UK fee benchmark
How much does an accountant cost for a limited company?
By Kaiser Khan · Benchmarks reviewed
Typical monthly fee
£83–£227
Micro limited company, core compliance
What you should expect to pay
| Service | Typical fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Core package (accounts + CT600 + confirmation statement) | £83–£227/mo | The baseline most firms quote |
| VAT returns (quarterly, MTD) | £20–£45/mo | Add-on once VAT registered |
| Payroll | £15–£35/mo | Plus about £5 per employee |
| Bookkeeping done for you | £25–£75/mo | If you do not keep your own records |
| Annual-only package | £960–£1,800/yr | Dormant or very simple companies |
| With VAT, billed annually | £1,440–£2,880/yr | Quarterly VAT returns included |
Editorial benchmarks from Pick My Accountant's UK market research — indicative ranges, not quotes.How we set them.
What actually moves the price
Four things dominate every quote: turnover and transaction volume, whether you are VAT registered, how many people are on payroll, and the state of your records. A one-person company with tidy Xero data and no VAT sits at the bottom of the range; a VAT-registered company with five employees and a shoebox of receipts sits at the top. Everything else — sector, location, firm size — matters far less than those four.
What should be included as standard
A proper limited company package covers statutory accounts filed at Companies House, the CT600 corporation tax return, the confirmation statement, the director's personal self assessment, accounting software, and ad-hoc questions through the year. Watch for firms that quote a low headline and then charge separately for the director's tax return (commonly £10–£25 a month) or for software.
Where London differs
London and the South East typically run 10–20% above these ranges. That premium buys location, not necessarily quality — online firms serving the whole UK price at or below the national range, and the qualification bodies (ICAEW, ACCA, AAT) hold them to identical standards.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an accountant cost for a limited company in the UK?
Most UK micro limited companies pay £83–£227 per month, covering annual accounts, corporation tax (CT600), and the confirmation statement. VAT returns add roughly £20–£45 per month and payroll £15–£35 plus per-employee fees. Annual-only packages for very simple companies run about £960–£1,800 per year.
What does a monthly limited company accountancy package include?
Typically statutory accounts filed with Companies House, the CT600 corporation tax return, the confirmation statement, the director's self assessment, bookkeeping software, and ad-hoc advice. Check whether VAT and payroll are included or charged as add-ons before comparing quotes.
Why do limited company accountancy fees vary so much?
Turnover and transaction volume, VAT registration, payroll headcount, and record quality are the four main drivers. London and the South East typically charge 10–20% more than regional cities.
Is it cheaper to file limited company accounts myself?
In cash terms yes — filing is free at Companies House and HMRC. But accounts must follow FRS 105 or FRS 102 1A, and corporation tax has traps around director's loans, capital allowances, and allowable expenses. Most directors find the fee is recovered in avoided penalties and claimed reliefs.
Is my director's self assessment included?
Often not. Many firms charge it separately — our benchmarks put an additional director or landlord return at roughly £150–£350. Ask for it to be itemised in the quote so you can compare packages properly.
What does a dormant company accountant cost?
Dormant companies with no activity sit at the bottom of the range. Some firms offer a small annual fee for dormant accounts and the confirmation statement — compare quotes, as pricing varies widely.
Are limited company accountancy fees tax-deductible?
Yes — accountancy fees are a deductible business expense for corporation tax purposes, and if your company is VAT-registered you can normally reclaim the VAT on the fees as well.
Sources
- Pick My Accountant fee methodology (editorial benchmarks) · checked 2026-09-23
- GOV.UK: Prepare annual accounts for a private limited company · checked 2026-09-23
Figures are indicative editorial benchmarks for UK small businesses, not quotes or financial advice. Actual fees depend on turnover, transaction volume, record quality, and scope — always confirm directly with the firm. Last reviewed: 2026-07-17.