How Much Does a Limited Company Accountant Cost?
How Much Does a Limited Company Accountant Cost?
A limited company accountant can cost a few hundred pounds for annual accounts and Corporation Tax filing, or several thousand pounds a year for comprehensive support. Discover what you should expect to pay, which services you actually need and how to avoid hidden charges.
Straightforward online accountancy, without the mystery around fees.
How much should a limited company accountant cost?
In the UK, limited company accountancy can cost around £750–£3,000+ per year for a broader accounting service, although simpler annual accounts and Corporation Tax filing can cost considerably less. There is no official national average, and the total depends on the services included.
At The Online Accountants, one-off annual accounts and Corporation Tax filing start from £349 + VAT. This is not an all-inclusive monthly bookkeeping, payroll and VAT package.
For a meaningful comparison, establish whether a quote covers only annual compliance or ongoing support throughout the financial year.
Typical limited company accountant fees in the UK
There is no single standard price. A useful starting point is to distinguish year-end accounts preparation from ongoing accounting services.
Our published starting price for annual accounts and Corporation Tax filing.
One-off serviceIllustrative UK market range where services may extend beyond basic year-end compliance.
Scope variesThe monthly equivalent of £750–£3,000 annually, not necessarily a monthly subscription quote.
Compare annual totalsThese are broad market illustrations, not independently verified national averages or quotations from competing firms. Complex companies may pay substantially more.
Limited Company Accountant Cost Estimator
Enter your annual sales and gross assets to identify the relevant published year-end accounts price. Optionally add your own estimated costs for services outside that package.
Based on the published Small package and your selected assumptions.
View Accounts Packages →The calculator is a budgeting guide, not a binding quotation. Package eligibility is based on published pricing bands, not Companies Act company-size classifications. Extra work, specialist transactions and incomplete records may require separate pricing. VAT recovery depends on your circumstances.
Our limited company accounting fees
We offer fixed-price year-end accounts preparation and Corporation Tax filing for qualifying UK limited companies. Fees are charged per accounting assignment, rather than automatically creating a monthly subscription.
Annual sales up to £30,000 and gross assets up to £100,000.
- Annual statutory accounts
- Corporation Tax calculation
- CT600 preparation and filing
- Companies House filing
Annual sales up to £100,000 and gross assets up to £250,000.
- Annual statutory accounts
- Corporation Tax calculation
- CT600 preparation and filing
- Companies House filing
Annual sales up to £250,000 and gross assets up to £500,000.
- Annual statutory accounts
- Corporation Tax calculation
- CT600 preparation and filing
- Companies House filing
Both sales and asset limits must be satisfied for a package. Companies exceeding the largest band, or requiring work outside the standard scope, should request a quotation. Full terms and eligibility are available on our company accounts filing page.
What should a limited company accountant's fee include?
Core year-end compliance
Our standard qualifying accounts service includes:
- Preparation of annual statutory accounts
- Relevant FRS 105 or FRS 102 accounting framework
- Bookkeeping records review
- Corporation Tax computation
- CT600 return preparation and submission
- Electronic accounts filing as applicable
- Opening balance adjustments where required within scope
- Routine tax-saving and profit extraction guidance
- Simple email queries relating to the assignment
Typical turnaround: 7–14 days after complete records and information have been received, subject to workload and complexity.
Services that may cost extra
Do not assume that a year-end accounts quote includes:
- Regular bookkeeping and bank reconciliation
- VAT returns and MTD software
- Payroll, pensions and PAYE submissions
- Directors' personal Self Assessment returns
- Management accounts and forecasts
- Complex tax planning or restructuring
- Company secretarial services
- Reconstruction of missing accounting records
Request written confirmation of scope, exclusions and additional charges before appointing an accountant.
One-off fees versus monthly accountants: which costs less?
A monthly fee is often simply a payment arrangement for an annual service. However, some monthly packages also include bookkeeping, software, payroll or ongoing advice.
| Consideration | One-off accounts fee | Monthly accounting package |
|---|---|---|
| Payment structure | Single fee for defined work | Regular payments, often under an annual agreement |
| Year-end accounts | Included when specified | Often included, but check |
| Bookkeeping | Usually separate | May be included or excluded |
| Payroll and VAT | Usually separate | Depends on package |
| Best suited to | Companies with organised records needing annual compliance | Companies wanting regular services and predictable cash flow |
| Important question | What additional work is chargeable? | What is the total annual commitment? |
The annual cost comparison
Illustration only, excluding VAT. These services are not necessarily equivalent. Compare what each price includes, not simply the amounts.
Why do limited company accountants charge different fees?
Transaction volume
More invoices, bank entries and payment platforms can mean additional bookkeeping and reconciliation work.
Quality of records
Complete, accurate records normally require less corrective work than missing invoices and unreconciled bank accounts.
Company complexity
Property, foreign income, loans, investments and unusual transactions can increase professional work.
VAT and payroll
VAT submissions, payroll processing and workplace pensions add responsibilities beyond annual accounts.
Advice and support
Regular meetings, management reports and detailed tax planning generally increase the overall service cost.
Timing and urgency
Late records, imminent deadlines and urgent assignments may require additional work or fees.
Can you reduce your limited company accounting costs?
