Accountant fees, packages and switching: questions answered

Fees are the first thing directors ask about and the hardest to compare. This hub explains how fixed monthly pricing works, what sits inside and outside a package, and how switching accountants actually happens.

How much does an accountant cost for a limited company in the UK? Most limited companies pay a fixed monthly fee driven by turnover, transaction volume, payroll headcount and VAT registration. Our fixed packages run from £89, £169 or £289 plus VAT a month, covering accounts, corporation tax and routine compliance for the relevant size of company.

What is a fixed fee accountant and how does it work for a UK limited company? A fixed fee accountant agrees a set monthly price covering defined services, such as annual accounts, corporation tax and routine support, instead of billing per hour worked. You know the cost in advance, and it only changes if the company's size or scope changes.

What is included in a monthly accountancy package for a limited company? A monthly accountancy package typically covers preparation and filing of annual statutory accounts, the corporation tax return, Companies House confirmation statement support, and ongoing access to your accountant for routine queries, with higher tiers adding payroll, VAT returns and more frequent management information.

How much does an accountant charge for a dormant company? A dormant company still needs dormant accounts filed at Companies House each year and a confirmation statement, so a small fee usually applies, well below any of our trading company packages, because there is no bookkeeping, payroll or tax return work involved.

How much does it cost to have an accountant for two businesses or a group of companies? Each limited company generally needs its own accountancy package, priced on that company's own size, transactions, payroll and VAT position, because each is a separate legal entity with its own filing obligations. A dormant holding company costs far less than an active trading subsidiary.

What is not included in an accountant's fixed monthly fee? A fixed monthly fee covers the routine annual compliance agreed for your package, such as accounts and corporation tax. One-off events like company incorporation changes, HMRC enquiries, complex restructuring and additional companies are usually extra, and Companies House fees are always passed on at cost with no VAT added.

How do I change accountants for my UK limited company? Changing accountants involves telling your existing accountant, giving the new firm permission to request professional clearance, and handing over records such as accounting software access, tax reference numbers and prior year accounts. It can be done at any point in the year, not only at year end.

Do accountant fees include VAT? No, accountancy fees are usually quoted plus VAT. Our packages of £89, £169 and £289 a month are plus VAT, so the standard rate of VAT is added to the headline figure on your invoice, unless the accountant is not VAT registered.

How much does an accountant charge for a company with turnover under £50,000? A company with turnover under £50,000 and straightforward affairs, such as no payroll and no VAT registration, usually fits our entry-level package at £89 plus VAT a month, since pricing is driven by transaction volume, payroll and VAT status rather than turnover alone.

Who is my point of contact at an accountancy firm? Your point of contact is the accountant or team assigned to your company when you join, who you deal with for routine questions, deadline reminders and the preparation of your accounts and returns, so you are not starting from scratch with someone new each time you get in touch.

Rates, thresholds and deadlines quoted here reflect the 2026/27 UK position and current Companies House and HMRC guidance. Check GOV.UK, or ask us, before relying on them for your own company.