Our fixed-fee pricing for UK accounting services in 2026: self-assessment, limited company accounts, VAT, and payroll — clear fees agreed upfront, no hourly billing, no hidden charges.
At Protax Consultants, we offer fixed-fee pricing for all of our services. That means you know exactly what you will pay before we start — no hourly billing, no unexpected invoices, and no charge for picking up the phone. This page sets out our fees for the most common services so you can plan your costs with confidence.
Why We Charge a Fixed Fee
Hourly billing creates a disincentive to contact your accountant. If every email or call adds to your invoice, clients ask fewer questions and miss opportunities to save tax or avoid compliance issues. Our fixed-fee model means you can reach us whenever you need to — whether it is a straightforward query or a longer conversation about your remuneration strategy — without watching the clock.
Every client receives a personalised fee proposal before we begin. The fee we quote is the fee you pay. It is based on the complexity and volume of your work, and it is reviewed with you each year.
Our Fees by Service: 2026
Self Assessment Tax Return — Sole Trader or Individual
| Your Situation | Our Fee |
|---|---|
| Simple return — employment income only, no complications | £150 – £250 |
| Standard — employment + one rental property | £250 – £450 |
| More complex — multiple properties, investments, foreign income | £450 – £900+ |
| Sole trader self assessment with basic accounts | £300 – £600 |
| Higher/additional rate taxpayer with planning advice | £500 – £1,200+ |
Our self assessment service includes preparation and filing of your SA100 return with HMRC, a review of your tax position, and communication with HMRC on your behalf. Tax planning advice — such as pension contribution modelling, rental income structuring, or Capital Gains Tax timing — is included in our higher-tier packages or quoted separately for one-off needs.
Limited Company Accounts and Corporation Tax Return
| Company Type | Our Fee (Annual) |
|---|---|
| Dormant or very small company, minimal transactions | £250 – £500 |
| Small active company, straightforward trading | £550 – £850 |
| Growing SME with payroll, VAT, and multiple directors | £950 – £3,000 |
| More complex company — group structures, property, R&D | £3,000 – £7,000+ |
Our limited company service includes preparation of statutory accounts to Companies Act standards, filing with Companies House, preparation and filing of the Corporation Tax return (CT600) with HMRC, and the annual confirmation statement. Director Self Assessment returns are usually quoted as a bundled addition or included in our all-in monthly fee packages. Our business accounting service covers all of this at a fixed monthly fee for limited company clients.
VAT Returns
| Service | Our Fee |
|---|---|
| Quarterly VAT return (simple, client-prepared figures) | £75 – £150 per quarter |
| Quarterly VAT return (accountant prepares from records) | £150 – £350 per quarter |
| Quarterly VAT return (complex) | £375 – £650 per quarter |
| VAT registration and initial setup | £150 – £300 one-off |
All of our VAT return services are Making Tax Digital (MTD) compliant. We prepare and file returns through HMRC-approved software and maintain the digital records your business is required to keep. If you are not yet registered for VAT, we handle the full registration process and advise on the most appropriate VAT scheme for your business.
Payroll Services
| Payroll Service | Our Fee |
|---|---|
| Single director payroll (monthly) | £15 per month |
| Small team payroll (2–5 employees) | £20 – £45 per month |
| Growing team payroll (5+ employees) | £50 – £100 per month |
| Payroll setup (new PAYE scheme registration) | £75 – £150 one-off |
Our payroll service covers monthly payslips, Real Time Information (RTI) submissions to HMRC, P60s at year-end, and PAYE administration. Director payrolls are run as a fixed monthly service. For growing teams, the fee is based on employee headcount and pay frequency. Our payroll outsourcing service ensures your submissions are always on time and your records are clean for Self Assessment and year-end accounts.
ℹ️ All Fees Are Agreed Before We Start
Every client receives a written fee proposal based on their specific circumstances before any work begins. The fee ranges shown above are our standard starting points — your exact fee depends on the complexity and volume of your affairs. There are no surprises on your invoice and no charge for routine queries and correspondence with HMRC on your behalf.
What Is Included in Our Fixed-Fee Service?
When you appoint Protax Consultants, your fixed fee covers more than the compliance work. Before accepting any quote, we encourage you to ask every accountant the same questions we answer with yes:
- Is HMRC correspondence included in the fee, or charged separately?
- Is proactive tax planning advice included, or an additional charge?
- Are director Self Assessment returns part of the limited company package?
- Is Making Tax Digital compliant software included or billed as an extra?
- Is there a charge for mid-year changes such as salary adjustments or dividend planning?
- Is HMRC investigation fee protection available?
How to Get Your Fixed-Fee Proposal
Getting a quote from us takes a few minutes. Tell us about your business structure, your income sources, and any specific tax issues you are dealing with. We will review your situation and send a personalised fixed-fee proposal, usually within one business day.
Our clients are based across London and the wider UK, including Wimbledon, Islington, Shoreditch, and the City. We work fully remotely, so you receive the same quality of service regardless of where you are based. Visit our London accountants page for more detail on how we work, or contact us directly for your free, no-obligation fee proposal.
Get Your Fixed-Fee Proposal Today
Tell us about your business structure, income sources, and any specific tax issues. We will send a personalised fixed-fee proposal by return — no obligation, no hidden charges, and no jargon.
Request Your Free QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
How much does a self assessment tax return cost with Protax?
Our self assessment fees start from £150 for a simple employment-only return and range up to £1,200+ for higher-rate taxpayers with planning advice, multiple income sources, or overseas income. Your exact fee is confirmed in writing before we begin. There are no additional charges for HMRC correspondence or routine queries during the year.
How much does Protax charge for limited company accounts?
Our limited company fees start from £250 to £500 for a dormant or very small company, and £550 to £850 for a small active trading company. Growing SMEs with payroll, VAT, and multiple directors are typically £950 to £3,000 per year. All fees are fixed and agreed upfront. Director Self Assessment returns are included in our monthly packages or quoted as a bundled addition.
Do you charge hourly rates?
No. All Protax services are priced on a fixed-fee basis, agreed before work begins. We do not charge by the hour, and we do not bill for routine HMRC correspondence, phone calls, or emails. Your annual fee is reviewed each year and updated only if the scope of your work materially changes.
What qualifications does the Protax team hold?
Our team is ACCA-certified (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and registered as HMRC-authorised agents. ACCA-certified accountants are regulated by the ACCA, hold professional indemnity insurance, and are required to complete ongoing CPD. You can learn more about our team and qualifications here.
Is your service available outside London?
Yes. We work fully remotely with clients across the UK. While our base is in Wimbledon, we serve clients in Islington, Shoreditch, the City, and across the wider UK. All communication, document exchange, and filing is handled digitally, so your location makes no difference to the quality or speed of service you receive.
Muhammad Bilal is a Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA) and Director of Protax Consultants, a London-based accounting firm specialising in tax advisory, compliance, and business accounting services.
Bilal qualified with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) in 2009 and later achieved FCCA status after gaining extensive professional experience. With more than 13 years of experience in accounting, taxation, and auditing, he advises SMEs, landlords, contractors, and charities on tax planning, compliance, and financial management.
As a registered HMRC agent, Bilal assists clients with Self Assessment tax returns, corporation tax planning, VAT compliance, payroll services, and HMRC enquiries.
Bilal holds a BSc (Hons) in Applied Accounting and leads the audit and compliance function at Protax Consultants.
Company Verification:
Protax Consultants Ltd – Company Number 14701253
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