How Much Does a Small Business Accountant Cost in Bedford?
If you are running a business in Bedford and trying to work out what a fair price for an accountant actually looks like, you are not alone. I get asked this constantly because accountancy fees vary massively. Some firms charge very little and some charge far more than you expect. In this article I explain the typical costs for small businesses in Bedford, what you should be getting for those fees and how to know if you are paying the right amount.
Most people have no idea whether they are paying too much or too little for their accountant because the industry has no standard pricing. I have seen limited companies paying £60 a month and getting no advice at all. I have also seen people paying £300 a month for work that should cost half the price.
To make things clear, here is what a small business accountant usually costs in Bedford based on the types of clients we deal with every day.
How much should a limited company pay in Bedford?
For a limited company that is:
• VAT registered
• Running payroll (PAYE)
• Trading normally
• Needs annual accounts and corporation tax
• Needs advice throughout the year
• Wants all deadlines managed
• Needs ongoing support
A fair and typical fee in Bedford is:
£150 per month
This usually covers:
• Annual accounts
• Corporation tax return
• Director’s Self Assessment
• Payroll for the director
• VAT returns
• Confirmation Statement
• Advice throughout the year
• Deadline reminders
• General support
• Help with bookkeeping queries
If a limited company is paying much less than this, it is usually because the accountant is doing the bare minimum. If you are paying much more, you should be getting proactive advice, planning, regular reviews and a high level of support.
How much should a sole trader pay in Bedford?
For a standard sole trader who needs:
• Annual Self Assessment
• Accounts produced
• Basic advice
• Deadline reminders
A fair price is:
£250 per year
This is the typical cost for a sole trader with straightforward income and expenses. If there are complications such as:
• CIS
• Multiple income streams
• Rental income
• Capital allowances
• Complex bookkeeping
Then the price may increase, but £250 per year is a good benchmark for most people.
What should be included in these fees?
Here is what you should expect from a good accountant at these price points.
You should get:
• Clear communication
• Proactive advice
• Support throughout the year
• Guidance on tax savings
• Help with structure and withdrawals
• Deadline management
• Accuracy and compliance
• Responses within a reasonable timeframe
You should NOT be charged extra for:
• Every question
• Basic advice
• Quick emails
• Simple checks
• Regular updates
If your accountant is charging extra for small things or ignoring you, the fee is not fair even if it seems cheap.
Why some accountants charge far less (and why it is a warning sign)
I have seen limited companies paying £50 to £90 a month and getting:
• No tax planning
• No advice
• No support
• No proactive contact
• Incorrect accounts
• VAT errors
• Overdrawn Director’s Loan Accounts
• Missed allowances
Cheap accountants often lead to expensive mistakes. Clients usually end up paying more to fix the problems later.
Why some accountants charge more (and when it is worth it)
If an accountant charges more than the typical Bedford rates, it should only be because they provide:
• Regular performance reviews
• Full tax planning
• Bulletproof bookkeeping
• Multi-business support
• Strategic income planning
• Pension strategy
• Mortgage support
• A fully hands-on relationship
If you are paying a premium fee, you should feel like you have a financial partner, not just a form filler.
Is your current accountant charging a fair price?
Ask yourself this:
• Do they reply quickly?
• Do they explain things clearly?
• Do they help you save tax?
• Do they warn you about issues early?
• Do they make your life easier?
• Do you trust the numbers they produce?
• Do you feel supported?
If the answer to any of these is no, then even a “cheap” accountant becomes expensive.
The Bottom Line for Bedford Business Owners
A good small business accountant in Bedford will typically cost:
£150 per month for a limited company
£250 per year for a sole trader
What matters most is not the price. It is the value. A good accountant will save you more than they cost, reduce your stress and support your growth. A bad accountant will cost you money, time and peace of mind.
If you feel unsure, unsupported or confused by your current accountant, the price is not fair regardless of what you are paying.