Accountants Prices in England — How Much Does It Cost? (2026)
UK price ranges for accountants, what affects costs, and expert tips to get the best deal.
Typical starting cost
£50/hr
Prices vary by location, complexity, and provider. See the full breakdown below.
| Service | Typical Price | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate | £50–£150 | per hour | — |
| Self Assessment return (sole trader) | £150–£500 | fixed | — |
| Limited company accounts + CT return | £600–£2,000 | per year | Turnover dependent |
| Monthly bookkeeping | £100–£400 | per month | — |
| VAT return (quarterly) | £60–£200 | per quarter | — |
| Payroll (per employee) | £5–£15 | per month | Per employee per month |
| Business start-up package | £200–£600 | fixed | — |
Regional price variation
Prices in London and the South East are typically 20–40% higher than the national average. Rates in the North of England, the Midlands, and Wales tend to be at the lower end of the ranges above.
What affects the cost of accountants?
- Business turnover and transaction volume
- Number of employees and complexity
- Software used (Xero, QuickBooks, Sage)
- ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualification of accountant
- Location
How to get the best price for accountants
- 1Use cloud accounting software (Xero, FreeAgent) to reduce bookkeeping time
- 2Keep your own records organised throughout the year
- 3Compare fixed-fee packages online
- 4Ask about bundled annual packages rather than hourly billing
- 5Use MTD-compatible software to avoid compliance penalties
Accountants prices by city
Frequently asked questions
How much does an accountant cost for a small business?
A small limited company typically pays £600–£2,000/year for accounts preparation and corporation tax return. Sole traders using an accountant for Self Assessment pay £150–£500.
Do I need an accountant if I use accounting software?
Not necessarily for basic bookkeeping, but an accountant adds value at year-end (tax planning, statutory accounts) and for complex matters like VAT, payroll, R&D credits, and HMRC enquiries.
What qualifications should my accountant have?
Look for ACA (ICAEW), ACCA, or CIMA qualifications for full-service accounting. AAT-qualified accountants are suitable for bookkeeping and payroll. Always check they hold professional indemnity insurance.
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