The Cheapest Full-Service Contractor Accountant in 2026 — What You Actually Pay
Not cheapest software. Not cheapest base plan. Cheapest genuinely complete service — bookkeeping, VAT, payroll, tax returns and Companies House filings all included, and compared net of VAT reclaim (the number that matters if you're VAT-registered).
How much does a contractor accountant cost in 2026?
A fixed-fee contractor accountant for a one-director, VAT-registered limited company typically costs £89–£137 a month before VAT (roughly £107–£164 including VAT), depending on the firm. But the headline price isn't the number that matters if you're VAT-registered — you reclaim the VAT on your accountancy fee as input VAT, so the real comparison is net cost. AutoBooks is £89+VAT/month, which nets to £89/month after reclaim — the lowest net cost of any full-service firm compared below.
The VAT-reclaim point, explained
If your company is VAT-registered on the standard scheme, the VAT charged on your accountancy fee is input VAT — you reclaim it on your VAT return. So the true cost of a VAT-charging accountant is the pre-VAT price, not the invoice total. It's the only fair way to compare firms once VAT is in the picture — and it's the number most competitors don't lead with.
You reclaim £25 VAT on your quarterly return
Net cost to your business: £125/month
Want your exact number? Run it through our fee comparison tool →
What "cheap" usually means in contractor accountancy
If you've searched for a cheap contractor accountant, you've probably found prices ranging from £19/month to £175/month. Most of the low end isn't what it appears.
The £19/month options are bookkeeping software — tools like FreeAgent or Xero. They'll help you raise invoices and track expenses. They won't file your VAT return, run your director's payroll, prepare your Self-Assessment tax return, or submit your year-end accounts to HMRC and Companies House. You still need to pay a human to do all of that — separately.
The £50–£70/month "accountancy" options typically have that base price for good reason: it doesn't include payroll, or VAT returns are charged per quarter, or Self-Assessment is a bolt-on. Add everything a contractor actually needs and you're often at £125–£137 (net of VAT) with the mainstream contractor firms.
"The only price that matters is the fully-loaded cost — everything you need, nothing you don't."
Autobooks charges £89+VAT/month. That includes everything. Bookkeeping, quarterly VAT returns, director payroll, Self-Assessment, year-end statutory accounts, Companies House confirmation statement, and unlimited queries. There are no add-ons for standard contractor work.
That makes it — as far as we can verify — the cheapest full-service accountancy option available to UK one-man limited companies in 2026.
See the full comparison →- ✓ Monthly bookkeeping
- ✓ Quarterly VAT returns
- ✓ Director payroll
- ✓ Self-Assessment tax return
- ✓ Year-end statutory accounts
- ✓ Companies House filing
- ✓ Dividend planning advice
- ✓ Unlimited queries
The hidden costs that make "cheap" expensive
Three pricing patterns to check before you sign up with any accountant.
The add-on trap
A low headline price that doesn't include VAT returns, payroll or Self-Assessment. Each one added separately — sometimes per quarter, sometimes annually. By the time you've ticked every box you actually need, you've spent 40–80% more than the advertised price.
The introductory rate
Some providers offer a discounted first 3 or 6 months, then step up to full price. If you're comparing on price, make sure you're comparing the ongoing price — not the promotional one. Always ask: "What will I pay in month 13?"
Software masquerading as a service
Bookkeeping software platforms are useful tools — but they are not accountancy services. If the "accountant" is actually an app that you operate yourself, you'll still need a human to file your returns. That cost needs to be added on top.
What to look for instead
A single monthly price that includes bookkeeping, VAT, payroll, Self-Assessment, year-end accounts and Companies House filing — with no qualifiers and no per-service charges for standard contractor work. That's the only meaningful comparison.
Price guarantee matters
Autobooks' price is fixed at sign-up. We don't run introductory rates that step up. The price you see on the pricing page is the price you'll pay in month 13, month 25, and month 37.
Specialisation reduces cost
Generalist accountants charge more because their overhead is higher — they need staff who know landlord tax, CIS, retail, employment law. We only work with one type of client. That focus is what lets us offer a lower price without cutting corners.
What's included as standard
Every one of these is included in the standard Gold plan. None are add-ons, none are seasonal extras.
Monthly Bookkeeping
We reconcile your transactions, categorise income and expenses, and keep your records HMRC-ready every month.
Quarterly VAT Returns
We prepare and file all four VAT returns each year. MTD-compliant, submitted directly to HMRC on your behalf.
Director Payroll
Monthly PAYE payroll for your director's salary. Payslips provided, RTI submissions handled, auto-enrolment managed.
Self-Assessment Tax Return
Your personal tax return prepared and filed by us each year — dividends, salary, and all other income sources included.
Year-End Statutory Accounts
Annual accounts prepared and filed with both HMRC (Corporation Tax) and Companies House, every year.
Companies House Confirmation
Your annual Confirmation Statement filed on time, every year. No missed deadlines, no £150 late penalties.
Dividend Planning
Advice on the most tax-efficient way to take money from your company — when, how much, and how to structure it.
Unlimited Queries
Email and phone access to your account manager for questions throughout the year. No £X per query charges.
Referral Rewards
Refer a fellow contractor and earn one free month per year for every referral that stays. Refer 12 — accounting free for life.
Contractor accountant cost compared, net of VAT
Like-for-like: a one-director, VAT-registered limited company on a monthly fixed fee covering the core compliance package — year-end accounts, CT600, payroll, Self Assessment, VAT returns and bookkeeping software. The column that matters for a VAT-registered contractor is net cost.
| Provider | Advertised price | VAT | Gross monthly | Net cost (VAT-registered) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AutoBooks | £89/month | +VAT | £106.80 | £89 | Fixed fee, no bank tie-in |
| Gorilla Accounting | £125/month | +VAT | £150 | £125 | Flat fee regardless of turnover/VAT status |
| Caroola (formerly SJD Accountancy) | £135/month* | +VAT | £162 | £135 | *£89+VAT "Lite" tier exists but is restricted to non-VAT-registered companies under £90k turnover — not applicable to most contractors |
| Crunch | £137/month (Premium)† | +VAT | £164.40 | £137 | †The £90+VAT "Pro" tier is cheaper but excludes Self Assessment; Premium is the like-for-like tier. Both carry a discounted 6-month intro rate reverting to the figure shown |
All prices shown net of VAT reclaim for a VAT-registered contractor on the standard scheme. Competitor figures verified 9 August 2026 from publicly available pricing — re-check before relying on them, as competitor pricing changes without notice.
Check what's actually included before you compare on price
The lowest headline price can cost more once you count what's excluded. A concrete, checkable example: Crunch's entry-level £90+VAT "Pro" plan nets out close to AutoBooks' £89 — but it doesn't include Self Assessment. That's either a £200+VAT one-off add-on, or you upgrade to their £137+VAT "Premium" tier (the like-for-like row in the table above). So the plan that looks the same price on the shelf is either missing a return every contractor needs, or is really the £137 tier.
AutoBooks' £89+VAT includes Self Assessment, VAT returns, payroll, year-end accounts, the CT600 and the Companies House confirmation statement as standard — no per-service add-ons for standard contractor work. That's the comparison that counts: net cost for a genuinely complete package.
Frequently asked questions
Related guides
Full-service contractor accountancy from £89/month
Book a free 20-minute call and we'll confirm whether Autobooks is the right fit before you commit to anything.