How much should you pay for an accountant if you’re self-employed?

If you’ve reached the point where you’re thinking about hiring an accountant – whether that’s for ongoing support or just to sort out your tax return — one of the first things you’ll wonder is how much it’s going to cost.

You want to make sure everything’s done properly, especially when it comes to HMRC. But you also don’t want to be overpaying for help you might not need.

The problem is, accountant fees vary wildly. Some charge £100 or so for a simple return. Others quote over £1,000 a year for full support. So what’s normal?

This guide looks at what self-employed people typically pay for accounting services, what’s included in those costs, and how to figure out if you’re getting value for money.

We’ve put together a table showing example monthly fees from a range of small business accountants, which you can see here.

What exactly do you need them to do?

Accountants offer a wide range of services, from one-time tax return assistance to comprehensive ongoing support. Before you can decide how much to spend, it helps to be clear on what you want them to handle.

Most sole traders need help with at least:

• Filing their Self Assessment tax return
• Calculating income tax and National Insurance
• Checking what business expenses can be claimed

You may also need support with:

• Registering with HMRC
• Ongoing bookkeeping
• VAT registration and returns
• Advice on whether and when to go limited
• Complying with Making Tax Digital

Some of these are one-off tasks. Others are ongoing. That’s where pricing can vary significantly.

Typical accountancy costs for sole traders

Here’s a rough guide to what accountants charge in 2025:

This is what some of our partner accountants charge. We’ve worked with all three firms for many years at ByteStart.

Bytestart Partner Sole Trader Accountants

You can compare over 10 nationwide sole trader accountancy providers here.

Are online accountants usually cheaper?

Often they are. Many online firms keep their prices low by automating parts of the process and operating without the overheads of a physical office. That said, a lower fee doesn’t always mean you’re getting the best deal overall.

You’ll often find:

• Online-only firms offer flat monthly rates with clear features
• High street firms charge by the hour or job, but may be more responsive
• Some accountants specialise in self-employed clients and offer better value

If you’re comfortable using accounting software like FreeAgent or Xero, you may only need limited support, which can keep costs low.

What do the fees include?

Always ask exactly what the price covers. Some firms will quote a low monthly fee, but charge extra for VAT returns, phone support, or end-of-year accounts. Others include everything in a single package.

At a minimum, you should expect:

• Your annual Self Assessment completed and filed
• Basic tax efficiency advice
• Access to help by email or phone
• Reminder of key deadlines

More comprehensive services may include:

• Quarterly reviews or bookkeeping checks
• Help with MTD submissions
• VAT registration and returns
• Support during HMRC enquiries

You can also ask if they’ll help you track expenses using simplified methods or traditional receipts. Either way, clear communication is essential.

Can an accountant save you money?

They often can, especially if you’ve been underclaiming expenses or making avoidable errors.

An accountant might help you:

• Claim more allowable costs – including things you didn’t know were eligible
• Avoid penalties for late returns or incorrect submissions
• Spot when VAT registration becomes necessary, and avoid backdated bills
• Plan for large tax bills in advance

Even if you don’t use one year-round, having someone check over your first tax return or provide setup advice can save hundreds later on.

When are you paying too much?

If your income is modest and your records are straightforward, you probably don’t need to be paying £1,000+ per year unless you’re getting full support or specialist advice.

You might be overpaying if:

• Your accountant never explains what they’ve done
• You’re using software but still being charged for full bookkeeping
• You’re being billed hourly for minor queries or emails

As your business changes, it’s worth reviewing your setup. You might even find a better deal by switching firms — just make sure to do it at the right time of year and get a proper handover.

Bottom line

Accountancy costs can vary a lot, but so does the quality of advice. The key is to match what you’re paying with the level of service you actually need.

If you’re not sure where to start, see our full accountant comparison guide for sole traders to weigh up your options.