Accountant for self-employed individuals

IT consultant, graphic designer, writer, massage therapist, truck driver/owner, or freelancer: in France, hundreds of thousands of people earn a living as self-employed individuals. The reality on the ground is well-known: fluctuating income, no withholding tax, a first tax assessment that surprises with the double CRS contribution, and the infamous T2125 form (TP-80 in France) to be completed every spring. Without support, people often pay too much tax or get caught out by provisional tax payments.

Find the ideal accountant for your self-employed needs: someone who maximizes your eligible expenses, plans your tax installments, manages your GST/QST, and advises you on when incorporation becomes worthwhile. We'll connect you with the right accountant for your specific situation, as many times as you need, and we'll stay by your side every step of the way. No obligation.

• Fluctuating income: without withholding tax, approximately 25 to 30% of each payment must be set aside for tax and contributions.
• The double share of the RRQ: as a self-employed person, you pay the employee's share AND the employer's share, in addition to the RQAP and the FSS.
• The small supplier threshold: at €30,000 of taxable income over four consecutive calendar quarters, VAT registration becomes mandatory.
• Installments: required as soon as net tax exceeds $1,800 for a Quebec resident, four payments per year to be planned.
• Discounts often left on the table: home office, vehicle, training, mobile phone, professional contributions, accounting fees.
• The right time to build up your capital: when the profit sustainably exceeds your personal needs, the company and its reduced rate are worth calculating.
• Retirement without an employer: RRSP, TFSA and withdrawal strategy to build yourself, with an accountant to structure everything.

• Business income tax return: form T2125 to the CRA and TP-80 to Revenu Québec, attached to your personal return.
• Production deadline for self-employed individuals is June 15th, but the tax balance is payable from April 30th.
• Registration, collection and remittance of GST (5%) and QST (9.975%) starting at $30,000 of taxable supplies, all administered by Revenu Québec.
• Provisional installments due on March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15, to the CRA and Revenu Québec.
• RRQ contributions (both parts), RQAP and FSS calculated with the annual declaration.
• Mileage log and pro-rata home office calculation to justify deductions, deduction for depreciation on vehicle and equipment.
• Invoices must be compliant (VAT numbers) and supporting documents must be kept for six years.

What expenses can a self-employed individual deduct? More than you might think: home office expenses (proportional to the size), vehicle expenses (with mileage log), mobile phone and internet expenses (partially for business use), equipment, training, professional dues, insurance, and accounting fees. The rule: the expense must be used to generate business income, with supporting documentation. An audited accountant from our network will optimize these expenses without crossing the line.

Do I need to register for VAT as a self-employed individual? Yes, as soon as your taxable income exceeds €30,000 over four consecutive calendar quarters: you lose your small supplier status and must collect VAT at 5% and 9.975%. Below this threshold, voluntary registration allows you to recover the taxes paid on your expenses (CTI and RTI). Your accountant will determine the optimal timing and frequency of your VAT return.

How much does an accountant cost in this sector? According to the Bankeo Barometer , based on 1,248 real-world cases (2024-2026), the median cost for this sector is around $1,000 per year. The cost varies depending on whether you are an incorporated company or a self-employed individual, as well as the volume and complexity of your work. Bankeo matching is free: you pay your accountant directly.

How can you switch accountants as a self-employed individual without the stress? It's simpler than you think, and we'll take care of it for you. We'll help you gather your documents (tax returns, T2125 forms, VAT statements) and choose the best time of year for the transition, often after the tax year has ended. We'll then connect you with an accountant who fits your needs, with no obligation, and if the match isn't right, we'll find you another one at no cost.

Local or remote accountant for a self-employed individual? Both work very well. Since your accounting is often digital, a remote accountant who is proficient with your cloud-based tools can manage your file anywhere in Quebec. If you prefer to meet with someone near you, we can also connect you with a local accountant. We start by taking your preference into account to find the right match.

When does it become profitable to incorporate as a sole trader? Generally, incorporation becomes advantageous when your profits consistently exceed your personal needs: the company benefits from a reduced tax rate and allows you to defer taxes. However, you must weigh the incorporation and production costs, your liability, and your future plans. A network accountant will perform a detailed financial analysis of your situation before making a decision.