How Much Does an Accountant Cost for a UK Ltd? (2026)
UK Ltd Accounting Costs in 2026: Accountant Fees, Annual Accounts and CT600 Explained
How much does an accountant cost for a UK limited company?
There is no fixed statutory fee for hiring a UK Ltd accountant. The cost depends on whether the company is dormant, trades occasionally, operates actively or needs ongoing bookkeeping, VAT and payroll support.
At Seven Oak Prestige, published accounting services start at £249 per year for eligible dormant company accounts, with annual accounting packages from £699 and managed accounting services from £1,699 per year.
For a quick comparison:
Dormant Company Accounts — £249/year
Low-Transaction Accounts + CT600 — £449/year
Small Active Company Accounts + CT600 — £649/year
Essential Accounting — £699/year
Managed Accounting — £1,699/year
Managed Plus — from £2,199/year
These are Seven Oak Prestige’s published service prices, not average accountant fees across the UK.
The amount your company actually needs to spend depends on its transactions, statutory filing obligations and the work included in the accountant’s engagement.
This guide explains what drives limited company accountant fees, what you should expect to pay for annual accounts and CT600 preparation, and how to choose an accounting service without paying for work your business does not need.
Quick Answer: How Much Are Limited Company Accountant Fees in 2026?
A UK limited company does not have to pay a government-prescribed accountant fee.
Professional accounting costs vary according to the company’s workload and the services required.
A genuinely dormant company will often need less accounting work than a business with regular sales, expenses, employees and VAT obligations.
The most important distinction is between:
Annual accounts preparation: Preparing the financial statements required under the applicable UK company-reporting rules.
Corporation Tax return preparation: Preparing and submitting the company’s CT600 and supporting tax information when required.
Bookkeeping: Maintaining and reconciling the company’s financial records throughout the year.
VAT and payroll: Additional reporting services where applicable.
Company-secretarial compliance: Separate responsibilities such as the Companies House confirmation statement.
An accountant may quote for one of these services or combine several into a package.
That is why comparing two annual fees without examining their inclusions can be misleading.
For companies managed from overseas, the practical requirements may also depend on multiple currencies, payment providers, foreign shareholders and cross-border transactions.
1. What Determines the Cost of an Accountant for a UK Ltd?
The price of accounting support is influenced by the work the accountant must actually perform.
Whether the Company Is Dormant or Trading
A dormant company may qualify for simpler reporting.
An active company generally has financial transactions that need to be recorded, classified and reflected in its annual accounts.
A company is not dormant merely because it has made no profit.
Number of Monthly Transactions
A company issuing a few invoices may require less bookkeeping than a business processing hundreds of payments, refunds and supplier expenses.
The number of transactions can be more informative than turnover alone.
Quality of Bookkeeping Records
Well-organised invoices, bank statements and reconciled transactions can reduce the amount of corrective work required.
Missing records, unexplained transfers and incomplete bookkeeping may increase the workload.
Corporation Tax Requirements
Preparing statutory accounts and calculating taxable profits are related but distinct tasks.
A CT600 may involve tax adjustments that do not appear directly in the accounting profit.
VAT Registration
VAT registration may create additional digital record-keeping, reconciliation and return-filing requirements.
Payroll and Employees
PAYE, National Insurance, payroll reporting and pension-related matters can require separate services.
International Transactions
Foreign-currency payments, overseas customers, international suppliers and multiple banking platforms can make accounting more complex.
For non-resident directors, foreign tax considerations may also require advice outside the scope of ordinary UK accounting.
Scope of the Professional Service
A £449 annual accounts and CT600 service should not be compared directly with a £1,699 package that also includes monthly bookkeeping and quarterly reviews.
The most useful question is not “Who has the lowest fee?” but “What work does this fee actually cover?”
2. What Accounting Services Does a UK Limited Company Need?
The precise obligations depend on the company’s circumstances.
Annual Statutory Accounts
UK limited companies generally must prepare annual accounts and submit the required information to Companies House.
Dormant companies may qualify for simplified accounts, but their filing obligations do not automatically disappear.
