Most UK small-business accountants now charge a fixed monthly fee rather than by the hour. As a rough guide, a sole trader might pay from around £30–£60 a month, and a limited company from around £100–£200 a month, depending on turnover, VAT, payroll and how much bookkeeping is involved. The right question isn't just "how much?" but "what's included, and what does it save me?"
Typical fixed monthly fees
Prices vary by firm and complexity, but as a 2026 benchmark:
| You are a… | Typical range (monthly + VAT) | Usually includes |
|---|---|---|
| Sole trader / freelancer | £30–£60 | Self Assessment, bookkeeping software, MTD |
| Limited company (small) | £100–£200 | Year-end accounts, Corporation Tax, director's return, VAT |
| Growing company | £250–£500+ | The above plus payroll, management accounts, advisory |
At Haral, for context, our packages start from £45/month for sole traders and £120/month for limited companies — always quoted exactly after a free call, never estimated by the hour.
What drives the price
- Turnover and transaction volume — more invoices and expenses means more bookkeeping.
- VAT — registration adds quarterly returns.
- Payroll — priced per payslip run and number of employees.
- Bookkeeping — doing it yourself in cloud software keeps fees lower than handing over a shoebox of receipts.
- Advisory — management accounts, forecasting and a virtual finance director cost more but often pay for themselves.
Why fixed fees beat hourly billing
Hourly billing punishes you for asking questions and makes budgeting impossible. A fixed monthly fee means:
- You know your exact cost in advance
- You can pick up the phone without watching the clock
- The work is spread evenly instead of one big year-end bill
Is an accountant worth it?
For most businesses, yes — a good accountant typically saves more in tax, penalties avoided and time returned than they cost. The value isn't just the compliance; it's having someone who spots opportunities and keeps you out of trouble.
Want an exact figure for your situation? Book a free consultation and we'll give you a fixed quote with everything itemised — no surprises.
This article is general information, not a formal quote. Fees vary by firm and circumstances — ask us for a tailored price.