How Much Does a Small Business Accountant Cost in the UK in 2026?

If you run a limited company or growing SME, accounting packages can start from £85pm+. The amount you pay will depend on what you need help with, such as annual accounts, Corporation Tax, VAT returns, payroll, bookkeeping and business advice.

In this guide, we explain realistic UK accountancy price ranges for 2026, including the costs of separate services and what to check before accepting a quote.

Prices are estimates rather than fixed tariffs. Accountants set their own fees, and a business with 20 transactions a month will usually pay less than one with hundreds of invoices, several employees and complex VAT requirements.

Quick answer: how much does a small business accountant cost?

For a small limited company, typical 2026 prices are:

• Basic limited company accounts and Corporation Tax: around £800–£2,000 per year
• Limited company with VAT and basic payroll: around £1,200–£3,000 per year
• Full-service support for a growing SME: around £3,000–£6,000+ per year
• Monthly accounting packages: commonly £100–£300pm, depending on what is included
• Accountant Search limited company packages: from £85pm+
• Straightforward Self Assessment return: often £150–£400
• Accountant Search Self Assessment returns: £300 including VAT

The cheapest quote is not always the best value. A reliable accountant should help you stay compliant, understand your numbers and plan ahead as your business grows.

Typical accountant costs for a limited company

A limited company normally has more filing responsibilities than a sole trader. Your accountant may need to prepare company accounts, submit a Corporation Tax return, deal with Companies House filings and support the directors with personal tax questions.

For a small company with straightforward records, you may see the following price ranges:

Service	Typical 2026 price
Annual accounts and Corporation Tax return	£800–£2,000 per year
Director’s Self Assessment return	£150–£400 per return
VAT returns	£50–£200 per quarter
Basic payroll	£50–£100pm, or a per-employee fee
Bookkeeping	£50–£250pm
Management accounts and regular advice	£150–£500+pm

These services may be charged separately or bundled into a monthly package.

At Accountant Search, accounting packages for limited companies and growing SMEs start from £85pm+. The final price will depend on your company’s activity, transaction volume, VAT position, payroll requirements and the level of ongoing support you need.

You can find an accountant for your limited company and compare suitable firms based on your requirements.

How much do VAT returns cost?

If your business is VAT-registered, you will usually need to submit VAT returns every quarter. An accountant may charge for each return or include VAT work in your monthly package.

A straightforward VAT return may cost approximately:

• £50–£100 per quarter for a small number of transactions
• £100–£200 per quarter for a more active business
• £200–£600+ per quarter where there are high transaction volumes, complex records or special VAT schemes

Many growing SMEs prefer a package that includes VAT returns because it makes monthly budgeting easier.

You should also check whether the quote includes:

• Reviewing and correcting bookkeeping records
• Reclaiming input VAT
• Checking unusual or high-value transactions
• VAT scheme advice
• Contact with HMRC
• Corrections to previous VAT returns

Your business may need to register for VAT if taxable turnover goes above the current threshold. HMRC’s official guidance explains when a business must register on its VAT registration page.

How much does payroll cost?

Payroll is another common cost for limited companies and growing SMEs. Even a company with one director may need payroll support if the director receives a salary.

Typical payroll pricing can include:

• £5–£15 per employee per month
• A minimum monthly fee of around £50–£100
• An annual fee for year-end payroll tasks
• Additional charges for workplace pension administration
• Extra fees for starters, leavers, adjustments or benefits in kind

For a small company with one to three employees, payroll may be included within a wider package rather than charged separately.

Payroll involves more than producing payslips. Employers also need to report pay and deductions to HMRC, make the correct payments and manage workplace pension duties. HMRC explains the key employer responsibilities in its running payroll guidance.

Ask whether the quote includes pension submissions, statutory payments, payroll software and support with HMRC queries.

What does bookkeeping cost?

Bookkeeping fees vary widely because they are closely linked to the amount of work involved.

A small company may pay:

• £50–£150pm for light bookkeeping
• £150–£300pm for regular bookkeeping with bank reconciliations and invoice processing
• £300pm+ for high transaction volumes, stock records, multiple accounts or detailed reporting

Some accountants expect you to keep your own books using accounting software. Others will handle the work for you.

