Finding out the accountant cost per month in the UK is one of those tasks that sounds simple until you actually start looking. You’ll come across prices that vary wildly. You might see a tiny fee that costs less than a few coffees or a monthly bill that looks more like a car payment.
Yes, you read it right. It is a huge range. There’s no single fixed accountant cost per month in the UK. What you pay really depends on your specific business and exactly what you need them to do.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- How much does an accountant cost per month in the UK
- How much is an accountant for self assessment
- What can you do to keep your accountant’s fees as low as possible, and
- Much More…
Let’s get into it!
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What Factors Affect How Much Does an Accountant Cost?
So, what actually affects the price you pay each month for an accountant? Several key factors play a big role in identifying accountant cost per month in the UK:
- Business Complexity: Larger businesses with more transactions or employees will cost more to manage.
- Your Annual Turnover: Higher revenue often means more complexity
- The “Mess” Factor: If your records are a disaster, the fee will be higher. Because the accountant has to spend hours playing detective.
- Accountant’s Expertise and Reputation: The experience and qualifications of your accountant will also affect the cost.
- Location: Accountants in major cities like London may charge higher fees than those in smaller towns or rural areas.
- Service Type: Basic stuff like simple bookkeeping costs less. Services that involve real strategy, like business advisory, detailed tax planning, or financial strategy, will cost you more.
- Volume of Work: If the number of transactions or documents that need to be managed is higher, the accountant cost per month in the UK will also be high.
How Much Does an Accountant Cost Per Month in the UK?
Now, let’s look at the actual accountant fees per month. Generally, the average accountant cost per month in the UK can range from £60 to £500+.
Here is a breakdown of the typical accountant fees per month based on your business setup:
| Business Type | Monthly Cost Range (Excl. VAT) | What is usually included? |
| Sole Trader (Basic) | £60 – £120 | Self-Assessment, basic tax advice, & software access. |
| Sole Trader (High Volume) | £120 – £200 | Bookkeeping support, VAT returns, MTD compliance. |
| Limited Company (Small) | £150 – £250 | Year-end accounts, Corporation Tax, Director’s payroll. |
| Limited Company (Growing) | £250 – £500+ | Full bookkeeping, VAT, Payroll for staff, & management reports. |
How Much Does An Accountant Cost For A Small Business Per Month?
For small businesses, the average accountant cost per month in the UK can range from £150 to £500 per month. Depending on how complex your finances are.
Small businesses with simple accounting needs, like bookkeeping and VAT returns, can expect to pay on the lower end of this scale. Whereas businesses requiring more comprehensive services like management accounting may find themselves at the higher end.
Here is a breakdown of typical accounting fees for small businesses:
| Service Type | Estimated Cost per Month |
| Basic Bookkeeping and Tax Filing | £150 – £250 |
| VAT Returns and Compliance | £200 – £300 |
| Monthly Management Accounts | £300 – £500 |
| Payroll Services | £50 – £200 |
| Full Business Advisory and Strategy | £500+ |
How Much Do Accountants Charge For Sole Traders?
If you are a sole trader, you are in luck. You will probably get the most affordable prices out there. Lots of accountants offer basic monthly packages specifically for freelancers. They usually start at around £60 to £100 a month.
This usually covers:
- Your annual Self Assessment tax return.
- Access to accounting software like Xero or QuickBooks.
- Basic advice on what expenses you can claim.
If you want them to do all your bookkeeping for you, be prepared to pay a bit more. Closer to the £150 per month mark.
How Much Do Accountants Charge for Tax Returns and Self-Assessment?
If you only need help once a year, you might opt for a one-off fee. For a straightforward Self Assessment tax return, fees usually range from £150 to £600.
For a basic return, fees are generally at the lower end of this range. Usually around £200-£350.
And if you have complex investments, capital gains, or foreign income, expect the price to increase. This is just because there are more forms to fill out and extra calculations for the accountant to double-check.
Is It Better to Pay Monthly or a One-Off Annual Fee?
For most business owners in the UK, paying monthly is usually the better choice. One-off annual fees might seem simpler, but it often leads to a bill shock. Because you have to find a large sum of money all at once. Whereas paying monthly spreads the cost. Thus making your cash flow much easier to manage.
The biggest benefit of a monthly plan is the access. Instead of just talking to your accountant once a year when problems might already exist, you can ask questions whenever they pop up. This proactive way of working often saves you more money in taxes than the monthly fee costs you.
The only time a one-off annual fee makes more sense is if:
- Your finances are extremely simple: For example, you have one simple rental property and only need someone to file a basic tax return once a year.
- You are confident you will never need advice during the year: You handle all your bookkeeping perfectly. And only need a professional signature at the end.
For pretty much everyone else, a monthly fixed fee gives you better value and way less stress.
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Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (From April 2026 / 2027)
There is a big change coming. Starting in April 2026, the UK government is rolling out Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax for sole traders and landlords with income over £50,000. This will extend to those with income over £30,000 from April 2027.
Basically, this means if you meet these thresholds, you will have to keep all your records digitally. And also send updates to HMRC every three months.
Accountants are going to be super important for this. They will help you manage your new digital records and make sure you are doing everything right. Your monthly accountant cost will likely cover this MTD compliance stuff.
But businesses will likely face additional charges for the set-up of digital systems.
Should You Hire an Accountant?
There are definitely some big perks of hiring an accountant. This includes saving yourself a ton of time and being able to make smart financial choices.
That said, hiring an accountant isn’t a requirement for every single person. If your finances are very straightforward and you feel totally fine handling the paperwork yourself, you might not actually need an accountant.
However, if you are looking to grow your business or if your financial situation is getting a bit complicated, having an accountant is a better option. They will not just take the stress off your hands. They can often find ways to save you more money than they actually cost in the long run.
What Can You Do To Keep Your Accountant’s Fees as Low as Possible?
If you want to keep your accountant’s bill as small as possible, there are a few easy things you can do to help them out.
Go Digital Immediately: First, go digital as soon as you can. Using cloud software like Xero or QuickBooks is the quickest win. If you link your business bank account to these apps, your accountant can see your data instantly. This saves them from typing everything in by hand, which usually means they will charge you less.
Be Proactive with Deadlines: If you send your records a week before the tax deadline, you might get hit with a priority or rush fee. Sending things early allows your accountant to work efficiently during their quieter periods.
Keep Personal and Business Separate: Keep your personal and business spending separate. Mixing the two is a total headache for accountants. It takes them forever to figure out which coffee was for a client meeting and which one was just for your Saturday morning. Use a dedicated business bank account for everything work-related. It makes their job easier and keeps your costs down.
Note: While all the fees mentioned in the article generally align with UK practices for 2025/26, keep in mind that actual costs can vary by region, the accountant’s experience, and the services offered. Larger firms or accountants in cities like London may charge more compared to small-town or independent accountants.
Are you looking for professional tech-savvy tax advisors and accountants in the UK to guide you? Contact us now!
The Bottom Line
Accountant cost per month in the UK vary a lot. The cost really depends on how complicated your money situation is and how experienced the accountant happens to be.
If you are a freelancer or run a small business, you are likely looking at a range of about £50 to £250 each month for basic help. Naturally, bigger companies or those with more complex needs will end up paying higher fees.
How Accotax Can Help?
At Accotax, we offer expert accounting services that are both cost-effective and tailored to your specific needs.
We also offer a range of packages designed to fit your unique needs.
Reach out, get an instant quote and let us help you stay compliant.
Disclaimer: All the information provided in this article on “How Much Does an Accountant Cost Per Month in the UK” including all the texts and graphics, is general in nature. It does not intend to disregard any of the professional advice.