Cost of an accountant
How much does an accountant cost for a small business?
The honest answer is that it depends on the work. This page sets out what drives the cost and how we can help you get matched.
What an accountant actually charges for.
Year-end accounts and Corporation Tax — the annual accounts and company tax work your limited company needs.
Bookkeeping and VAT returns — keeping transactions recorded and VAT submissions in order.
Payroll — paying staff or directors and handling the related payroll work.
Self Assessment — a personal tax return for a sole trader, landlord or director.
Advice and tax planning — practical guidance when you need to make a decision or plan ahead.
What changes the price.
Sole trader or limited company — the business structure sets the compliance work involved.
How many transactions there are — more activity usually means more records to review and reconcile.
Whether VAT registration and payroll are needed — each adds ongoing work and filing responsibilities.
Whether the records are up to date — clean, complete records make the work more straightforward.
Whether the year-end is straightforward or complex — unusual transactions or missing information can need more attention.
What our figures are.
Company accounting support starts from £85pm+, and a Self Assessment return is £300 inc VAT. The exact quote depends on the work needed.
What we check before we introduce an accountant.
Membership of a registered body for public practice — such as ICAEW, ACCA, ICAS, CIOT, AAT or CIMA.
A current practising certificate where the body requires one.
AML supervision — a named supervisor, either a professional body or HMRC.
Professional indemnity insurance — held for the services you provide.
We check the credentials and regulatory standing of our accountants before we introduce them. Every accountant we work with is vetted for their qualifications, membership of a registered body for public practice, and AML registration — and your details are shared only with a vetted few who fit your brief. Always confirm a firm's registration, supervision and cover directly before you appoint them.
Questions about cost.
Why isn't there one price for everyone?
Businesses need different combinations of accounts, tax, bookkeeping, payroll and advice, so the work needs to be understood before a quote is given.
Is it cheaper to do it myself?
It can be, but you need to allow time to keep records accurate, meet deadlines and understand the rules that apply to your situation.
Will the price change later?
It may if the work changes. Ask what is included and tell the accountant when your business, records or support needs change.
How quickly will I hear back?
We aim to be in touch within one working day.
Start your search.
Tell us what you need and get matched with accountants who fit your brief.
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