How much do accountants charge for tax returns?

At some point, the same question pops up for most people: how much do accountants charge for tax returns?

If you’re self-employed, renting out a property, or juggling a few income streams, you’ll probably have to file a self-assessment tax return.

The short answer? It depends. In the UK, fees can be anywhere from £150 for a straightforward return to well over £1,000 for something more complicated.

That’s quite a range, and for good reason, not everyone’s finances look the same.

In this guide, we’ll look at why prices vary so much, give you a rough idea of average costs, and share a few tips to stop the bill from creeping up higher than it needs to.

Why bother paying an accountant at all?

Let’s be honest, filling in a tax return is nobody’s idea of fun. The forms can be fiddly, the language isn’t exactly plain English, and the rules seem to change just when you’ve finally got the hang of things.

An accountant can take all that off your hands. They’ll gather your figures, double-check them, and make sure you’re not paying more tax than you need to.

They also know the legal deductions you can claim, which is handy because most people don’t realise how many there are.

Say you work from home. You might be able to claim part of your heating, electricity, and even your internet bill. Or, if you’re a landlord, you can usually claim things like mortgage interest, repairs, and letting agent fees. Miss these and you’re just giving HMRC more than you have to.

What decides the price?

When someone asks, how much do accountants charge for tax returns, there’s no single figure. It all comes down to a few main factors.

How simple (or complicated) it is

A sole trader with one income source and a few basic expenses will pay less than someone with multiple rental properties, overseas income, and capital gains from selling shares.

The more moving parts there are, the longer the job takes, and time is money.

Where you’re based

A high-street accountant in central London is almost always going to cost more than one in a smaller town. Overheads are higher in the city, and demand pushes prices up too.

Their experience

A chartered accountant with twenty years in the game will probably charge more than a newer bookkeeper. That said, their advice could end up saving you more than the difference in fees.

The service you want

Some people just need the return filed. Others want year-round bookkeeping, VAT returns, payroll, and tax planning. More services mean more cost.

When you ask for help

If you rock up in mid-January, you’re paying “last-minute” rates. Accountants are snowed under at that time, and urgent work costs extra.

What people typically pay

If you’re still wondering how much do accountants charge for tax returns, here’s a rough guide to give you a feel for the market in the UK:

• Simple self-assessment (one income source, basic expenses): £150 – £300
• Small business accounts and return: £300 – £500
• Complex return (multiple incomes, property, investments, capital gains): £500 – £1,000+

Some accountants quote prices including VAT, others don’t. Always ask, because that extra 20% can be a nasty surprise.

Is it worth it?

If your finances are straightforward, you might still ask yourself how much do accountants charge for tax returns and whether it’s worth it. But here’s the thing, a decent accountant often saves you more than they cost.

They can spot  allowances you didn’t know existed, help you plan for the year ahead, and make sure you’re keeping everything HMRC-friendly.

And if there’s ever a query from the tax office, they’re the one dealing with it, not you.

How to keep the bill down

You can have an accountant without spending a fortune, you just need to make life easier for them.

Be organised

If you hand over a bin bag full of unsorted receipts, don’t be surprised if the fee goes up. Keep things tidy, whether that’s a spreadsheet, accounting software, or a neat folder.

Get in early

Handing in your records in summer is far better than dumping them on an accountant’s desk in January. It’s calmer for everyone, and it’s often cheaper.

Don’t buy more than you need

If you just want a tax return done, you don’t need a monthly bookkeeping package. Pick the service level that suits your actual situation.

Shop around

Get at least three quotes. And when you do, make sure you’re comparing the same service, not just the price.

Questions worth asking before you commit

A quick chat before you sign anything can save you a headache later. Try:

• What’s included in the price?
• Are there extra costs if I have questions?
• Have you handled clients in my line of work before?
• Will I deal directly with you?
• Do you charge more for last-minute returns?

Local vs Online accountants

These days, plenty of accountants work entirely online. You send documents through a secure portal, and meetings happen over Zoom or by phone. It’s often cheaper, and location isn’t an issue.

On the other hand, some people prefer the personal touch of a local accountant, someone they can meet in person and who knows the local market. It’s really about what works best for you.

Doing it yourself

Yes, you can file your own self-assessment on HMRC’s website. If your situation is straightforward, it’s completely doable. It might save you worrying about how much do accountants charge for tax returns.

But if things are more involved, the risk of mistakes goes up. HMRC can fine you for errors, and those fines can be bigger than an accountant’s fee. It’s worth weighing up the risk before you go it alone.

A quick step-by-step for finding the right accountant

1. Know What You Need – Is it just the return, or ongoing help?
2. Ask Around – Friends, colleagues, and networking groups can recommend people they trust.
3. Check Their Credentials – Look for ICAEW, ACCA, or AAT membership.
4. Compare Quotes – At least three, and check what’s actually included.
5. Speak to Them – A quick call will tell you if they explain things clearly.
6. Trust Your Gut – You’ll be sharing sensitive information, so you need to feel comfortable.

Myths about accountant costs

• “They all charge the same.” No, they don’t. Fees vary wildly.
• “The most expensive will be the best.” Not always. Some smaller firms give excellent service at a better price.
• “You can’t negotiate.” You sometimes can, especially if your return is very simple.

Why you shouldn’t leave it too late

Leaving things until the last minute doesn’t just risk late fees from HMRC. It also means you’ll take whatever accountant you can find, at whatever rate they offer. Get in early and you’ll have time to choose someone properly.

Get expert advice

So, how much do accountants charge for tax returns in the UK? The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

You’re looking at around £150 for a simple return, up to £1,000 or more for complex cases. Your final bill depends on the size of the job, where you live, how experienced the accountant is, and how prepared you are when you hand over your records.

If you’re organised, start early, and shop around, you can keep the cost sensible. And for many people, the peace of mind, and the potential tax savings, make it money well spent.

Let Regulated Advice match you with a financial advisor for expert advice.