Corporation Tax Return — CT600
A company within the relevant Corporation Tax filing requirements may need to submit a Company Tax Return to HMRC.
The return includes the applicable tax computation and supporting information.
Bookkeeping
Companies must maintain adequate accounting records.
These may include sales, expenses, assets, liabilities, bank movements and supporting documentation.
Confirmation Statement
A confirmation statement confirms or updates certain information held by Companies House.
It is separate from annual accounts and the CT600.
VAT Returns
A VAT-registered company may have periodic VAT reporting obligations.
Payroll
A company operating payroll may need to comply with PAYE and related reporting requirements.
Not every business needs all these services.
A suitable accountant should identify which obligations apply before recommending a package.
Official guidance: GOV.UK — Accounts and Tax Returns for Private Limited Companies.
3. UK Ltd Accounting Costs by Company Type
Different types of UK limited company require different levels of accounting support.
The following prices are published Seven Oak Prestige service prices. Eligibility and final scope must be confirmed before engagement.
Dormant Company Accounts — £249 per Year
A company may qualify as dormant for Companies House purposes if it has had no significant accounting transactions during the relevant financial year.
This does not automatically mean it is dormant for Corporation Tax purposes.
Seven Oak Prestige Dormant Company Accounts: £249/year.
This standalone service is intended for eligible companies requiring dormant accounts support.
It may suit a founder who incorporated a UK company but has not begun trading.
However, dormant companies generally still need to deal with Companies House annual accounts and confirmation statements.
If HMRC has issued a notice requiring a Company Tax Return, that notice must also be addressed appropriately.
Best suited to: Companies that genuinely meet the relevant dormant-accounting criteria.
Official guidance: GOV.UK — Dormant Companies and Associations.
Low-Transaction Accounts + CT600 — £449 per Year
Some companies are active but conduct relatively few transactions.
For example, a consultancy might issue occasional invoices and have limited operating expenses.
Seven Oak Prestige Low-Transaction Accounts + CT600: £449/year.
This standalone service is intended for qualifying businesses with limited accounting activity.
The service should be assessed against the company’s actual transactions, records and tax requirements.
A low number of transactions does not always mean simple tax affairs.
An unusual transaction, director’s loan or cross-border arrangement may require additional work.
Best suited to: Eligible active companies with straightforward, low-volume financial activity.
Small Active Company Accounts + CT600 — £649 per Year
An actively trading UK Ltd may require broader year-end accounting work.
Seven Oak Prestige Small Active Company Accounts + CT600: £649/year.
This service is intended for eligible active companies requiring annual accounts and Corporation Tax return support.
It may suit a small consultancy, agency, trading business or other company with ordinary commercial activity.
The amount of work depends on transaction volume, expense categories, reconciliations and the quality of the records.
Important: An annual accounts service should not automatically be assumed to include ongoing monthly bookkeeping.
Best suited to: Eligible small active companies that need year-end accounts and CT600 support without a full managed accounting package.
Essential Accounting — £699 per Year
Some directors prefer a consolidated annual accounting arrangement.
Seven Oak Prestige Essential Accounting: £699/year.
The published service description includes:
- Annual statutory accounts.
- Corporation Tax Return (CT600).
- Confirmation statement preparation and filing coordination.
- Year-end compliance review.
- Annual filing coordination.
The published price also includes the Companies House confirmation statement statutory filing fee.
Bookkeeping and VAT returns are not included and may be added separately where required.
This package may be appropriate for companies that maintain their own bookkeeping and primarily need professional year-end accounting and compliance support.
Best suited to: Eligible companies with organised records that want annual accounts, Corporation Tax and confirmation statement coordination together.
Managed Accounting — £1,699 per Year
Some companies need their bookkeeping maintained throughout the year.
Seven Oak Prestige Managed Accounting: £1,699/year.
Managed Accounting includes the Essential service together with:
- Bookkeeping for up to 50 transactions per month.
- Quarterly bookkeeping review.
- Year-end accounts prepared from maintained records.
- Ongoing accounting coordination.
The transaction allowance is assessed against the company’s actual accounts and payment channels during onboarding.
This service may suit consultants, agencies, SaaS businesses and other companies with recurring financial activity.
