually looks like? In this episode of The MuseSpring Minute, Jason Carr gives a month-by-month roadmap for launching a tax preparation business. Instead of treating tax season as something that starts in January, Jason explains how the work begins months earlier with training, setup, software, business formation, insurance, online presence, and client outreach. The episode walks through: August through October: setup, training, software, PTIN, EFIN, insurance, and online presence November through December: marketing, networking, pre-season outreach, and client intake systems January through April 15: tax season workflow, first-year client goals, and return preparation rhythm April 16 through July: post-season review, referrals, and year-round service opportunities Jason also explains why a realistic first-year goal may be 20 to 50 clients, how new preparers gain confidence through repetition, and why knowing when to refer complex matters to a tax attorney or CPA is part of operating professionally. If you are considering tax preparation as a side business, career change, or long-term practice, this episode gives you a practical first-year roadmap. Key Takeaways Uncertainty stops many people from starting: A lot of aspiring tax preparers hesitate because they cannot picture the day-to-day work or the first-year timeline.The first year has a clear structure: The launch process can be broken into four phases: setup and training, marketing and pre-season preparation, tax season, and post-season growth.August through October is the preparation window: This is when new preparers should focus on training, tax software, LLC formation, PTIN and EFIN applications, E&O insurance, and basic online presence.Training should happen before tax season: New preparers need time to learn the fundamentals, including W-2 income, filing statuses, deductions, credits, and common individual tax forms.Tax season starts before January: November and December are the right time to tell your network, post on social media, join local groups, and let people know you are accepting clients.Client intake should be built before the rush: Scheduling, document collection, workflow, client communication, review, signature, and e-filing processes should be planned before tax season begins.A realistic first-year goal is 20 to 50 clients: That range is manageable for many new preparers, whether they are working part-time alongside a job or building a first full-time season.Confidence comes through repetition: The first few returns may feel intimidating. By return number 10, most preparers start finding a rhythm. By return number 30, the process feels much more natural.Scope control protects the preparer and the client: New preparers will encounter situations involving unfiled returns, IRS notices, audits, or complicated business structures. Knowing when to refer those matters is part of building a professional practice.The work does not end on April 15: The months after tax season are the time to review what worked, ask for referrals, improve systems, and consider year-round services.Referrals drive year-two growth: A simple post-season referral request can help a first-year client base grow into a stronger second-year book of business.Year-round services create a real practice: Bookkeeping, payroll support, quarterly estimated tax reminders, and entity formation referrals can help preparers stay visible and valuable beyond filing season. Suggested Episode Timestamps 00:00: Why uncertainty keeps people from starting a tax prep business 00:30: What the first year looks like month by month 00:55: August through October: setup and training 01:25: Choosing software, forming an LLC, applying for PTIN and EFIN 02:00: Building a basic online presence 02:25: Learning the fundamentals of individual tax preparation 03:00: November through December: marketing and pre-season prep 03:35: Reaching out to your personal and local network 04:05: Setting up client intake before January 04:45: January through April 15: tax season execution 05:15: Realistic first-year client goals 05:50: What the return preparation workflow looks like 06:35: How confidence builds with each return 07:05: Knowing when to refer complex tax matters 07:50: April 16 through July: debrief and build 08:20: Reviewing the season and identifying training needs 08:50: Asking clients for referrals 09:20: Adding year-round services after tax season 09:55: How the Tax Business Blueprint Program helps compress the launch timeline 10:30: Closing Resources Mentioned MuseSpring: https://musespring.comTax Business Blueprint Program: https://musespring.comThe Law Office of Jason Carr, PLLC: https://carrtaxlaw.com