Summary
- Monthly bookkeeping runs $200–600 (US) or £120–400 (UK) for a small business.
- Year-end accounts and tax returns are typically billed separately.
- Fixed monthly fees are the most predictable model for small companies.
- A separate business bank account and timely paperwork keep fees down.
- The engagement letter should state who is liable for late filings.
Quick answer
A small business with modest transaction volume typically pays $200–600 per month in the US or £120–400 per month in the UK for outsourced bookkeeping. Year-end accounts and the tax return are usually billed separately at $800–3,000 or £500–1,800.
Monthly bookkeeping by business size
| Business profile | US per month | UK per month |
|---|---|---|
| Sole trader, under 30 transactions | $150–300 | £90–180 |
| Small company, 30–100 transactions | $250–600 | £150–380 |
| Growing company, 100–300 transactions | $500–1,200 | £320–750 |
| Payroll add-on | $8–25 per employee | £5–15 per employee |
Annual and one-off work
| Service | US | UK |
|---|---|---|
| Year-end accounts | $800–2,500 | £500–1,500 |
| Company tax return | $400–1,500 | £250–900 |
| Personal/self-assessment return for the owner | $250–700 | £150–400 |
| Sales tax or VAT return | $100–300 per filing | £60–200 per filing |
| Company formation and setup | $300–900 | £150–600 |
| Hourly advisory | $90–250 | £60–150 |
How accountants price
What should be in the engagement letter
Five ways to keep the fee down
When to switch from DIY to an accountant
Move when you take on your first employee, cross the sales tax or VAT registration threshold, take on external investment, or find yourself spending more than a few hours a month on the books. At that point the fee usually costs less than the time and the risk of filing errors.
Summary
Budget $200–600 or £120–400 a month for bookkeeping in a small business, plus $800–3,000 or £500–1,800 a year for accounts and the tax return. Compare on scope and responsibility, not just the headline monthly number.
Frequently asked questions
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