Best suited to: Eligible active companies that want bookkeeping and annual compliance managed together.
Managed Plus — From £2,199 per Year
More operationally complex companies may need a broader arrangement.
Seven Oak Prestige Managed Plus: from £2,199/year.
The published starting scope includes Managed Accounting and quarterly VAT returns.
Higher transaction volumes, payroll support, multiple currencies, additional payment channels and further reporting may be accommodated subject to the agreed scope.
These additional requirements are not automatically included without a scope assessment.
The final price is confirmed after reviewing the company’s requirements.
Best suited to: VAT-registered businesses, growing companies, e-commerce businesses and other companies with broader accounting needs.
Which Accounting Package Should You Choose?
If your company is genuinely dormant, start by checking eligibility for dormant accounts.
If it trades only occasionally, a low-transaction service may be sufficient.
If it is actively trading but maintains its own records, Small Active or Essential Accounting may be more appropriate.
If you want ongoing bookkeeping, consider Managed Accounting.
If the company has VAT, payroll, higher transaction volumes or more complex operations, request a Managed Plus scope review.
The appropriate package should follow the workload — not the other way around.
Explore UK Accounting Services
Seven Oak Prestige offers annual accounting packages and standalone services for eligible UK limited companies, including companies managed from overseas.
Compare UK Accounting Services and Packages
The accounting scope and price are confirmed against the company’s circumstances before onboarding.
4. How Much Does UK Ltd Bookkeeping Cost?
Bookkeeping is different from annual accounts preparation.
It involves maintaining the company’s financial records throughout the year.
This may include recording invoices, expenses, payments, bank transactions and reconciliations.
Seven Oak Prestige publishes the following standalone bookkeeping services.
Up to 50 Transactions per Month — £99 per Month
For eligible businesses requiring bookkeeping within the stated transaction allowance.
At the published monthly price, 12 months would cost £1,188.
51–100 Transactions per Month — £149 per Month
For eligible businesses with a higher monthly transaction volume.
At the published monthly price, 12 months would cost £1,788.
These are calculations based on the published monthly prices, not separate annual-package quotations.
A business should confirm how transactions are counted and whether its accounts, payment platforms and financial activity fall within the agreed scope.
Does Bookkeeping Include Annual Accounts?
Not automatically.
A standalone bookkeeping service should not be assumed to include statutory annual accounts, CT600 preparation or other year-end work.
Equally, an annual accounts package may require the company to maintain its own bookkeeping.
The service agreement should make this distinction clear.
5. How Much Does a Quarterly VAT Return Cost?
VAT can create additional accounting and reporting work.
A VAT-registered business may need to maintain appropriate digital records and submit VAT returns under the applicable rules.
Seven Oak Prestige Quarterly VAT Return: £119 per quarter.
For four separately charged quarterly returns:
£119 × 4 = £476 per year.
This is an illustrative calculation using the published price.
The standard standalone VAT return service should not automatically be treated as including historical corrections, complex international VAT analysis or bookkeeping unless agreed.
Does Every UK Ltd Need VAT Registration?
No.
The ordinary UK VAT registration threshold is £90,000 of taxable turnover, subject to the applicable rules.
However, different registration rules may apply to businesses not established in the UK.
International founders should not assume the ordinary threshold applies to every overseas-operated business in the same way.
In particular, the ordinary UK VAT registration threshold is not generally available to non-established taxable persons making taxable supplies in the UK, although specific exemptions and other rules may be relevant.
Official guidance: GOV.UK — Register for VAT.
6. Annual Accounts vs CT600: What Is the Difference in Cost?
Annual accounts and a CT600 are separate requirements.
Annual Accounts
Annual accounts report the company’s financial position and performance under the applicable accounting rules.
The required accounts are filed with Companies House.
CT600 — Company Tax Return
The CT600 forms part of the company’s Corporation Tax return to HMRC.
It addresses taxable profits or losses and the relevant tax calculation.
Does an Accountant’s Fee Always Include Both?
No.
Some providers quote separately for annual accounts and tax-return work.
Others combine them.
