If you have ever wondered what a fair price looks like for accountancy support in the UK, you are not alone. Fees vary with the service, how complex your affairs are, and the experience of the accountant. With a bit of context, you can spot good value quickly and decide where expert help will give you a real return.
What this 2025 guide covers
This guide explains typical fees for individuals and small businesses, what drives the price, and how to choose the right level of support for your needs.
Typical UK accountant cost ranges
Most people will see a few common ranges. A straightforward Self Assessment for a sole trader or landlord often sits between £150 and £400 on a fixed fee. Year end accounts and a Corporation Tax return for a small limited company usually come in at £750 to £2,000 a year. Ongoing bookkeeping tends to be £25 to £60 per hour, or £100 to £500 per month depending on how many transactions you have and what software you use. Payroll is commonly priced per payslip at around £4 to £7 per month, with small teams paying £25 to £75 in total. VAT returns are often £100 to £300 per quarter, sometimes included in a monthly package. One off advice or general tax planning is typically £100 to £250 per hour, with clear quotes in advance.
Self Assessment costs
Simple cases such as employment income with some interest or a small rental often cost £150 to £250. A sole trader with expenses and reliefs is more likely to pay £200 to £400. More complex returns with multiple income sources, capital gains, or overseas elements can reach £400 to £800. You are buying accuracy, time saved, and less risk. A good accountant checks reliefs, claims the expenses you can justify, and files on time. If you want hands on help in Norwich, local specialists can manage the full process, speak to HMRC for you, and help you avoid penalties.
Hourly rates and fixed fees
Hourly rates usually fall between £50 and £150. Junior bookkeeping support is at the lower end, while senior tax work is at the higher end. Many firms move to fixed fees once they know your scope, which gives you certainty. When you compare quotes, ask who will do the work, how long it tends to take, and what the deliverables are, as the same price can buy very different levels of service.
Packages that work well
Fixed fees suit predictable tasks such as year end accounts, VAT submissions, payroll, and Self Assessment. Hourly time fits open ended projects like complex HMRC queries, tax planning, or system clean ups. For many small businesses a monthly package is the sweet spot. It can cover bookkeeping, VAT, payroll, year end accounts, and light advice, often starting around £100 to £300 per month for micro businesses and scaling with transactions and headcount.
What affects the price most
Clean, timely records reduce hours. Complexity adds work, for example multiple income streams, international sales, CIS, or stock management. VAT and payroll bring extra filings and checks. Software and automation such as QuickBooks, Dext, and bank feeds lower manual effort and therefore fees. Urgent deadlines can cost more. Paying for deeper advice increases the fee but also the value. A little time invested in tidy records and sensible software often means you pay less and get better insight.
When paying for advice pays off
It is worth paying for advice when the decision changes your numbers or reduces risk. Common moments include incorporating or changing share structures, taking on staff and setting up payroll and pensions, registering for VAT or choosing a scheme, buying or selling property and handling capital gains, expanding into ecommerce platforms, or dealing with an HMRC enquiry. One hour that prevents a penalty or saves tax year after year is money well spent.
Comparing quotes to get a fair UK accountant cost
Ask for a clear scope so you understand what is included, what is excluded, and what triggers extra fees. Check how quickly the firm replies. Fast, helpful communication saves stress. Confirm who you will speak to and their experience. Make sure the software you want is supported. If you prefer hands off bookkeeping in Norwich or automation with Dext and QuickBooks, ensure it is part of the service. Look for proactive advice that helps you improve profit, cash, and tax, not just form filling. If you are weighing up a local Norwich firm like ATF Tax against a national provider, put responsiveness and personal support high on the list. A local, dedicated team with round-the-clock support can be a real advantage when you need quick answers.
Real world examples
A freelancer with simple expenses might pay £200 to £300 for Self Assessment, with optional bookkeeping at £50 to £150 per month if they do not want to DIY. A VAT registered micro limited company could choose a monthly package at £200 to £400 that covers bookkeeping, quarterly VAT returns, payroll for one to three staff, year end accounts, and the Corporation Tax return. A growing ecommerce brand may pay £300 to £800 per month depending on order volume, integrations, and whether management accounts are included, with a setup fee if data needs migrating. These are ranges, not quotes. The right number depends on your activity and how much you keep in house.
Are you getting value?
You are getting value for money when you feel in control, your filings are on time, and you get proactive guidance that helps you take home more profit with less hassle. The right accountant explains options in plain English, helps you set up smart systems that cut admin, flags risks early, and is easy to reach when things change. If your current service is reactive or hard to contact, it is sensible to compare.
Local support in Norwich
If you want a personal, tech forward and top rated accountancy firm in Norwich, ATF Tax can offer local support with efficient, modern systems. Whether you need tidy year end accounts, a straightforward Self Assessment, or regular advice, a short chat with us clarify likely costs and the best setup for your goals.
Simple UK accountant cost guide for 2025
Plan roughly £150 to £400 for most Self Assessments, £750 to £2,000 per year for limited company year end accounts and the CT600, £25 to £60 per hour or £100 to £500 per month for bookkeeping, £25 to £75 per month for a small team’s payroll, £100 to £300 per quarter for VAT returns, and £100 to £250 per hour for tailored advisory work. If you want straight answers and a fair fixed fee, book a free chat and get a clear quote that fits your business. For ongoing support and practical financial advice in Norwich, speak to one of the team at ATF Tax. We work with entrepreneurs and small businesses every day so you know what you are paying, why it matters, and how it helps you move forward.
