Getting started

Titles, license basics and the first decisions.

Start here

PageTypeApplies toState
How to become a freelance accountantA sourced map for accountants who go freelance: titles, licences, worker status, tax set-up and client confidentiality, with US rules labelled.OverviewUS rule; elsewhere, check your own regulatorDraft

Guides

PageTypeApplies toState
Do you need a licence to freelance as an accountantWhen a licence is needed to freelance as an accountant: titles, reserved services, state boards and mobility, PTIN, and where non-US rules sit.GuideUS rule; elsewhere, check your own regulatorDraft
Freelance accountant vs payroll job: what changes day to dayWhat changes when you freelance, and how the IRS and Labor Department describe contractor status. Factors, not verdicts. General information only.GuideUS rule; elsewhere, check your own regulatorDraft
Freelance bookkeeper vs freelance accountant vs freelance CPABookkeeper, accountant and CPA are different things: a function, a broad occupation and a US licence. How title rules differ and how to describe yourself.GuideUS rule; elsewhere, check your own regulatorDraft
Freelancing with a CA, ACCA or CMA qualification on US filesWorking on US files with a non-US accounting qualification: accurate titles, support work under a firm, NASBA evaluation, Section 7216 consent and W-8BEN.GuideUS rule; elsewhere, check your own regulatorDraft
How to become a freelance CPAUS rule: what a CPA licence means for freelancing. Covers state boards, mobility, firm registration, titles, PTIN, Circular 230 and insurance.GuideUS ruleDraft
Leaving a firm to freelance: a 90-day planA 90-day plan for leaving a firm to freelance: read your agreements, handle notice and client data, set up the business, and avoid Section 7216 mistakes.GuideUS rule; elsewhere, check your own regulatorDraft
Part-time and side-practice accounting workChecks before taking outside accounting work next to another role: employer policy, licence rules, independence, confidentiality and tax on side work.GuideUS rule; elsewhere, check your own regulatorDraft
Services a freelance accountant can offerService groups a freelance accountant may offer, and which rule decides each: credential, state law, PTIN and Section 7216. Check your own regulator.GuideUS rule; elsewhere, check your own regulatorDraft

Tutorials

PageTypeApplies toState
Set up your freelance practice step by stepStep by step set-up for a freelance accounting practice: structure, registration, EIN, bank account, records, tax, insurance and agreements.TutorialUS rule; elsewhere, check your own regulatorDraft

Checklists

PageTypeApplies toState
Freelance accountant launch checklistLaunch checklist for freelance accounting work: titles and licence status, scope, structure, own taxes, records, agreements, insurance, ethics, security.ChecklistUS rule; elsewhere, check your own regulatorDraft

Glossary entries

PageTypeApplies toState
Freelance and contractor glossary hubThis glossary explains terms that come up when an accountant works for themselves: worker status, contract terms, US tax forms, confidentiality,...GlossaryUS rule; elsewhere, check your own regulatorDraft

Join the CORAA reviewer waitlist

CORAA prepares audit files for US CPA firms. Reviewers are independent contractors who clear what the software flags, with evidence and a note, paid per file under a contractor agreement.

  • Files are offered to you; you accept or decline
  • No exclusivity: you can work for others
  • The firm reviews and signs; CORAA never does

* required