Before accepting a quote, clarify whether bookkeeping includes:

• Posting sales and purchase invoices
• Bank reconciliations
• Chasing missing records
• Credit control
• Expense processing
• Supplier payments
• Monthly reports
• Year-end adjustments

A low monthly fee may only cover a limited number of transactions. If your business is growing, make sure the package can scale without unexpected charges.

How much does Self Assessment cost?

Directors of limited companies may need to file a personal Self Assessment return, particularly if they receive dividends or have other taxable income.

For a straightforward personal tax return, market prices are often around £150–£400. More complicated returns involving property income, investments, Capital Gains Tax or multiple income sources may cost more.

Accountant Search charges £300 including VAT for a straightforward Self Assessment return.

You can read more about getting help with a personal return on our Self Assessment accountant page. HMRC also explains who needs to file, the relevant deadlines and how to submit a return in its Self Assessment guidance.

A quote should make clear whether it includes tax calculations, advice on allowable expenses, dividend information and filing the return with HMRC.

What affects the cost of accounting services in the UK?

Two businesses with similar turnover can receive very different quotes. The main factors include:

1. Your business structure

A limited company generally requires more work than a sole trader because of company accounts, Corporation Tax and Companies House obligations.

2. Transaction volume

The number of sales, purchases, bank transactions and expense claims can have a major effect on bookkeeping and year-end costs.

3. VAT registration

VAT adds regular reporting and record-keeping requirements. Complex VAT arrangements can increase the cost further.

4. Number of employees

Payroll fees often increase with headcount. Benefits, pension schemes and variable pay can also add work.

5. Quality of your records

Well-organised records usually take less time to process. Missing invoices, unreconciled bank accounts and incorrectly coded expenses can all increase your final bill.

6. The level of advice you want

Compliance-only support is usually cheaper than regular meetings, cash-flow forecasting, tax planning and management reporting.

7. Location and delivery model

Local high-street firms, specialist practices and online accountants may use different pricing models. The best option depends on how much personal contact and specialist support your business needs.

Sole trader accountant costs

Although this guide focuses mainly on limited companies and growing SMEs, sole traders often compare prices before choosing a business structure.

A straightforward sole trader may pay:

• £150–£400 for a one-off Self Assessment return
• £300–£900 per year for accounts and tax support
• £60–£150pm where bookkeeping, VAT or regular advice is included

A sole trader with property income, multiple income streams, VAT registration or complex expenses may pay more.

If you are considering changing from sole trader to limited company status, do not base the decision on accountancy fees alone. Tax, administration, legal responsibilities and the way you withdraw money from the business all matter.

How to compare accountant quotes

When you find an accountant in the UK, ask each firm to quote for the same services. This makes comparisons much easier.

Check whether the monthly or annual fee includes:

• Company accounts
• Corporation Tax return
• Companies House filing
• Director’s Self Assessment
• VAT returns
• Payroll and pension submissions
• Bookkeeping
• Year-round email or telephone support
• Tax planning and business advice
• Accounting software
• HMRC correspondence

Also ask about extra charges. Some firms advertise a low monthly fee but charge separately for phone calls, tax investigations, corrections, dividend paperwork or urgent work.

A good quote should be clear about what is included, what is excluded and how fees may change if your business grows.

Is an accountant worth the cost?

For many limited companies, an accountant can save more than the fee by helping to:

• Avoid missed filing deadlines and penalties
• Claim allowable business expenses
• Prepare accurate Corporation Tax calculations
• Keep VAT records in order
• Improve payroll accuracy
• Understand cash flow and profitability
• Make better hiring and investment decisions

The value is not only in completing forms. A good accountant should give you clearer information and help you make confident business decisions.

Find the right accountant for your business

The right price depends on the right scope of work. A growing SME may need more than a basic year-end accounts service, while a small company with limited activity may not need a full advisory package.

Accountant Search helps businesses explain what they need and connect with suitable accounting firms. Whether you need limited company accounts, VAT support, payroll, bookkeeping or Self Assessment help, you can find an accountant here.

Start by sharing your business details and requirements. You can then compare relevant firms rather than contacting accountants one by one.

Written by Sam for Accountant Search. Prices are indicative 2026 UK market ranges and may vary by accountant, business activity and scope of work. This article is general information, not financial or tax advice.