Often, yes. The most sustainable savings come from reducing avoidable work while retaining the professional support your company needs.
Five ways to keep costs under control
- Keep bookkeeping updated throughout the year.
- Reconcile your company bank account regularly.
- Separate business and personal expenditure.
- Use suitable software such as Xero, QuickBooks or FreeAgent.
- Agree your accounting requirements and fees before work begins.
Should you prepare your own accounts?
A company director can prepare and file company accounts without appointing an accountant, provided the relevant legal and filing requirements are met.
However, the director remains responsible for the accuracy of the accounts, tax returns and statutory deadlines, even when professional assistance is used.
See our guides to whether a limited company needs an accountant and how to file company accounts.
What should you check before hiring an accountant?
A low price can be excellent value when the scope is clearly defined. Conversely, an inexpensive headline fee may become costly if essential services are excluded.
- Is the quote fixed, and does it include VAT?
- Are Companies House and HMRC filings included?
- Does it include the Corporation Tax calculation and CT600?
- Are directors' personal tax returns charged separately?
- Who will answer questions during the year?
- Are bookkeeping corrections or software subscriptions extra?
- Is there a minimum contract or cancellation charge?
- Is the accountant appropriately qualified and supervised?
- What are the expected turnaround times?
- Will the accountant explain tax liabilities before filing?
If you already use another firm, our guide to changing accountants explains how to make the transition. You can also compare our wider accountants' fees and limited company accounting services.
Are limited company accountant fees tax deductible?
Accountancy fees incurred wholly and exclusively for the purposes of the company's trade will generally qualify as deductible business expenditure, subject to the normal Corporation Tax rules.
Fees for personal tax affairs, capital transactions or work unrelated to the trade may be treated differently. Where a company pays for a director's personal accounting services, additional tax considerations may arise.
If the company is VAT registered and the usual input tax recovery conditions are satisfied, VAT on qualifying accountancy services may also be recoverable.
For further reading, see what is tax deductible, limited company tax and the most tax-efficient director's salary.
Limited company accountant cost FAQs
How much does an accountant charge for a small limited company?
A straightforward small limited company may pay a few hundred pounds for annual accounts and Corporation Tax filing. At The Online Accountants, qualifying small company accounts start from £349 + VAT. Bookkeeping, VAT, payroll and personal tax returns may be separate.
How much does a limited company accountant cost per month?
Monthly accounting packages vary significantly according to the services included. For illustration, £100 per month represents £1,200 per year. Our £349 + VAT one-off accounts fee has a monthly budgeting equivalent of approximately £29.08 excluding VAT, but it is not a monthly service subscription.
Do limited companies legally need an accountant?
No. There is no general legal requirement for every UK limited company to appoint an accountant. Directors are nevertheless responsible for ensuring their company meets accounting, Corporation Tax and filing obligations. Larger or more complex companies may have additional requirements, including audit obligations.
Are accountants more expensive for VAT-registered companies?
They can be, because VAT registration often creates additional reporting and record-keeping requirements. The actual cost depends on whether VAT return preparation, bookkeeping and Making Tax Digital software are included in the accounting service.
Does an accountant's fee include the director's personal tax return?
Not automatically. A company is a separate legal entity from its directors. The company's statutory accounts and Corporation Tax return are distinct from a director's personal Self Assessment return. Always check whether personal tax compliance is included.
Can I claim accountant fees against Corporation Tax?
Qualifying accountancy expenses incurred wholly and exclusively for the company's trade are generally deductible when calculating taxable trading profits. The treatment depends on the purpose of the expenditure and applicable tax rules.
Is an online accountant cheaper than a high-street accountant?
An online accountant may have a different cost structure, but online delivery does not guarantee a lower fee. Compare qualifications, responsiveness, service scope, professional standards and the full annual price.
How much does an accountant cost for a dormant company?
A dormant company's accounting needs are generally simpler, but Companies House filing obligations can still apply. The cost depends on the company's circumstances and whether it is dormant for both Companies House and Corporation Tax purposes. Obtain a specific quote rather than assuming a standard trading-company package applies.
What if my limited company has no turnover?
Zero turnover does not necessarily mean the company is dormant or has no accounting obligations. A company may have expenses, assets, liabilities or transactions despite generating no sales. The correct accounting and tax treatment depends on its actual activity.
Can I change accountants to reduce my fees?
Yes. A company can usually change accountants, subject to any existing contractual terms. Compare the new accountant's scope and pricing, arrange professional clearance and ensure accounting records are transferred securely.
Accountancy guidance from The Online Accountants
This guide is prepared for UK company directors and business owners by The Online Accountants, a trading name of Parkinson (UK) Limited. Our practice provides online accounting and tax compliance services for owner-managed businesses throughout the United Kingdom.
Our approach is to explain the actual work behind accountancy fees, distinguish one-off filing costs from ongoing service packages and help directors make informed decisions before purchasing professional services.
Professional accountancy experience and qualified support.
Published fees for qualifying accounts assignments.
Remote accounting and tax services for limited companies.
Limited Company Accounts from £349 + VAT
Get professional annual accounts preparation, Corporation Tax calculations and statutory filing with transparent fixed prices for qualifying companies. No need to commit to an ongoing monthly package simply to obtain year-end accounts services.