Core promise: Specialized, remote-first accounting and tax services tailored to IT companies, startups, and freelancers in Canada.
Key elements:
Niche expertise in IT: Understanding of billing models (hourly, project, retainers, SaaS subscriptions), typical IT expenses (cloud, software, hardware, training), and multi-currency/international clients.
End-to-end compliance with CRA: Bookkeeping, GST/HST, corporate and personal tax returns, payroll, and CRA communication in one place.
Clarity and simplicity: Plain-language explanations, clean reports, and clear guidance on what to do and when.
Predictable pricing: Transparent monthly packages plus clear one-time service fees.
Fully online service: No need for in-person visits; all communication and document handling is digital.
Freelancers & Solo IT Professionals
Software developers, designers, UX/UI specialists, product managers, QA, DevOps, data scientists, IT consultants, contractors.
Often work with multiple clients, including US/EU markets.
Need simple, affordable, ongoing support and help with T1 returns, GST/HST, and expense tracking.
Incorporated IT Companies & Agencies
Small to mid-sized dev shops, digital agencies, and IT consulting firms.
Require monthly bookkeeping, T2 returns, payroll, GST/HST, and regular financial reports.
Early-Stage & Growing IT Startups
Product/SaaS startups (possibly with funding or investors).
Need more structured financial reporting, KPIs, budgeting, help with multi-currency revenue, and strategic tax planning.
Potential Secondary Segment (Later)
Non-technical founders in tech-adjacent businesses (e.g., digital marketing agencies, creative studios) that fit well into the existing model.
Recurring Monthly Fees
Freelancer / Solo Plan (e.g. ~$120/month): Monthly bookkeeping, categorization, annual T1, basic GST/HST support.
Incorporated IT Company Plan (e.g. ~$260/month): Full bookkeeping, T2, GST/HST, basic payroll, quarterly review.
Startup / Growth Plan (e.g. from ~$480/month): Advanced bookkeeping, T2, multi-currency support, management reports, strategy calls, larger payroll.
One-Time Services / Add-Ons
Personal T1 returns for IT professionals (separate from monthly plans).
Catch-up / clean-up bookkeeping (per month of backlog).
Incorporation & accounting system setup.
CRA audit/review support (hourly rate).
Special projects (e.g. financial modeling for investors, due diligence support).
Upsell & Cross-sell Revenue
Upgrading clients from freelancer to incorporated company packages as their income grows.
Adding payroll, additional employees, or more complex reporting as companies scale.
Offering periodic tax planning sessions as a billable advisory service.
Primary acquisition channels:
Website (SEO & content marketing):
Articles on “accounting for developers in Canada,” “GST/HST for freelancers,” “incorporation vs sole proprietorship for IT,” etc.
Landing pages for each main segment (freelancers, companies, startups).
LinkedIn & professional communities:
Posts, articles, and direct outreach in IT and startup groups.
Developer & startup communities:
Slack/Discord groups, meetups, co-working spaces, incubators, accelerators.
Referrals:
Existing clients recommending itbalance to their peers.
Partnerships with lawyers, immigration consultants, and business coaches.
Conversion channels:
Free consultation booking form on the website.
Contact form / email for quote requests.
Calendly or similar integration for quick call scheduling.
Personalized onboarding:
1:1 call to understand the client’s business model, tools, and goals.
Setup or cleanup of their accounting system.
Ongoing, proactive support:
Monthly/quarterly check-ins (depending on plan).
Reminders for upcoming deadlines (GST/HST, tax, payroll).
Ease of contact:
Email support for questions.
Optional messaging (e.g. chat within client portal or secure email).
Long-term partnership:
Helping freelancers grow into incorporated companies and startups.
Supporting companies as they hire, expand, or seek investment.
Bookkeeping & Compliance
Recording and categorizing transactions.
Reconciling bank and credit card accounts.
Managing GST/HST filings, T1/T2 preparation and filing.
Payroll processing and remittances.
Tax Planning & Advisory
Salary vs dividends strategy for owners.
Deduction optimization and tax efficiency.
Structuring for growth and risk management.
Client Success & Support
Regular client communication and education.
Creating clear, understandable financial reports.
Managing deadlines and CRA compliance.
Marketing & Business Development
Website maintenance, SEO, and content creation.
Social media and community engagement.
Building partner relationships.
Qualified accounting professionals
CPAs / experienced accountants familiar with Canadian tax law and small business accounting.
Cloud-based accounting tools
Accounting platforms (e.g. QuickBooks Online, Xero, etc.).
Receipt management tools and secure document storage.
Client portals for safe document exchange.
Website & digital infrastructure
Professional website, booking system, email marketing tools.
Brand & reputation
Positioning as a trusted specialist for IT and digital professionals.
Software vendors
Accounting platform providers, receipt apps, payroll platforms.
Legal & incorporation partners
Business lawyers or online incorporation services to whom clients can be referred (and vice versa).
Immigration & business consultants
Serving newcomers in tech who are starting businesses in Canada.
Tech communities & accelerators
Startup hubs, tech incubators, and co-working spaces that can refer early-stage IT companies.
Fixed costs
Salaries/fees for core accounting team.
Software subscriptions (accounting, payroll, CRM, project management).
Website hosting, domain, and essential online services.
Professional fees (insurance, association memberships, training).
Variable costs
Contractor accountants for peak periods.
Marketing/advertising spend (Google Ads, LinkedIn Ads, sponsorships).
Payment processing fees for online payments.
Occasional tools or services for specific client needs (e.g. specialized reporting).
Investment in brand and expertise
Ongoing training on changes in tax law and CRA rules.
Content production (articles, guides, webinars) to strengthen authority in the niche.
itbalance is a specialized, remote-first accounting firm that monetizes through recurring monthly packages and targeted one-time services, focused on Canadian IT freelancers, companies, and startups, delivering high perceived value through niche expertise, CRA compliance, and simple, transparent communication.