The two pricing models, honestly compared
| Monthly package | Fixed fee per filing | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | ~£50–£150+ /month advertised, varies with bundle | Pay per job — e.g. £399 + VAT accounts + CT600 |
| Best for | Payroll, VAT, bookkeeping needed year-round | Tidy records, filings once a year |
| Risk | Paying monthly for services you never use | Extras cost extra — check what’s included |
| Annual total (typical one-director co.) | £600–£1,800+ | £399–£598 + VAT (accounts, + SA100 if needed) |
The comparison isn’t “cheap vs expensive” — it’s what your company actually consumes. A contractor with clean software records and no employees rarely needs a retainer. A company running payroll for five staff and quarterly VAT probably does.
What drives the price up (whoever you use)
- Company size — above the micro-entity thresholds means fuller accounts and more work
- Record quality — reconstruction of a year’s bank statements costs more than reviewing tidy software
- Add-on services — payroll, VAT returns, bookkeeping, references for mortgages
- Complexity — multiple share classes, associated companies, property, foreign income
- Urgency — some firms charge a premium near deadlines (we don’t; we just need your records promptly)
Our fixed fees, for comparison
- Micro-entity accounts + Corporation Tax return: £399 + VAT
- Director Self Assessment (SA100): £199 + VAT
- Dormant company accounts: £80 + VAT
One-off, agreed before work starts, no subscription. Call 0114 327 1480 or see the full price list.