How Much Does an Accountant Cost in the UK?
UK accountant fees explained — sole traders, limited companies, VAT, payroll, and R&D. Updated pricing benchmarks for 2026.
By Pick My Accountant Editorial · Updated 29 June 2026
How much does an accountant cost in the UK?
Most UK small businesses pay £39–£189 per month for accountant services on fixed-fee packages. Sole traders typically pay £39–£89 monthly; limited companies pay £83–£227. Annual self assessment-only packages start from £150–£600.
Accountant fees in the UK vary by business structure, turnover, and services required. This guide breaks down typical costs for sole traders, limited companies, VAT, payroll, and specialist services — based on Pick My Accountant's curated market data from 22+ vetted firms.
How much does a sole trader accountant cost?
Sole trader accountants charge £39–£89 per month for ongoing bookkeeping and tax support, or £300–£600 per year for basic Self Assessment and light record-keeping. MTD for Income Tax from April 2026 may add £10–£20 monthly for software.
Fees increase with turnover, number of income sources, and whether you need VAT returns or payroll. Freelancers with a single client and simple records sit at the lower end; sole traders with multiple revenue streams or rental income pay more.
How much does a limited company accountant cost?
Limited company accountants charge £83–£227 per month for micro companies, covering annual accounts, corporation tax (CT600), and confirmation statement. VAT returns add £20–£45 monthly; payroll adds £15–£35 base plus per-employee fees.
Annual-only packages for dormant or very simple companies may cost £960–£1,440 per year. Growing companies with management accounts, R&D claims, or multiple directors should expect fees at the higher end of the range.
How to reduce your accountant fees
Use cloud accounting software your accountant recommends, keep records tidy, and choose a package matching your actual needs. Comparing at least three firms before committing typically saves 15–30% on annual fees.
Do not pay for payroll if you have no employees. Ask about fixed monthly fees versus hourly billing for ad-hoc advice. Many firms offer discounts for paying annually or referring other businesses.
UK accountant fee benchmarks
| Service | Low | High | Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sole trader — basic compliance | £300 | £600 | year | Annual self assessment, basic bookkeeping |
| Sole trader — with bookkeeping | £600 | £1,200 | year | Monthly bookkeeping + annual accounts |
| Limited company — micro entity | £960 | £1,800 | year | Annual accounts, confirmation statement, CT600 |
| Limited company — with VAT | £1,440 | £2,880 | year | Quarterly VAT returns included |
| Limited company — with payroll (1–5 staff) | £2,160 | £4,320 | year | RTI payroll, pensions auto-enrolment |
| VAT returns only (quarterly) | £200 | £500 | year | Assumes books maintained by client |
| Self assessment (additional) | £150 | £350 | year | Director or landlord return |
| R&D tax credit claim | £1,500 | £5,000 | claim | Success fee models also common |
Monthly package pricing
Sole trader
£39 – £89/mo
Limited company
£83 – £227/mo
Frequently asked questions
How much does an accountant cost for self assessment?▼
Self assessment-only packages range from £150–£400 per year for simple returns, or £39–£59 per month if bundled with bookkeeping. Complex returns with rental income, dividends, or foreign income cost more.
Is an accountant worth the cost for a small business?▼
For most small businesses, yes. An accountant typically saves more in tax, allowable expenses, and avoided penalties than they charge. HMRC late filing penalties start at £100 for self assessment.
Do accountant fees include VAT return filing?▼
Usually not in the base package. VAT returns typically add £20–£45 per month as an add-on. Confirm what is included before signing — some all-inclusive packages bundle VAT for a higher monthly fee.
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