How Much Does an Accountant Cost in the UK in 2026/27?

How much does an accountant cost in the UK? It's the first question almost every business owner asks — and the answer depends on three things: your business structure, the services you need, and how tidy your records are.

This guide breaks down typical accountant fees for 2026/27, explains why prices vary so much, and shows you how to get professional accountancy without paying for services you don't need.

What does an accountant do?

Before the price, the scope. A good accountant isn't just someone who files your tax return once a year. They:

• Record and reconcile your income and expenses (bookkeeping)
• Prepare and file your tax returns, VAT returns and company accounts
• Run payroll and RTI submissions if you have employees
• Keep you compliant with HMRC deadlines and Making Tax Digital
• Flag tax-saving opportunities and warn you about risks

The more of this they take off your plate, the more you'll pay — and usually the more you'll save in time, penalties and tax.

Typical accountant fees UK 2026/27

Fees vary by firm, location and software, but the market rates below are a reliable guide for remote and high-street accountants alike.

Sole traders and freelancers

• Basic self-assessment tax return: £150 – £400 per year
• Bookkeeping + tax return: £50 – £150 per month
• Full service including MTD quarterly updates: £75 – £150 per month

Contractors and limited company directors

• Annual accounts + corporation tax: £400 – £1,000 per year
• Full service (accounts, corporation tax, payroll, self-assessment): £100 – £200+ per month
• IR35 advice and payroll: usually included or a small add-on

Landlords

• Basic tax return: £150 – £350 per year
• Full property accounting with MTD: £50 – £120 per month

Employers and growing businesses

• Monthly payroll: £10 – £30 per employee per month
• VAT returns (quarterly): £30 – £80 per quarter
• Management accounts: £100 – £400 per month depending on complexity

These are typical ranges, not quotes. The right price for your business depends on your circumstances.

Why do accountant fees vary so much?

Four factors move the price:

1. Business structure. Limited companies need statutory accounts, corporation tax and often payroll — significantly more work than a straightforward sole trader return.
2. Transaction volume. 20 transactions a month takes minutes. 500 takes hours. Most firms price bookkeeping on volume.
3. Record quality. If you arrive with shoeboxes of receipts, you pay for the hours needed to sort them. Use cloud accounting software and your fees drop.
4. Firm type. High-street firms with offices and large teams carry overheads that remote firms don't. Remote accountancy is often cheaper without being worse.

Fixed-fee vs hourly — which is better?

Fixed-fee is almost always better for the client. You know the monthly cost in advance, there are no surprises at year-end, and the accountant has an incentive to be efficient rather than to rack up hours.

At NTM Associates Ltd we work on clear fixed-fee pricing: one price, agreed up front, with no hidden charges. If your business is simple, your fee is simple too.

How to keep your accountancy bill down

• Use cloud accounting software (Xero, QuickBooks or similar). It automates bank feeds and receipts, which is the single biggest fee saver.
• Stay on top of your records. Even a few minutes a week stops the end-of-year catch-up.
• Ask what's included. "Includes VAT returns?" "Includes payroll?" Get it in writing.
• Don't over-buy. A sole trader with simple affairs doesn't need a full corporate service package.

The real cost of a "cheap" accountant

The cheapest option isn't always the best value. An accountant who files late, misses allowable expenses or gives wrong advice can cost you far more in penalties, interest and overpaid tax than their fee difference. Look for three things: professional qualifications or accreditation, clear fixed pricing, and good communication.

Get a clear, fixed-fee quote

Every business is different, so every quote should be too. Contact NTM Associates Ltd for a free, no-obligation quote — tell us about your business and we'll tell you exactly what it costs, with nothing hidden.

This guide reflects rates and rules as of August 2026. Always confirm fees and tax rules with your accountant, as they change over time.