Seven Oak Prestige’s published Low-Transaction, Small Active, Essential and Managed services include CT600 work within their stated scope.
The exact engagement should always be confirmed.
Does Filing Accounts Automatically Complete the CT600?
No.
Submitting annual accounts to Companies House does not, by itself, complete the company’s Corporation Tax return obligations.
Important Change in 2026
The former joint online service for filing company accounts and Company Tax Returns closed on 31 March 2026.
From 1 April 2026, companies generally need compatible commercial software to submit Company Tax Returns to HMRC, subject to the limited exceptions for paper filing.
Annual accounts can still be filed with Companies House through the available routes.
This makes it important to confirm whether the accountant’s service includes the required tax-return software filing.
Official source: HMRC — Filing After Closure of the Joint Online Service.
7. Are Companies House Fees Included in Accountant Fees?
Not necessarily.
A professional accounting fee and a statutory government fee are different expenses.
Confirmation Statement Fee — £50
The Companies House digital confirmation statement fee is £50 in 2026.
This fee took effect on 1 February 2026.
The confirmation statement is separate from annual accounts and the CT600.
Seven Oak Prestige’s Essential Accounting package includes the confirmation statement statutory filing fee within its published annual price.
The standalone Confirmation Statement Preparation & Filing service is separately advertised at £199 total, including the statutory filing fee.
Do not assume that every annual accounts service includes confirmation statement preparation or its filing fee.
Are Annual Accounts Filing Fees the Same as Accountant Fees?
No.
Professional preparation and submission charges depend on the work required.
Ordinary Companies House annual accounts filing should not be confused with a universal statutory accountant fee.
Is Corporation Tax Included in the Accountant’s Fee?
No.
Corporation Tax is a separate tax liability based on the company’s taxable profits and applicable rules.
The professional fee for preparing a return does not pay the company’s Corporation Tax bill.
Official source: Companies House — Current Statutory Fees.
8. UK Ltd Accounting Deadlines in 2026
The main filing deadlines are not all the same.
First Annual Accounts
For a private limited company, the first Companies House accounts are generally due 21 months after incorporation.
The precise date should be checked against the company’s accounting reference period and any applicable changes.
Subsequent Annual Accounts
For a private limited company, annual accounts are generally due nine months after the financial year-end.
Corporation Tax Payment
Under the ordinary payment rules, Corporation Tax is generally due nine months and one day after the relevant accounting period ends.
Different rules can apply to larger companies.
Company Tax Return
A Company Tax Return is generally due 12 months after the end of the Corporation Tax accounting period.
Confirmation Statement
A company must file its confirmation statement at least once every 12 months, with submission normally due within 14 days after the end of the review period.
Why Do These Deadlines Matter?
A company may need to pay Corporation Tax before its Company Tax Return filing deadline.
Its Companies House accounts may also have a different deadline.
The first accounts period and the Corporation Tax accounting period do not always match.
An accounting service should therefore be assessed against the company’s actual filing calendar.
Official guidance: GOV.UK — Prepare Annual Accounts.
9. What Happens If a UK Ltd Files Its Accounts Late?
Companies House imposes penalties for late annual accounts.
For private limited companies, the standard penalties are:
Not more than one month late — £150
More than one month but not more than three months late — £375
More than three months but not more than six months late — £750
More than six months late — £1,500
The penalty can double where accounts are filed late in two successive financial years.
HMRC has separate rules and penalties for late Company Tax Returns and unpaid tax.
Late filing can therefore cost more than the original accounting service.
Professional support may help organise records and filings, but the directors remain responsible for ensuring that the company complies with its legal obligations.
Official guidance: Companies House — Late Filing Penalties.
10. UK Ltd Accounting Cost Examples
The following examples use Seven Oak Prestige’s published prices.
They are illustrative service combinations, not personalised quotations or UK market averages.
Example A: Dormant Company
An eligible UK Ltd has remained genuinely dormant.
Dormant Company Accounts: £249/year.
Other statutory and administrative obligations may still apply.
Example B: Low-Transaction Consultancy
A company issues occasional invoices and qualifies for the Low-Transaction service.
Low-Transaction Accounts + CT600: £449/year.
