What accountants really cost in the UK
Honest fee ranges for every common service, the factors that push prices up, and the questions to ask before you sign an engagement letter.
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Updated August 2026
Self Assessment tax return costs in the UK
Typical UK accountant fees for a personal tax return, what changes the price, and how to avoid paying for work you don't need.
£150 – £400 for a straightforward return
Read the guideUpdated August 2026
What a limited company accountant costs
Monthly fixed-fee packages for UK limited companies, what should be included, and the extras firms commonly charge for.
£79 – £250 per month for most small companies
Read the guideUpdated August 2026
Bookkeeping costs in the UK
What UK bookkeepers charge per hour and per month, and when moving to a fixed monthly package saves money.
£20 – £45 per hour, or £100 – £500 per month
Read the guideUpdated August 2026
Payroll service costs in the UK
Typical outsourced payroll pricing per employee, plus the setup and auto-enrolment costs firms add.
£4 – £12 per payslip, plus a small monthly base fee
Read the guideUpdated August 2026
VAT return costs in the UK
Quarterly VAT return pricing under Making Tax Digital, and what changes if your records need work first.
£100 – £400 per quarterly return
Read the guideUpdated August 2026
What a startup should budget for accountancy
A realistic first-year accountancy budget for a new UK business, from incorporation to your first year-end.
£600 – £2,000 in year one for most new companies
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