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.
Illustrative estimate
£150 – £400 for a straightforward return
Price ranges by scenario
| Scenario | Illustrative fee |
|---|---|
| Employed, one income source | £150 – £220 |
| Sole trader with simple books | £220 – £350 |
| Landlord (1–3 properties) | £250 – £450 |
| Complex: CGT, foreign income, crypto | £400 – £900+ |
What moves the price
- The state of your bookkeeping — clean records are the single biggest saving.
- Number of income sources and whether any are foreign or investment based.
- Filing close to the 31 January deadline; late-season work often carries a premium.
- Whether tax planning advice is bundled or billed separately.
Common questions
Is it cheaper to file myself?
Filing directly with HMRC is free. An accountant pays for itself when allowances, expenses or reliefs are being missed, or when the return is complex enough that an error would be costly.
Are fees tax deductible?
The portion relating to your business or rental accounts is generally an allowable expense; the purely personal element of a return is not.
These estimates have not been validated against a documented current sample of practice quotes. They are not measured UK market rates or an offer from a firm. Obtain an itemised quote and confirm scope and fees in an engagement letter.