How much should an accountant cost in Brighton? What fixed fees actually mean

Accountancy fees confuse people. Hourly rates, fixed fees, monthly retainers, packages — it is not always obvious what you are paying for or whether you are getting good value. This article gives you a clear picture of what Brighton accountants typically charge and what to expect for your money.

The two main pricing models

Hourly rate billing: You are charged for time spent on your work. Rates in Brighton typically range from £75 to £200 per hour depending on the firm and the complexity of the work. The problem with hourly billing is that you never quite know what the final bill will be.

Fixed fee: You agree a price in advance for a defined scope of work — for example, annual accounts, Corporation Tax return, and Self Assessment for £X per year. No surprises. This is what Fitzpatrick Co does.

What does a typical fixed fee package include?

For a sole trader, a typical annual fixed fee package in Brighton covers your Self Assessment return, calculation of your tax liability, and basic advisory support. Expect to pay in the region of £400–£800 per year depending on the complexity of your affairs.

For a limited company director, a full package typically includes annual accounts, Corporation Tax return, and your personal Self Assessment. In Brighton, expect £900–£2,000 per year for a straightforward single-director company. Add payroll, VAT returns, and management accounts and the cost increases accordingly.

Why cheapest is rarely best

An accountant charging £200 per year for a limited company is either operating at a loss or cutting corners on quality. The risk is that your accounts are filed incorrectly, your tax position is not reviewed, and you miss legitimate reliefs. A good accountant should save you more than their fee in tax — or at the very minimum, keep you compliant and stress-free.

What should you expect from your accountant?

• A clear engagement letter setting out exactly what is included
• Proactive contact at key deadlines — not just when you chase
• Plain English explanations of your accounts and tax position
• A named contact who knows your business
• Advice on structuring and planning, not just compliance filing

Should you switch accountants?

Switching is much simpler than most people think. Your new accountant handles the professional clearance process — they write to your previous accountant, obtain your records, and take over from there. You do not need to do anything except sign a few forms. Many Brighton businesses stay with underperforming accountants simply because they assume switching is complicated. It is not.