Self-employed accountancy fees in the UK vary widely depending on what you actually need done, how complex your income is, and whether you want ongoing support or just an annual tax return filed.
Typical price ranges
| Service level | Typical annual cost |
|---|
| Self Assessment tax return only (simple, single income source) | £150 – £350 |
| Tax return + basic bookkeeping support | £300 – £700 |
| Full monthly fixed-fee package (bookkeeping, VAT, proactive advice) | £25 – £80 per month |
| Complex self-employment (multiple income streams, property, CGT events) | £500+ |
These figures are general market ranges rather than quotes from any specific provider — always ask for a clear, written scope of what is and is not included before agreeing a fee.
What actually drives the price
- How messy your records are — a shoebox of receipts costs more to process than a clean digital spreadsheet
- Number of income sources — multiple self-employments, rental income or dividends all add complexity
- Whether bookkeeping is included, or you are only paying for the final return to be filed
- VAT registration — VAT returns are a separate, recurring piece of work
- Making Tax Digital obligations — quarterly digital updates add ongoing work compared to one annual return
Do you actually need one?
If your self-employment is straightforward — one clear income stream, modest expenses, no property or investment complications — many people manage their own Self Assessment successfully using HMRC's free filing service, backed up by a decent expense tracker and tax calculator to sanity-check the numbers before submitting.
An accountant becomes more valuable as things get more complex, or if the time saved is worth more to you than the fee.
Not sure if you need one yet?
See your estimated tax bill first — it's often the easiest way to judge how complex your situation really is.
Open Sole Trader Tax Calculator
Frequently asked questions
Is a more expensive accountant always better?
Not necessarily. Price often reflects service scope (bookkeeping included vs tax return only) and how proactive the advice is, rather than pure quality. A cheaper fixed-fee accountant can be perfectly adequate for straightforward, low-turnover sole traders.
Can I switch accountants partway through the year?
Yes. Most accountants can take over mid-year, though you may pay a bit extra for the handover work of reviewing your existing records. Give notice to your current accountant so they can release your records promptly.
Do I need an accountant if my turnover is small?
Not necessarily. Many sole traders with simple, single-income self-employment file their own Self Assessment using HMRC's free online service, especially with the help of a good tax calculator and expense tracker to check the numbers first.
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