Launch Your Burnaby Tax Preparation Services Business Today
This page shows you how to start a Burnaby tax preparation services business (NAICS 541213) quickly and confidently. It offers a practical, step-by-step overview of the seven requirements, the permits you’ll need from the City of Burnaby, and a realistic look at startup costs and timelines to get you up and running.
You'll learn exactly what to do: register your BC business, obtain a Burnaby business license, apply for a CRA Business Number and GST/HST registration if needed, and set up privacy and data-security measures. We'll also cover essential protections (like professional liability insurance), choose a simple bookkeeping system, and lay out a clear launch timeline so you can plan with confidence.
Burnaby's community and affordable overhead make it a smart place to launch a tax prep service. With clear 7 requirements, permits, costs, and a concrete timeline, you'll move from idea to compliant, client-ready operations faster—ready to serve individuals and small businesses this tax season.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a tax preparation service in Burnaby is CPABC Chartered Professional Accountant Designation. This designation is a legally recognized qualification for delivering professional accounting and tax services in this region, and you cannot legally operate without it. It is non-negotiable: clients rely on credentialed expertise, and regulators expect you to meet recognized professional standards before offering tax advice or preparing returns.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: You must put privacy and safety into practice. Compliance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) is essential for handling clients’ personal data securely and transparently. If you hire staff or contractors, you’ll also need WorkSafeBC coverage and registration. Depending on your location and setup, check local permits and zoning to ensure your workspace is permitted for a tax service.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll register your business name with BC Registry Services if you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership. You’ll obtain a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency, which underpins GST/HST collection and payroll deductions if you have employees. Plan for GST/HST registration if your taxable revenue meets the threshold, and set up payroll deductions through CRA whenever you hire staff. WorkSafeBC obligations apply if you employ people.
Encouragement/Next steps: Start by confirming your CPABC designation path, then tackle registrations in sequence: register your BC business name, obtain your BN, apply for GST/HST as needed, and set up privacy programs and payroll processes. If you’d like, I can help map a practical 90-day action plan tailored to Burnaby to get you legally ready and thriving.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a tax preparation services in Burnaby:
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CPABC Chartered Professional Accountant Designation RequiredCPA designation and public practice licensing through Chartered Professional Accountants of BC CPA designation through CPABC. Complete CPA PEP (6 modules, ~2 years) + Common Final Exam (CFE) + 30 months practical experience. Membership application fee: $250. Public practice licence required for assurance services. Public practice fees: member levy $160/person + firm component. 120 CPD hours required per 3 years. Professional liability insurance mandatory for public practice. Contact CPABC: 604-872-7222.
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) Compliance RequiredProfessional services that collect, use, or disclose personal information must comply with PIPEDA federal privacy law. Includes consent requirements, security safeguards, and breach notification obligations. No registration required - compliance law. Follow PIPEDA's 10 fair information principles when handling personal data: accountability, identify purposes, consent, limit collection/use/retention, accuracy, safeguards, openness, individual access, challenging compliance. Appoint someone responsible for privacy. Penalties: up to $10M or 3% global revenue under proposed Bill C-27. Contact: Office of the Privacy Commissioner 1-800-282-1376.
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BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) RequiredRegistration of sole proprietorship or partnership business names with BC Registries Register sole proprietorship or partnership at bcregistry.gov.bc.ca. Name reservation: $30 (standard) or $100 (priority 1-2 days). Registration fee: $40. Total: ~$70. Name reserved for 56 days after approval. Registration is continuous (no renewal required). No name protection for sole proprietorships. Personal names operating under own name do not require registration. Contact BC Registries: 1-877-526-1526.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration ConditionalRequired if you have workers in BC. Workers compensation insurance coverage through WorkSafeBC for employers in British Columbia WorkSafeBC coverage required for most BC employers. Average base premium rate: 1.55% of assessable payroll ($1.55 per $100). Register online at worksafebc.com. Apply 30 days before starting business or hiring workers. Processing: ~10 business days. Premium rates vary by industry classification (514 classification units). COR certified employers eligible for 10% rebate. Contact: 604-276-3100 or 1-888-967-5377.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your tax preparation services:
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Cohort-based program supporting Quebec companies operating primarily in immersive/interactive digital content (VR/AR/MR, interactive scenographies, installations). Selected cohorts share a total funding envelope. First cohort (2024): 17 companies shared $7.5M; second cohort (2025): 11 companies shared $3.725M (~$340K–$440K per company). Video games, animation, VFX, and traditional formats are not eligible.
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Non-repayable project or composite (multi-year) grants for arts sector innovation, development, and support activities. Project grants normally up to $50,000; composite grants up to $50,000/year for multi-year periods. Exceptional projects may receive up to $100,000. Rolling intake — no fixed deadlines.
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The HIPP provided up to $200,000 over 9 months for Stage 1 proof-of-concept, with Stage 2 covering up to 75% of eligible expenses over up to 3 years (minimum 25% applicant cost-share). Eligible applicants included Alberta post-secondary institutions, government entities, health delivery agents, and for-profit or not-for-profit organizations. The program …
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A provincial personal and corporate income tax credit for arm's-length investors who purchase shares in certified eligible NL small businesses. The credit is 35% for businesses operating outside the North East Avalon region and 20% for businesses within the North East Avalon. Maximum annual credit is $50,000 per investor. Carry-forward: …
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The Invest Nova Scotia Payroll Rebate is a negotiated incentive for knowledge-based companies creating at least 20 net new full-time positions in Nova Scotia. The rebate is 5–10% of eligible gross payroll, disbursed annually over a set period (typically up to 5 years), after audited confirmation of job creation. Eligible …
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