Accountancy and Bookkeeping Fees in 2026, How to Compare Quotes
Overview
Accountancy and bookkeeping fees depend on the work involved, the quality of your records and the support you need. There is no single standard UK fee, and a low advertised starting price may not include everything your business requires.
This guide explains how fees work, what affects the price and how to compare quotes fairly. General price guides are not personalised quotations, and you should always check whether VAT and software costs are included.
Detailed Content
What drives the price?
The main factors include:
Business structure: limited companies generally have additional accounts and tax-return requirements compared with sole traders.
Workload: transaction numbers, employees, bank accounts, sales platforms and VAT complexity can matter more than turnover alone.
Record quality: missing receipts, unreconciled bank accounts and historic errors can create additional work.
Service level: year-end compliance, regular bookkeeping, management reports and specialist advice are different services.
Software: subscriptions, setup, training and integrations may be included or charged separately.
Experience and specialisms: complex tax or sector-specific work can require additional expertise.
Always compare the same scope of work, not just the headline price.
Starting prices published by 360 Accounts
The following starting prices were displayed on our services page on 13th October 2026. They are 360 Accounts' published indications, not UK market averages or a personalised quote. The fee and exact inclusions should be confirmed before you engage us.
Limited company accounts - (From £1,200 annually)
Bookkeeping - (From £75 monthly)
Personal taxation - (From £200 per return)
Sole trader accounts - (From £200 annually)
VAT services - (From £50 monthly)
Payroll services - (From £20 monthly)
Self-employed Making Tax Digital support - (From £900 annually)
These are different services, not automatically separate charges to add together. A combined package may include several elements. The payroll starting price is not stated here as a per-employee rate, and the monthly VAT service price is not a per-return quotation.
Ask for a written quote explaining the total cost, VAT treatment and any additional charges.
Fixed fees or hourly billing?
A fixed fee can make budgeting easier when the scope is clear. Check whether it includes routine questions, bookkeeping, tax planning, software and year-end work. Additional services or a significant increase in workload may cost extra.
Monthly payments may spread the cost of annual work rather than mean that every service is delivered monthly. Confirm the contract period, cancellation terms and how fees are reviewed.
Hourly billing can suit one-off work or specialist advice where the time required is uncertain. Ask for an estimate, who will do the work and whether approval is needed before exceeding an agreed budget.
Sole traders and personal tax returns
A sole trader's Self Assessment return is a personal tax return that includes business information. Preparing business accounts, completing the return and providing ongoing bookkeeping are not necessarily the same service.
Additional income, property, capital gains, overseas matters or poor records can increase the work required. Ask what your quote covers.
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax already applies to eligible sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000 for 2024/25, from 6th April 2026. Those with qualifying income over £30,000 for 2025/26 must generally start from 6th April 2027, subject to exemptions. Qualifying income means relevant gross self-employment and property income before expenses, not profit.
If MTD applies, confirm whether digital record support, quarterly updates, software and the annual tax-return process are included. An annual return-only fee should not be assumed to cover the full MTD service.
Limited companies
A limited company quote should explain whether it includes statutory accounts, the Corporation Tax return and computation, Companies House accounts filing and confirmation-statement support.
Bookkeeping, VAT, payroll, directors' personal returns and tax planning may be separate. Companies House fees and other third-party charges may also be additional. A bookkeeping software subscription does not automatically include Company Tax Return filing.
VAT and payroll
For VAT, ask whether the price includes checking the records, reconciliation, preparing and filing returns, scheme advice and any specialist calculations.
For payroll, check the minimum charge, employee numbers, pay frequency, pension administration, starters and leavers, year-end work and any additional benefits reporting. A small per-employee charge may not represent the full payroll cost.
Bookkeeping and accountancy
Bookkeeping records and organises day-to-day transactions. Accountancy services can include accounts preparation, reporting, tax returns and advice. The roles overlap, and the right arrangement depends on your needs.
Using one provider can simplify communication, but separate providers can also work well when responsibilities and access to records are clear.
Action Steps for Clients
List the services you need, including bookkeeping, accounts, tax returns, VAT, payroll and MTD support where applicable.
Request a written quote with clear inclusions, exclusions, VAT treatment and software costs.
Check relevant experience, professional membership and any required practising licence. Ask about professional indemnity insurance and complaints procedures.
Ask who will handle your work, who reviews it and who your main contact will be.
Confirm how the adviser will obtain the appropriate HMRC authorisation. Agent access is not an HMRC endorsement of quality.
Check deadlines, the information you must provide, cancellation terms and how changes in workload affect fees.
Compare the total cost and agreed service, rather than choosing on headline price alone.
You remain legally responsible for your tax affairs even when an adviser prepares and submits returns. Review the information before authorising submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a cheaper accountant always worse?
No. A lower fee may reflect simpler work, efficient processes or a narrower service. Compare scope, experience, communication and review arrangements. Price alone does not establish quality.
Do I need both a bookkeeper and an accountant?
Not necessarily. Some providers offer both, while others specialise. Choose an arrangement that covers the work you need without duplication or gaps.
What qualifications should I look for?
Examples include AAT membership such as MAAT or FMAAT, ICAEW's ACA qualification and ACCA membership. AATQB is relevant to bookkeeping. These are not the only suitable credentials, and practical experience in your type of work matters too. Verify membership and any relevant practising licence rather than relying on initials alone.
Does cloud software reduce my fees?
It can reduce manual work when set up and used properly. However, records still need accurate coding, supporting documents, reconciliation and review. Subscriptions, setup and correcting errors can add costs.
Does a fixed monthly fee include unlimited advice?
Only if the agreement says so. Ask what support is included and what will be charged separately.
Can 360 Accounts help me understand the cost?
Yes. Contact 360 Accounts & Bookkeeping to discuss your records, business structure and support needs. We can explain the proposed scope and provide a quote so you can make an informed decision.