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How much does a contractor accountant cost?

Contractors and freelancers working through their own limited company are the classic fixed-monthly-fee market. Here is what a contractor accountant costs in 2025-26 and what a typical package includes.

Typical cost: GBP 60-150 per month

Typical cost, in context

Typical UK accountant fees by service
ServiceTypical cost
Contractor accountant (fixed-fee package)Plus VAT. Higher tiers add VAT returns, payroll and Self Assessment.GBP 60-150per month
Limited company accounts + Corporation TaxStatutory accounts filed at Companies House plus the CT600. Small company.GBP 750-2000per year
Self Assessment tax returnSole trader or landlord return; most pay GBP 200-350. Rises with complex income or late filing.GBP 150-400one-off
VAT returnsOften folded into a monthly package rather than billed separately.GBP 100-300per quarter

Indicative ranges, excluding VAT unless noted. Figures compiled July 2026; individual quotes vary with complexity and location. Related services shown for comparison.

What changes the price

  • Package tier: entry packages cover the essentials; higher tiers add VAT, payroll and personal tax.
  • Whether you are inside or outside IR35: inside-IR35 working through an umbrella changes what you need.
  • Add-ons: bookkeeping software, references for mortgages, and IR35 contract reviews may cost extra.
  • Number of contracts and expenses: heavier admin nudges you into a higher tier.

What a contractor package includes

A typical fixed monthly fee of GBP 60-150 plus VAT usually covers your company year-end accounts, Corporation Tax, a director payroll, quarterly VAT, your Self Assessment, and access to cloud software with support. Providers pitch this as an all-in price precisely because contractor affairs are predictable - one director, one contract stream, similar every month - which is what makes the fixed fee viable.

IR35 and why it affects the decision

IR35 decides whether a contract is genuine self-employment or "disguised employment". Outside IR35, working through your own limited company with an accountant is efficient and the packages above apply. Inside IR35 - common since the 2021 off-payroll reforms shifted the decision to end clients - you may work through an umbrella company that runs PAYE for you, in which case you need far less accountancy. Know your status before you pay for a full limited-company package you may not need.

Check the firm is actually regulated

Price is only half the decision. "Accountant" is not a protected title in the UK, so the cheapest quote is not always from a qualified, accountable firm. Any business doing accountancy work is legally required to be supervised for anti-money-laundering, and the strongest firms are also members of a body such as ICAEW, ACCA or AAT. Before you pay, confirm the firm is AML-supervised and on the public record.

Find a verified, AML-supervised accountant near you →

Frequently asked questions

How much does a contractor accountant cost?

Most contractor accountants charge a fixed monthly fee of GBP 60-150 plus VAT. Entry packages cover the essentials; higher tiers add VAT, payroll and personal tax for a larger monthly figure.

What does a contractor accountant package include?

Usually company accounts, Corporation Tax, director payroll, VAT returns, your Self Assessment, and cloud software with support - all bundled into one monthly price.

Do I need an accountant if I am inside IR35?

Often much less. Inside IR35 you may work through an umbrella company that operates PAYE, which removes most limited-company accountancy. Confirm your IR35 status before committing to a full package.

Related cost guides

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