📊 How to Find an Accountant for Your Small Business (UK)
The right accountant saves you more than their fee. Here is how small business owners and self-employed people can find a trusted accountant in 2026.
Do You Need an Accountant?
- Self-employed / sole trader — An accountant for your self-assessment return pays for itself in legitimate deductions you would miss
- Limited company — Statutory accounts, corporation tax, payroll and VAT all require precise filing
- Growing business — Management accounts, cashflow forecasting, and tax planning are worth professional input
Typical Accountant Fees UK (2026)
| Service | Typical Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Self-assessment tax return | £150–£400 |
| Sole trader accounts + self-assessment | £500–£1,200 |
| Limited company accounts + CT return | £1,000–£3,000 |
| Payroll (per employee/month) | £5–£15 |
| VAT return (per quarter) | £80–£200 |
Qualifications to Look For
- ACCA, ACA, CIMA or AAT qualified
- Registered with HMRC as a tax agent
- Anti-money laundering (AML) supervised
5 Questions to Ask a Potential Accountant
- Do you work with businesses like mine?
- What accounting software do you use? (Xero, QuickBooks, Sage)
- What is included in your monthly or annual fee?
- How quickly do you respond to queries?
- Can you help with tax planning, not just compliance?
✂️
Ready to book?
Find the best local services near you — barbers, dentists, vets and more.
Find services near me