Accountant Fees for Tax Returns: What You Should Expect to Pay

Filing a tax return can be straightforward for some taxpayers, but for many individuals and businesses, professional assistance helps ensure accuracy, compliance, and peace of mind. One of the most common questions people ask is: How much does an accountant charge for a tax return?

The answer depends on several factors, including the complexity of your finances, the type of tax return being filed, and the level of expertise required.

What Influences Accountant Fees?

Accountant fees are rarely one-size-fits-all. Several factors can affect the final cost:

1. Type of Taxpayer

A simple personal tax return generally costs less than a return for a self-employed professional, landlord, or business owner. The more income sources and deductions involved, the more time is required to prepare the return accurately.

2. Complexity of Financial Records

Well-organized records can reduce preparation time and costs. If an accountant needs to sort through incomplete documents, reconcile transactions, or correct bookkeeping issues, fees may increase.

3. Additional Tax Planning Services

Many clients seek more than basic tax filing. Strategic tax planning, advice on deductions, capital gains calculations, business structuring, and compliance support often require additional professional time and expertise.

4. Business Tax Returns

Companies, partnerships, and sole traders typically face higher accounting fees than individual taxpayers due to additional reporting requirements, financial statements, and tax compliance obligations.

Typical Cost Ranges

While fees vary by location and complexity, taxpayers can generally expect the following:

• Basic individual tax returns: lower-end pricing
• Self-employed or contractor tax returns: moderate pricing
• Property investor tax returns: moderate to higher pricing
• Small business tax returns: higher pricing due to additional reporting requirements
• Complex business structures and corporate filings: premium pricing

Obtaining a personalized quote is often the best way to understand the expected cost for your specific situation. 

Is Hiring an Accountant Worth the Cost?

Many taxpayers view professional accounting services as an investment rather than an expense. An experienced accountant can help identify eligible deductions, reduce the risk of filing errors, and ensure compliance with current tax regulations.

For business owners, the value often extends beyond tax season. Professional guidance can support cash flow management, business growth planning, and ongoing financial decision-making.

How to Get the Best Value

When comparing accounting services, consider more than just the fee. Look for:

• Relevant experience and qualifications
• Transparent pricing
• Responsive communication
• Tax planning expertise
• Ongoing support throughout the year

The cheapest option is not always the most cost-effective if mistakes lead to penalties or missed tax-saving opportunities.

Accountant fees for tax returns vary depending on complexity, taxpayer type, and the services required. While costs differ from one situation to another, professional tax preparation can save time, reduce stress, and potentially uncover valuable tax savings.

Before choosing an accountant, discuss your requirements, request a clear fee estimate, and ensure the service aligns with your financial goals. A qualified accounting professional can help make tax season simpler while supporting your long-term financial success.

MTD for Income Tax Self-Assessment Delayed Until 2026

    

HMRC has officially announced that MTD for ITSA has been postponed by two years on 19th December 2022. According to Treasury, the delay should help smaller businesses in the long run. The announcement observed effective rallies and concerns raised by professional bodies and practitioners. 

An element of the UK government’s initiative to digitalise the tax system, the system was earlier slated for April 2024. The latest delay sees this moved back to April 2026 to “maximise the benefits”, according to Victoria Atkins, financial secretary to the Treasury.  

MTD for Income Tax Self-Assessment will be required from April 2026, and will not be executed from April 2024 as per fresh announcement by HMRC. The subsequent changes were also publicized about the scope of the scheme and concerned taxpayers:

• Self-employed individual and landlords with £50,000 plus income will be required to keep digital record from April‌‌‌ ‌‌2026 and need to provide quarterly updates regarding their income and expenses to HMRC via MTD-compatible software
  
  
• People with an income between £30,000 and up to £50,000 will require to do this from April‌‌‌ ‌‌2027
  
  
• Before the mandated MTD for ITSA most taxpayers will be able to sign up voluntarily. 
  
  
• For general partnerships MTD for ITSA will not be extended to in 2025 but should be started at a later date, to be confirmed.
  
  

Accountants will need to aware their self-employed and landlord clients about HMRC announcement of two years delayed of MTD for ITSA. We can help you by providing accounting and bookkeeping services, annual accounts preparation, company tax returns, self assessment tax returns,VAT and payroll. 

File Your Self-Assessment Tax Return by 31st January To Avoid Late Filing Penalties

Self-assessment is the method employed by HMRC to gather Income Tax and National Insurance contributions from individuals who are self-employed, as well as those who receive unreported taxable income from various sources. This includes individuals holding positions such as limited company directors, shareholders, and members of limited liability partnerships (LLPs). Through the self-assessment process, taxpayers are required to report their income, gains, and other relevant financial information, enabling HMRC to calculate the appropriate amount of tax and National Insurance owed.

For the year 2022/23 the tax return filing deadline is midnight on 31st January 2024. To save yourself from tax return penalty, any National Insurance and income tax due for the year 2022/2223, must be paid by 31st January 2024. 

You also have the option to file a tax return by post in case you do not know how to file tax returns online. Filing a self-assessment tax return online is a much easier and quicker option. 

How to Register for Self-Assessment?

You must be registered for Self Assessment tax return when you file your first tax return. If you did not sent tax return online last year, you need to register (in case if you have submitted tax return through post) HMRC will send you a letter to your registered address containing 10 digit Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number with in 10 working days or 21 days. 

You must then:

• make an online account
• use your UTR to sign up for the Self Assessment online service
  
  

HMRC will send you an activation code to your registered address with in 7 working days or 21 days if it is outside UK. Use this code with your UTR for sign in to your account and filing your tax return online. 

How To File Self Assessment Tax Return?

From below two ways you can use any one to file Self Assessment tax return (form SA100) with HMRC:

• Complete & submit form SA100 online
• Download & complete form SA100 by hand and submit by post
  

The fastest and easiest way to send a Self Assessment tax return online. You also get extra three months to file an online return and it is much easier way for making amendments.