Accountant fees
How Do Accountants Charge — Fixed Fee, Monthly or Hourly?
Written by Waqas Sagar ACA FCCA FMAAT · Chartered Accountant · Last reviewed 22 October 2026
| Fixed monthly fee | Annual work split into 12 payments — best for most creators |
|---|---|
| Fixed per-return fee | One price per return — best for simple one-off Self Assessment |
| Hourly rate | Billed for time — best for investigations or one-off projects |
How it works
A fixed monthly fee spreads the year's work into equal payments and usually includes support during the year, so you can ask questions without watching the clock.
A fixed per-return fee suits simple situations, such as a single Self Assessment return with tidy records.
Hourly billing is common for complex, unpredictable work like HMRC enquiries. It is flexible but harder to budget for.
Choosing the right model
If you earn from several platforms, receive brand deals or gifted items, or expect to grow, a monthly package usually costs less overall than paying for each question separately.
If you only need one tax return with tidy records and no planning, a fixed per-return price is simpler. You can always move to a monthly package later.
Hourly billing makes sense when the work cannot be predicted, such as a long HMRC enquiry. Even then, ask for an estimate and regular updates so the final bill is not a surprise.
Whichever model you choose, the scope should be written down. Ours sets out what is included, what is not, and how anything extra is quoted.
According to Waqas Sagar, Chartered Accountant at influencers.accountants, monthly fees work best when records are sent monthly too — you get advice while there is still time to act on it.
Example
Sam has steady brand deals and wants help through the year, so a monthly package suits him. His friend Priya only has a small side income and buys a one-off return. Neither pays by the hour.
Illustrative figures only, based on 2026/27 rules.
What you need to do
- Decide whether you want year-round support or one return.
- Compare monthly packages on our fees page.
- Check one-off prices in online filing.
- Ask for anything extra to be quoted in writing.
Want us to handle this for you? Our fixed-fee package is quoted in writing before any work starts. See also our creator accounting services and our page for accountants for freelancers.
What's included
- Agreed scope in writing
- Filings in the package
- Support during the year (monthly packages)
What's not included
- Work outside the agreed scope, which is quoted first
No hidden fees: anything outside your agreed scope is quoted in writing before we start.
Common mistakes
- 1Choosing hourly billing for routine work.
- 2Not checking what a monthly fee includes.
- 3Assuming a one-off fee covers HMRC letters later.
From our client work: We often see creators move to monthly fees after a year of unpredictable hourly bills.
Frequently asked questions
Related questions
Official sources
Not sure where you stand?
Book a free 15-minute call with a Chartered Accountant who works with creators every day.
✓ Fixed monthly fees · ✓ ICAEW & ACCA regulated · ✓ 5,000+ clients served
This is general guidance for UK tax residents for the 2026/27 tax year, not personal advice. Speak to us about your situation.
