Cost of accountant for self assessment submission

caeler

I’ve just registered for my UTR and I’ve decided I’d like to appoint an accountant for advice and support in submitting self assessment. I’ve been quoted £300-400+VAT for the first time depending on complexity as I need to explore tax relief on business mileage, charity donations and pension contributions over the last couple of years then £150-200+VAT annually for my annual submission. 

Does this sound fairly normal and reasonable? I’ve no idea how much these services should cost! What should I be looking for when appointing an accountant? Thanks in advance. 

Dazed_and_C0nfused

As you haven't said why you have registered for Self Assessment its a bit tricky for anyone to comment.

Could involve preparation of business accounts or it could be a, relatively, quicker job if it is say due to HICBC.

caeler

Apologies.  I'm a high earning employee on PAYE.  No HICBC.

allygate

On the face of it, it doesn't sound unreasonable. From past experience, for both personal, property and small business tax  advice, I've never come across a reputable accountant who would charge less than £300 for looking at your circumstances and providing advice.

Grumpy_chap

My Accountant charged me £240 + VAT for 2019 - 20 tax return. 
That is after many years with the same Accountant and using a spreadsheet developed over time to collate the information (plus necessary documents) in a format that makes it easy for him to translate out to do the calculations and tax return swiftly and with minimal effort by Accountant and no requests for any clarifications.

My wife paid slightly more as she has a slightly more complex personal tax return.

I would expect, if I went to any other Accountant, the fee would be higher as that individual would be looking from scratch and would have more to do and likely need to ask more questions to be sure of the correct status to report.

Based on that, the fees the OP has been quoted for the first time do not seem unreasonable.

Jeremy535897

There is a difference between set-up costs for a new client (often absorbed by the accountant) and one off advice on subjects like business mileage and charitable donations (normally charged for). Just the endlessly long and mostly unread letter of engagement will cost more to produce than the typical annual fee.

caeler

Thanks all, much appreciated.