Additional work outside the agreed scope may be priced separately.
Example C: Small Active Business
An eligible active company needs annual accounts and Corporation Tax return support.
Small Active Company Accounts + CT600: £649/year.
Ongoing bookkeeping and VAT are not automatically included.
Example D: Essential Accounting
A company maintains its own bookkeeping and wants consolidated annual accounting and confirmation statement coordination.
Essential Accounting: £699/year.
The published price includes the Companies House confirmation statement statutory filing fee.
Example E: Managed Accounting
An eligible business needs bookkeeping for up to 50 monthly transactions, quarterly reviews and year-end accounting.
Managed Accounting: £1,699/year.
Example F: Small Active Accounts Plus Quarterly VAT
Assume the company qualifies for Small Active Company Accounts + CT600 and separately purchases four quarterly VAT returns.
Small Active Accounts + CT600: £649.
Four quarterly VAT returns: £476.
Illustrative total: £1,125/year.
This calculation excludes bookkeeping, payroll, additional compliance and work outside the agreed service scope.
Example G: Managed Plus
A VAT-registered business needs managed bookkeeping, VAT returns and broader accounting coordination.
Managed Plus: from £2,199/year.
The final price depends on transaction volume, VAT, payroll, payment channels and other requirements.
11. Does a Non-Resident UK Ltd Need an Accountant?
A UK limited company is not generally required to appoint an external accountant simply because its director or shareholder lives outside the UK.
The company must nevertheless comply with its UK accounting and filing obligations.
A non-resident director may face additional practical considerations, including foreign-currency transactions, multiple payment providers, international customers and possible overseas tax obligations.
Does Non-Resident Ownership Automatically Increase Accountant Fees?
No.
A straightforward UK company owned by a non-resident may have relatively simple accounting needs.
A company with several currencies, overseas management, complex transactions or foreign group arrangements may require additional work.
Can the Director Prepare the Accounts Personally?
Potentially.
However, the director must ensure the records and filings comply with the applicable requirements.
For a detailed discussion of whether professional accounting support is necessary, read Do I Need an Accountant for a UK Company If I Live Abroad?.
Does UK Accounting Resolve Foreign Tax Obligations?
Not automatically.
The company’s UK accounting and Corporation Tax position are separate from the personal tax obligations of its overseas shareholders or directors.
The company’s place of management and business activities may also raise cross-border tax questions.
Specialist advice may be necessary in the relevant jurisdiction.
12. Can You Do Your Limited Company Accounting Yourself?
A director may be able to maintain company records and prepare certain filings without appointing an external accountant.
However, this does not remove the company’s statutory obligations.
When DIY Accounting May Be Realistic
It may be more manageable where the company is genuinely dormant or has very limited activity, straightforward transactions and no complex VAT, payroll or international issues.
The director must still understand the relevant reporting requirements.
When Professional Accounting Support Becomes More Valuable
Professional support may be particularly useful where the company has active trading, VAT, payroll, director’s loans, multiple currencies, international transactions or incomplete records.
It can also be valuable when the director does not have sufficient time or technical knowledge to manage the required filings accurately.
Does Accounting Software Replace an Accountant?
Not necessarily.
Software can assist with bookkeeping, invoicing, reconciliation and digital filing.
It does not automatically determine the correct accounting or tax treatment of every transaction.
The right combination of software, bookkeeping and professional accounting depends on the business.
13. How Much Does It Cost to Set Up and Maintain a UK Ltd?
Accounting is one component of the total cost of operating a limited company.
A founder should distinguish between:
Incorporation costs: The cost of creating the legal entity.
Accounting costs: Annual accounts, CT600, bookkeeping and other financial reporting services.
Statutory filing fees: Relevant Companies House charges.
Address services: Registered office, director service address and any other agreed address arrangements.
Tax liabilities: Corporation Tax, VAT and other taxes where applicable.
Operating expenses: Banking, software, payroll, insurance and ordinary business expenditure.
For example, the standard digital Companies House incorporation fee is £100 in 2026.
That fee is separate from the company’s annual accounting obligations.
