Today: Monday, November 9 2026

Accountants for Small Businesses

Accountants for small businesses help UK small business owners stay on top of their bookkeeping, tax returns, VAT and payroll — so you can run your business while we handle the numbers.

What the service covers

Accountants for small businesses take care of the day-to-day and year-end work that keeps a small business compliant and in control. Our work covers:

  • Bookkeeping — recording your income and expenses, keeping your records up to date, and reconciling your bank and card accounts.
  • VAT — VAT registration, quarterly Making Tax Digital returns, and advice on VAT on your sales and purchases.
  • Payroll — running your payroll, PAYE and National Insurance, and dealing with employee pay and reporting to HMRC.
  • Year-end accounts and tax returns — preparing your annual accounts and filing your Self Assessment tax return or Corporation Tax return.
  • Tax planning — checking what you can claim, planning for your tax bill, and explaining what you owe and when it is due.
  • HMRC letters and questions — help with HMRC letters, enquiries and corrections, so nothing is missed.

See our plain-English guide to bookkeeping basics for small businesses.

Who it is for

Accountants for small businesses are for owners who want their accounts handled properly without spending their evenings on paperwork. This service is for:

  • Small business owners — shops, trades, online sellers, cafes, consultants and other small businesses trading in the UK.
  • Sole traders and limited companies — whether you trade as a sole trader or through a limited company, we keep your accounts, tax and filings in order.
  • Businesses with staff — if you employ people, we can run your payroll and deal with PAYE and National Insurance.
  • VAT-registered businesses — or businesses approaching the VAT threshold that need to plan for registration.
  • Businesses that have fallen behind — if your books are out of date or you have missed a deadline, we help you catch up and deal with HMRC.

How it works

Here is how working with accountants for small businesses usually goes:

  1. Contact us — tell us about your business and what you need help with, such as bookkeeping, VAT, payroll or a tax return.
  2. We review your records — we look at your books, accounts and deadlines to see where you stand.
  3. We agree the work and the fee in writing — you know what is included and what it costs before we start.
  4. We prepare and file your work — your bookkeeping, returns and filings are prepared and sent to HMRC or Companies House on time.
  5. We keep you on track — we remind you about deadlines, explain what you owe, and answer your questions through the year.

Typical fees

Typical UK market averages for 2026, based on published competitor fee guides — not a fixed quote. Your exact fee depends on your records and complexity; contact us for a written quote. All fees exclude VAT unless stated.

ServiceTypical UK averageWhat affects the price
Bookkeeping£100–£300 a month (average around £150)Number of transactions, how tidy your records are, whether we also do VAT
Full monthly package£100–£250 a monthTransaction volume, VAT, payroll and how much support you need

Why choose us

  • Plain-English explanations — we explain what you owe and why, without jargon.
  • Fixed fees agreed in writing — you know the cost before we start, with no surprises.
  • Deadlines handled for you — we keep your filings and tax returns on track.
  • One point of contact — talk to us about bookkeeping, tax, VAT and payroll in one place.
  • Help for small businesses — we work with small businesses across the UK, whatever stage they are at.

Frequently asked questions

How much do accountants for small businesses cost?
Bookkeeping for a small business typically costs £100–£300 a month (average around £150), and full monthly packages typically cost £100–£250 a month, depending on transactions, VAT and payroll. Your exact fee depends on your records and complexity — contact us for a written quote.

Do I need an accountant for my small business?
There is no legal requirement to use an accountant, but an accountant can save you time, help you avoid penalties, and make sure you claim what you are entitled to. Many small business owners find the cost is covered by the time and tax they save.

What does a monthly package include?
It usually includes bookkeeping, VAT returns and your year-end accounts and tax return, with payroll added if you have staff. We agree exactly what is included and the fee in writing before we start.

Can you take over from my current accountant?
Yes. We will contact your previous accountant for your records and take over your bookkeeping, VAT and filings from there.

Do you work with sole traders and limited companies?
Yes. We help small businesses whether they trade as sole traders or through limited companies, and we can advise on which structure suits your business.

Read our guide to bookkeeping basics for small businesses.

Talk to us about your small business

If you would like help with your bookkeeping, tax, VAT or payroll, contact us or email info@accountingtaxadvisor.co.uk.