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You might want to retire in Tagaytay, but it could be a problem to do business in the Philippines with the idea that you could earn a living.  More like a hobby.

While you were here in the Philippines, did you see any other parts of the country other than Manila?    Assuming you wish to stay in Manila, most expats here would strongly recommend that you come with enough resources to sustain your living standard and not depend on making any real money here in the Philippines.   With your accounting background, I can further assume you can easily  project all your financial needs, whether here in Manila or in some other outlying areas..  And your work here initially may just be a hobby .

You might want to consider an advice from american chamber of commerce here in the philippine for your business. They can be a help. Try to check website

If networking is to be a big part of your agenda then Manila or Cebu would probably be the best places to land.
If "Philippine culture" is a priority then I would explore a lot outside of those areas.

todutter wrote:

I'm from Indianapolis, Indiana and am considering a move to the Philippines.  I am a CPA and have over 30 years of small business and individual tax accounting experience.  I am the managing partner in my small firm and have contemplated starting an expat firm in the Phil.  I visited Manila once in 2013 and fell in love with the culture.  I have much to learn, so I'm saying "Hello" and hope to continue my study here.

Firstly welcome to the forum mate, enjoy, contribute and ask. Secondly come back and spend some real time here, learn the walk so to speak. Thirdly like me and probably most expats we have our accountants in our respective countries where most of our assets and income is derived.
Fourthly while yes there are plenty of US retirees in PH. there are plenty of residents from other countries with very different tax laws limiting you, potentially detrimental to them.
Fifthly, can you as a US citizen work/conduct business in PH? Look into that and the ramifications and costs, most of us retire here for financial or family reasons not for the country that's for sure and I'm sure others will chime in and shoot me down or throw further wisdom perhaps?
Sixthly (if there is such a word) Why would you consider moving or expanding your company/partnership to a third world/developing nation to pick up 50 bucks when you can four fold that every hour within your home country if you are any good (not being derogatory to your capabilities no different to my accountant that charges similar).
I'm not going onto seventhly as I ran out of fingers but honestly you are looking for an extremely limited market given US tax laws and the expats that do live here are not silly and have everything tied up big time no different to me or others coming from another country with very different tax laws.

If there is a need for your suggestion then I'm sure US citizens will come forth.

Good luck and wishes with your venture mate.

Cheers, Steve

Then why still a lot of investors coming here?

elisse79 wrote:

Then why still a lot of investors coming here?

To Dublin or the Philippines? What have investors got to do with this post?

Investors go to all countries but accountants especially CPA stick to the laws they know and know extremely well.
Investing money in a foreign country takes nous and then some and while an accountant can advise on matters relating to their knowledge will perhaps have no idea relating to another countries tax laws or doctrines nor investment  strategies in foreign currencies let alone countries unless you are prepared to pay them to learn, for that you really need the big guns that are conversant with the country/s one wishes to dabble in for various reasons. Stock market rings a bell. A trusted broker rings another.

So what has this accountants question (the OP) got to do with investing in PH? Even as I reflect on your earlier post I fail to see the relevance. Perhaps you work there?
Sorry to be so blunt and as always only an observation from a lowly plebeian.

Cheers, Steve.

Steve, That was ouch!. Apology as I didnt meet your IQ.

🙄🙄🙄

If you value your lungs, don't stay in Manila for too long... If you value your money.... Leave it in Indiana..

Steve makes some good points. OTOH I could certainly see the value of a US CPA to some US expats, but as already stated it would be a limited pool of clients and likely have to be at discounted rates, thus a low income venture at best. Those of us with income producing assets stateside already have accountants there or do it ourselves. Those who have such assets here would take advantage of local resources at local rates.