For a fuller breakdown of incorporation and first-year expenses, read UK Company Formation Cost for Non-Residents: 2026 Fees.
This distinction matters because a low-cost formation package does not automatically include a year’s accounting services.
14. How to Choose the Right Accountant for a Limited Company
Before appointing an accountant, establish exactly what the company needs.
Confirm the Company’s Trading Status
Is it dormant, low-transaction or actively trading?
Identify the Monthly Workload
How many transactions occur each month?
How many bank accounts, currencies and payment platforms are involved?
Check the Annual Filing Requirements
Does the company need annual accounts, a CT600, confirmation statement coordination or additional tax work?
Confirm VAT and Payroll Requirements
Are VAT returns or payroll services required?
Ask What Is Included in the Price
A lower annual fee may exclude bookkeeping, VAT or confirmation statement services.
Check Whether Historical Work Is Included
Overdue accounts, incomplete bookkeeping and prior-year corrections may require additional work.
Consider International Expertise
Where the company is managed from overseas, the provider should understand UK accounting requirements and recognise when cross-border tax advice is necessary.
Establish Who Performs the Accounting Work
The client should understand who prepares the accounts, who supervises the work and who is responsible for communication.
At Seven Oak Prestige, accounting and tax work is delivered through our ACCA-accredited accounting partners, with Seven Oak Prestige acting as the client’s single point of contact within the agreed engagement.
A suitable accounting service should have a clearly defined scope, transparent pricing and an agreed allocation of responsibilities.
15. Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an accountant cost for a UK limited company?
There is no fixed statutory accountant fee. The cost depends on the company’s activity and the work required. Seven Oak Prestige’s published services include dormant accounts at £249 per year, standalone accounts and CT600 services from £449, and annual accounting packages from £699.
How much are limited company accountant fees per year?
Annual accountant fees depend on whether the company is dormant, active or needs ongoing bookkeeping, VAT and payroll support. Compare the services included rather than relying on the headline price alone.
Do I legally need an accountant for a UK Ltd?
Not generally. Directors may manage the company’s records and filings themselves or appoint an accountant. The company must still comply with the relevant legal requirements.
How much does it cost to file annual accounts and a CT600?
Professional fees depend on the company’s circumstances and the provider’s scope. Seven Oak Prestige publishes Low-Transaction Accounts + CT600 at £449 and Small Active Company Accounts + CT600 at £649 for eligible companies.
Are annual accounts and CT600 the same?
No. Annual accounts report the company’s financial information, while a CT600 forms part of the Corporation Tax return to HMRC.
How much do dormant company accounts cost?
Seven Oak Prestige’s published Dormant Company Accounts service costs £249 per year for eligible companies.
Does a dormant UK Ltd still need to file accounts?
Generally, yes. Dormant companies can still have Companies House annual accounts and confirmation statement obligations.
How much does bookkeeping cost for a limited company?
Seven Oak Prestige publishes bookkeeping at £99 per month for up to 50 transactions and £149 per month for 51–100 transactions, subject to the agreed service scope.
How much does a quarterly VAT return cost?
Seven Oak Prestige’s published standalone quarterly VAT return service costs £119 per quarter. Four returns at that price would total £476.
Is the Companies House confirmation statement included in accountant fees?
Not always. The digital statutory fee is £50 in 2026. Seven Oak Prestige’s Essential Accounting package includes confirmation statement preparation and filing coordination together with the statutory fee.
Does a non-resident director need a UK accountant?
Not simply because the director lives abroad. However, professional support may be valuable where the company has active trading, multiple currencies, VAT, payroll or cross-border accounting issues.
16. UK Ltd Accounting Services from Seven Oak Prestige
Seven Oak Prestige Ltd supports eligible UK and international founders with company formation, accounting coordination and ongoing corporate administration.
Our accounting services are designed to reflect the company’s actual workload.
Dormant Company Accounts — £249/year
For eligible dormant companies.
Low-Transaction Accounts + CT600 — £449/year
For qualifying low-activity businesses.
Small Active Company Accounts + CT600 — £649/year
For qualifying active limited companies.
Essential Accounting — £699/year
For companies that maintain their own bookkeeping and need annual accounts, Corporation Tax and confirmation statement coordination.
