If you are a sole trader or small business owner in Bexley looking for an accountant, one of the first questions you will have is what it is going to cost. The answer varies more than you might expect — so this guide breaks it down clearly, including what different fee structures mean for you in practice.
The three main ways accountants charge
Hourly billing
Some accountants charge by the hour, typically between £50 and £150 per hour depending on their size and location. For Bexley sole traders, this can work out to be unpredictable — a single set of accounts might take four hours, but an unusually complex year or a VAT query can push the bill up significantly. You are also incentivised to avoid asking questions, which is the opposite of what a good accountant relationship should feel like.
Per-service pricing
Others charge per service — a fixed fee for your Self Assessment, a separate fee for VAT returns, another for payroll. This can be transparent, but it means costs stack up quickly if you need more than just a basic tax return each year. A typical Self Assessment from an independent accountant in the Bexley area might cost between £200 and £500 depending on complexity.
Fixed monthly retainer
Increasingly, accountants — including BDH — charge a fixed monthly fee that covers everything. This gives you a predictable monthly cost and means you can contact your accountant as often as you need without watching a clock. For sole traders this is typically between £80 and £150 per month, depending on what is included and the practice you use.
What does it cost for a sole trader in Bexley?
At BDH Accounting Services, serving Bexley, sole traders pay £49.50 per month for the first three months (introductory rate), then £99 per month. That covers:
- Self Assessment tax return preparation and filing
- Bookkeeping support throughout the year
- VAT returns where applicable
- Unlimited same-day support from your dedicated accountant
There are no additional charges for queries, no hourly billing and no surprise invoices.
What does it cost for a limited company in Bexley?
Limited company pricing varies more because it depends on turnover, the number of employees, whether VAT is involved and how complex the bookkeeping is. As a rough guide, a small limited company in the Bexley area should expect to pay between £100 and £200 per month for a full accountancy service including Corporation Tax, annual accounts, VAT and payroll.
At BDH we quote each limited company client individually based on their actual size and needs, and the quote is fixed — it does not creep up over time.
Is a cheaper accountant always worse?
Not necessarily — but be cautious of accountants who charge very little and then bill separately for every small task, or who are difficult to reach. The total cost of an accountant includes the time you spend chasing them and the tax you overpay if they miss allowances. A higher monthly retainer with a responsive, proactive practice is often better value than a cheap one-off service.
How do I find the right accountant in Bexley?
Look for an ACCA or ICAEW accredited practice, check their Google reviews, and book a free consultation before committing. A good accountant will be happy to explain their fees clearly, tell you exactly what is included and give you a sense of how they work before you sign anything.
Book a free consultation with BDH — we cover Bexleyheath, Welling, Sidcup and the wider area from our Erith office. Same-day response guaranteed.