UK fee benchmark
How much does an accountant charge for a self assessment tax return?
One-off return
£150–£350
Straightforward employment plus side income
What you should expect to pay
| Service | Typical fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Simple return (one income source) | £150–£350 | Employment plus modest self-employment |
| Sole trader — basic compliance, annually | £300–£600/yr | Return plus basic record work |
| Sole trader — with bookkeeping | £600–£1,200/yr | Monthly bookkeeping and annual accounts |
| Ongoing monthly support | £39–£89/mo | Year-round advice, not just filing |
| Added to a limited company package | £10–£25/mo | Director's personal return |
Editorial benchmarks from Pick My Accountant's UK market research — indicative ranges, not quotes.How we set them.
Why quotes differ so much for "the same" return
Price tracks complexity and risk, not page count. Rental property (with the Section 24 interest restriction), capital gains on a property sale with its 60-day reporting deadline, foreign income, high-income child benefit charge, or payments on account each add real work. A firm quoting £150 for a landlord with three properties is either underpricing or under-serving.
The January premium is real
Accountants get booked solid from November, and many charge a rush fee for records arriving in January. Sending everything by October or November regularly saves 20–30% against the same firm's deadline rate — and removes the £100 automatic penalty risk entirely.
Making Tax Digital changes this from April 2026
Self-employed people and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000 must keep digital records and file quarterly updates from April 2026 (£30,000 from April 2027). That converts a once-a-year job into five touchpoints, so expect the market to shift from one-off fees toward monthly packages — pricing your next engagement on that basis is sensible.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an accountant charge for a self assessment tax return?
A straightforward self assessment return typically costs £150–£350 as a one-off. Sole traders wanting year-round support pay £39–£89 a month instead. Rental property, capital gains, or foreign income push the fee higher.
Can I file my own self assessment for free?
Yes — HMRC's online return is free and workable for simple affairs. An accountant earns their fee when you have property income, capital gains, multiple income sources, or an HMRC enquiry, where missed reliefs and errors cost more than the fee.
When is the self assessment deadline?
Online returns and payment are due by 31 January following the end of the tax year (5 April). Paper returns are due 31 October. Missing it triggers an automatic £100 penalty even if you owe no tax.
Are accountant fees for a tax return tax-deductible?
The business proportion is an allowable expense for the self-employed and landlords. The cost of preparing the purely personal parts of the return strictly is not, though in practice most fees for a trading business are claimed in full.
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.