Managed Accounting — £1,699/year
For companies requiring ongoing bookkeeping up to 50 transactions per month, quarterly reviews and annual compliance support.
Managed Plus — From £2,199/year
For VAT-registered, growing or more complex companies requiring a broader agreed scope.
Standalone bookkeeping, VAT, payroll and other services are also available.
Accounting Work Delivered Through Qualified Partners
Seven Oak Prestige acts as the client’s point of contact.
Accounting and tax work is delivered through our ACCA-accredited accounting partners in accordance with the agreed engagement scope.
Before onboarding, the required services and price are confirmed against the company’s activity, records and reporting requirements.
Need a Quote for Your UK Ltd Accounting?
If you are unsure which accounting service your company needs, we can help establish the appropriate scope.
To request a quotation, it is useful to provide:
- Company name: Your registered UK company name.
- Trading status: Dormant or active.
- Business activity: What the company does.
- Monthly transactions: An approximate number.
- VAT and payroll: Whether either applies.
- Director’s country of residence: Where the director lives.
- Accounting status: Whether you already have an accountant or any overdue filings.
These details help determine whether a standalone service, Essential Accounting, Managed Accounting or a broader package may be suitable.
Request an Accounting Quote on WhatsApp
You can also explore our UK Accounting Services and Packages.
The final scope and price are confirmed before engagement.
Final Thoughts
The cost of an accountant for a UK Ltd depends on the company’s workload, not simply its registration status.
A genuinely dormant company may need a relatively straightforward filing service.
An active company may require annual accounts and a CT600.
A business with recurring transactions may benefit from ongoing bookkeeping.
A VAT-registered or growing company may require a broader accounting arrangement.
For non-resident founders, the location of management, international transactions and foreign tax considerations may add complexity.
The most useful way to compare accountant fees is to follow this sequence:
Company activity → Accounting obligations → Transaction volume → Required services → Package inclusions → Total annual cost.
The lowest advertised fee is not necessarily the best value if essential work is excluded.
Equally, a company with simple requirements may not need a comprehensive managed accounting package.
Choose accounting support that reflects what your UK limited company actually needs.
Official Sources and Further Reading
GOV.UK — Accounts and Tax Returns for Private Limited Companies
GOV.UK — Dormant Companies and Associations
Companies House — Confirmation Statement
Companies House — Current Statutory Fees
Companies House — Late Filing Penalties
HMRC — Filing After Closure of the Joint Online Service
About the Author
Isaac Jackson
Founder & Managing Director — Seven Oak Prestige Ltd
Isaac Jackson supports international and non-resident founders establishing and maintaining UK companies. His work covers UK company formation, statutory-address arrangements, Companies House administration, compliance preparation, accounting-service coordination and ongoing corporate administration.
Through Seven Oak Prestige, he works with founders and overseas businesses seeking practical, properly scoped UK company-support services.
Seven Oak Prestige Ltd
Company Registration No. 16903092
Registered Office: 124 City Road, London EC1V 2NX, United Kingdom
Last reviewed: 20 October 2026
Editorial Methodology
This guide distinguishes statutory UK company accounting obligations from professional accountant fees and Seven Oak Prestige’s published service prices.
Companies House and HMRC guidance was reviewed for confirmation statement fees, annual accounts deadlines, Company Tax Returns, the closure of the joint online filing service and late filing penalties.
Seven Oak Prestige package prices were checked against the company’s published UK Accounting Services page.
Illustrative cost calculations are based on the published prices and stated assumptions. They are not presented as market-wide averages or binding quotations.
Editorial Disclaimer
This article provides general educational information and does not constitute personalised accounting, tax, legal or financial advice.
The applicable requirements depend on the company’s trading status, transactions, ownership, management, reporting obligations and other circumstances.
Accounting and tax work is delivered through Seven Oak Prestige’s ACCA-accredited accounting partners according to the agreed engagement scope.
Package eligibility, inclusions and additional charges are subject to onboarding, the availability of complete records and written confirmation of scope.
Directors remain responsible for ensuring that their companies comply with applicable statutory obligations