Key takeaways
- Published one-off prices for an accountant to prepare and file a Self Assessment return ran from £99 to £275 plus VAT when we checked on 6 November 2026.
- Crunch listed its one-off Self Assessment at £240 plus VAT, shown discounted to £168 plus VAT with a 30% code on 6 November 2026.
- GoForma listed a standalone Self Assessment return at £198, and Sleek listed a standard return from £275 plus VAT.
- Rental income, capital gains, overseas income and late records usually add to the fee, so ask for a fixed quote before you send documents.
- Sole traders and directors on a monthly accounting package often get the personal return included, so check before paying twice.
- Filing your own return through HMRC's online service is free, but a late return costs £100 at once, even if you owe no tax.
An accountant typically charges from about £99 to £275 plus VAT to prepare and file a straightforward Self Assessment tax return, based on the fixed fees UK online providers published on 6 November 2026. More complex returns cost more. High street firms usually quote individually, so get a written fixed fee before you hand over your records.
Published tax return prices compared
The table lists one-off prices that providers show on their own websites, in order of the price shown. We checked each page on 6 November 2026. Prices change often, so confirm at checkout.
| Provider | Price shown | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Taxfix (formerly TaxScouts) | From £99 or £169 | Page shows both figures; VAT not stated |
| Crunch | £168 + VAT with code; £240 + VAT list | ACCA-accredited accountant reviews and files |
| GoForma | £198, one-off | SA100 prepared and filed; VAT not stated |
| Sleek | From £275 + VAT | Extra cost confirmed upfront for complex affairs |
Taxfix. Its UK page lists three plans. The plan cards show £169, £249 and £499, while the comparison table on the same page shows £99, £149 and £349. The top of the page says “from just £99”. We could not tell which figures apply, so check the price before you pay.
Crunch. The Crunch Self Assessment page lists £240 plus VAT, shown reduced by 30% to £168 plus VAT with the code SA30OFF. That is £201.60 including VAT at 20%. It includes a dedicated accountant, an expenses claim and filing with HMRC.
GoForma. The GoForma package page lists a Self Assessment return at £198, one-off, with all income sources reviewed. It adds £100 for crypto gains. The page does not say whether VAT is included.
Sleek. The Sleek Self Assessment page gives a fixed fee from £275 plus VAT for a standard return, which is £330 including VAT. It says it will confirm any extra costs before starting work on more complex affairs.
What pushes the price up
Most firms price by complexity, not by the hour. Expect a higher quote if you have:
- rental income from one or more properties
- capital gains, such as shares, crypto or a second home
- overseas income or a change of residence
- several income sources, such as employment, self-employment and dividends
- records that arrive late, in a mess or close to 31 January
- a backlog of earlier years to catch up
Simple returns cost less. A return with one job and a small amount of savings interest is quicker than a sole trader with a year of receipts.
Is the return already in your package?
Check before you pay for a one-off return. Many monthly packages for sole traders and limited company directors include the personal return. GoForma, for example, says its Operate Bundle includes one director’s Self Assessment, and Crunch includes it in its Limited Company Premium plan.
If you already pay an accountant for company accounts, ask whether your personal return is in the fee. See how much an accountant costs for monthly package prices.
Which option suits you
- One job and a little extra income: consider HMRC’s free online service. You may owe nothing.
- Sole trader with simple records: a fixed-fee online provider is often the lowest cost.
- Landlord, capital gains or overseas income: get a quote from an accountant with that experience.
- Limited company director: ask your company accountant first. It may already be included.
- Behind on several years: use a local firm that quotes for the full catch-up.
Compare the online and high street options if you are unsure which model fits.
What a late or wrong return costs
Paying for help is often cheaper than a penalty. GOV.UK sets these late filing penalties:
- £100 as soon as the return is late, even if no tax is due.
- £10 a day after three months, up to £900.
- 5% of the tax due or £300, whichever is more, at six months.
- The same again at twelve months.
Late payment adds 5% of the unpaid tax at 30 days, six months and twelve months, plus interest. Estimate your bill first with our Self Assessment calculator.
How to get a good price
- Ask for a fixed fee in writing, with what is included.
- Send complete records early. Some firms charge more for late records.
- If you have PAYE income and owe under £3,000, file by 30 December to pay through your tax code.
- Check the accountant is qualified and supervised for anti-money laundering. See how to check an accountant is qualified.
- Keep your engagement letter and the final return for your records.
The deadline for 2025 to 2026 online returns is 31 January 2027.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an accountant charge for a Self Assessment tax return?
Published fixed fees from UK online providers ran from about £99 to £275 plus VAT for a standard return on 6 November 2026. Complex returns cost more.
Is it worth paying an accountant to do my tax return?
It can be if you have several income sources, rental income or gains, or little time. For a very simple return, HMRC’s online service is free.
Do accountants charge VAT on tax return fees?
VAT-registered firms add 20% VAT. Check whether a quoted price includes VAT, as many online prices are shown plus VAT.
Why do some accountants charge more in January?
Demand peaks in the last weeks before 31 January. Some firms add a rush fee for records that arrive late.
Is Self Assessment included in my monthly accounting package?
Often, yes, for sole traders and directors. Check your package terms before you pay for a separate return.
Sources
Rates, thresholds and rules in this guide were checked against HMRC and GOV.UK guidance on 6 November 2026. Tax rules change, so check the current position on GOV.UK or with a qualified adviser before acting. This guide is general information, not personal advice.