The short answer
How much an accountant costs depends on your business type, turnover, VAT, payroll and how tidy your records are, so prices vary widely between firms. Our own fixed monthly fees start from £99 for self-employed people and landlords, £150 for limited companies and £220 for growing businesses, confirmed in writing first.
- Self-employed or landlord
- From £99 a month
- Limited company
- From £150 a month
- Growing business
- From £220 a month
- Price fixed for
- 12 months, unless the business changes
How much does an accountant cost?
There is no single answer to how much an accountant costs, because firms charge in different ways and every client needs a different amount of work. A landlord with one property and tidy records needs far less time than a limited company with staff, VAT and a shoebox of receipts.
Rather than quote other firms’ prices, which vary widely and change often, this guide explains what drives the cost, how fees are usually structured, and what you should check is included. We also show our own published starting prices, so you have a real figure to compare against.
What affects how much an accountant charges?
Accountants price by the time and responsibility a job involves. These are the main things that move the price up or down:
| Factor | Why it affects the price |
|---|---|
| Business type | A sole trader needs a Self Assessment return. A limited company needs year-end accounts, a company tax return, a confirmation statement and usually the director’s own return too. |
| Turnover and volume | More sales and more transactions mean more to check and reconcile, even if the business is simple. |
| VAT | Once taxable turnover passes £90,000 you must register for VAT, which adds a return to prepare and file, usually every quarter. |
| Payroll | Running payroll means monthly submissions to HMRC, payslips and pension duties. More staff means more work. |
| CIS | Construction contractors file a monthly CIS return by the 19th, and subcontractors often need refunds worked out. |
| Making Tax Digital | Sole traders and landlords within Making Tax Digital for Income Tax send quarterly updates through software, not just one return a year. |
| State of your records | Clean records in software are quick to work with. Missing statements, mixed personal spending or years of catch-up take longer. |
Software matters too. If your records are already in Xero, QuickBooks, Sage or FreeAgent and kept up to date, there is less to do. We also work with spreadsheets. See our software page for how we work with each.
Is it better to pay an accountant hourly or a fixed fee?
Accountants usually charge in one of three ways:
- Hourly rate. You pay for the time spent. It can suit one-off advice, but you do not know the final bill in advance, and you may hesitate before asking a question.
- Fixed fee per job. A set price for, say, one tax return or one set of accounts. Clear, but extra work during the year may be billed separately.
- Fixed monthly fee. An agreed amount each month for an agreed list of work. It spreads the cost evenly and you know what you will pay.
We use fixed monthly fees. After a free 20-minute chat we send your exact price in writing within one working day, and the price stays fixed for 12 months unless your business changes, for example if you register for VAT or take on staff.
What are NY Accountants’ fees?
Our published starting prices are below. The exact fee depends on the factors above, and you will always see it in writing before any work starts.
| Who it is for | Fixed monthly fee |
|---|---|
| Self-employed or landlord | From £99 a month |
| Limited company | From £150 a month |
| Growing business | From £220 a month |
Full details are on our fees page. For individual services, see Self Assessment tax returns and limited company accounts.
What should be included in an accountant’s fee?
Two quotes with the same headline price can cover very different work. Before you agree, ask for the list of what is included and check these points:
- Which returns are filed: Self Assessment, company accounts, company tax return, confirmation statement, VAT, payroll, CIS.
- Whether bookkeeping is included, or whether you are expected to keep the books yourself.
- Whether the director’s or partner’s personal tax return is part of the fee.
- How questions by phone or email during the year are handled, and whether they cost extra.
- What happens if HMRC writes to you or opens an enquiry.
- How the fee changes if your business grows, and how much notice you get.
- Whether software is included or paid separately.
What questions should you ask an accountant before signing up?
- Are you a member of a professional body, such as ICAEW, and who will actually do my work?
- Do you work with businesses like mine, for example landlords, builders under CIS or online sellers?
- Is your price fixed, and exactly what does it include?
- Which software do you use, and can you work with mine?
- How do I reach you, and how quickly do you reply?
- Will you remind me of deadlines and tell me what to pay and when?
- How do you handle switching from my current accountant?
At our practice, our work is led by an ICAEW Chartered Accountant, Muhammad Yasir Mujeeb ACA. We are a two-person practice, so you speak to the person doing your work.
What are the red flags when choosing an accountant?
In the UK, anyone can call themselves an accountant. "Chartered Accountant" is a protected title, but "accountant" on its own is not. Watch out for:
- No professional body membership, or vague answers when you ask about qualifications.
- No written engagement letter or price before work starts.
- A very low headline price with a long list of extras added later.
- Promises of tax savings that sound too good to be true, or schemes you do not understand.
- Slow or no replies before you have even signed up.
- Reluctance to explain what they are filing for you, or to give you copies.
How does switching accountants work?
Switching is simpler than most people expect, and it can be done at any time of year, not just after a year end.
- 1
Free 20-minute chat
We learn about your business and what your current accountant does, then send a fixed price in writing within one working day.
- 2
You sign one form
That is the only paperwork you need to deal with.
- 3
We contact your old accountant
We write to them and collect your records, so you do not have to have an awkward conversation.
- 4
We register with HMRC
We set up our authority to act for you with HMRC, then pick up your deadlines from there.
Read more on our switching accountants page. If you want a fixed price for your own situation, book a free 20-minute chat.
Common questions
How much does an accountant cost for a sole trader?
It depends on your turnover, records and whether you are VAT registered or in Making Tax Digital. Our fixed fee for self-employed people starts from £99 a month, with the exact price confirmed in writing first.
How much does an accountant cost for a limited company?
A limited company involves more filings than a sole trader, including accounts, a company tax return and a confirmation statement. Our fixed fee for limited companies starts from £150 a month.
Are accountant fees tax deductible?
Fees for accounting work for your business or rental property are generally an allowable expense, which reduces your taxable profit. Fees for purely personal tax matters generally are not.
Why do accountants charge monthly rather than once a year?
Monthly fees spread the cost evenly and usually cover work throughout the year, such as VAT, payroll, Making Tax Digital updates and questions, not just the annual return.
Can I switch accountants partway through the year?
Yes. You can switch at any time. We write to your old accountant, collect your records and register with HMRC. You sign one form.
Is the cheapest accountant the best value?
Not always. Check what the fee includes, whether the price is fixed, and who will do the work. A slightly higher fixed fee with clear scope can cost less than a low price with extras.
Reviewed by
Chartered Accountant, ICAEW member, at NY Accountants in Liverpool. Figures are for the 2026/27 tax year in England, Wales and Northern Ireland unless stated.
Sources
This guide is general information, not advice for your situation. Talk to us before acting on it.
