How Much Does an Accountant Cost for a Small Limited Company?
By Trust Ledger Accounting. Figures checked against GOV.UK and last updated on .
A small UK limited company typically pays about £50 to £180 + VAT a month for an accountant on a fixed-fee package, or £199 to £399 + VAT for one-off year-end accounts and a Corporation Tax return. Trust Ledger Accounting charges from £79 + VAT a month, or a fixed £199 + VAT for one-off accounts and CT600.
Those ranges come from the published prices of UK fixed-fee accountants that we compared in October 2026. The headline price is only part of the picture, so the sections below show what moves it and what to check.
What changes the price
- VAT registration. Quarterly VAT returns are usually an add-on to the cheapest packages.
- Payroll. Paying a director's salary or staff adds monthly reporting to HMRC.
- Bookkeeping. Many packages assume you keep the books yourself. Having them kept for you costs more.
- Software. Some accountants include accounting software, and others expect you to buy it. FreeAgent costs £33 + VAT a month for a limited company if bought separately.
- Size and complexity. Higher turnover and more transactions mean more work.
What a package should include
- Annual accounts, filed with Companies House
- The Corporation Tax return (CT600), filed with HMRC
- At least one director's Self Assessment return
- Accounting software, or a clear statement that it is extra
- Someone qualified to answer questions during the year
How our prices compare
| Service | Typical published price | Trust Ledger Accounting |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly package, not VAT-registered | About £50 to £120 + VAT | £79 + VAT, FreeAgent included |
| Monthly package with VAT returns and payroll | About £100 to £180 + VAT | £119 + VAT |
| One-off accounts and CT600 | £199 to £399 + VAT | £199 + VAT |
Full details are on our pricing page.
Extras to watch for
- Set-up or joining fees
- A minimum term of 12 months, or a long notice period
- Catch-up fees for work from before you joined
- Charges for each director's personal tax return
We charge no set-up fee and have no minimum term. Packages run month to month with 30 days' notice.
Is an accountant worth the cost?
A limited company must file accounts and a tax return every year, and the penalties for missing the deadlines start at £150 from Companies House and £200 from HMRC. A fixed fee removes that risk and usually pays for itself in tax that is correctly claimed and time saved. Read more in what happens if you file late.