THE BANKEO BAROMETER

How much does an accountant really cost?

On average, around $2,000 per year, ranging from $500 to $6,000 depending on your sector and situation. This applies to all profiles, from sole traders to incorporated companies. This is a guideline, not a fixed price: that will be determined with your accountant, based on your specific circumstances.

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~2 000 $

per year, median SME;

500 to 6,000?

depending on the sector;

15 000+

applications received since 2023

1 248

files analyzed (sample 2024-2026);

The ranking of fees, by sector

Median annual fee for an SME, excluding taxes, from highest to most affordable.

Wealth management

3 500 $

Construction

2 600 $

Catering

2 500 $

Hospitality and tourism

2 500 $

Startups and technology

2 500 $

E-commerce

2 000 $

Real Estate

2 000 $

Healthcare professionals

1 200 $

Events

1 000 $

Median price of applications received by Bankeo, 2024-2026, across all profiles, from sole traders to incorporated companies. This is a guideline, not your price: it depends on your volume, your situation, and the services chosen.

The cost of an accountant by sector

These medians are derived from the analysis of a deduplicated sample of 1,248 actual records via Bankeo (2024-2026). The "Actual Cases" column indicates the sample size per sector: the larger the sample size, the more robust the median. The median reflects the typical mandate and holds up well for very large cases. Sectors with small sample sizes (transportation, agriculture, finance, wholesalers, startups, industry) are not listed: their median would remain indicative, so we refer to the overall anchor of approximately $2,000 per year, ranging from $500 to $6,000 depending on the complexity.

Sector |

Real cases

Annual median

Professional services (consultants, legal, communication);

562

1 000 $

Construction

2 360 $

Real Estate

1 000 $

Events and culture

1 000 $

Healthcare professionals

750 $

IT and technology;

1 630 $

Online commerce (e-commerce);

1 325 $

Retail

1 800 $

Food and accommodation

1 500 $

What makes the price vary?

Two companies in the same sector can pay double. Five factors explain the difference.

The volume of transactions

The more invoices, payrolls, and bank transactions you have, the more time bookkeeping takes.

Tax complexity

Incorporation, management company, activities in several departments, dividends: the more elaborate the structure, the more work it requires.

The level of service

Simple accounting doesn't cost as much as full support with taxes, advice and planning throughout the year.

Your sector?

Each profession has its own deductions, obligations, and pitfalls. This is the full extent of the difference visible in the table above.

The status of your files

Keeping your accounts up to date is cheaper than catching up on several months or years of work.

Real figures, the same rigor

These price ranges are based on actual requests received by Bankeo since 2023, not generic estimates. This is the same requirement as for everything else: before recommending an accountant, we verify them against more than 67 criteria.

Discover the Bankeo index

Method: Indicative annual fees, excluding taxes, from self-employed individuals to incorporated companies, based on requests received by Bankeo (data from 2024-2026). Please note: your actual price is determined directly with the accountant you choose. Bankeo is a matching service, not an accounting firm, and remains free for you.

Frequently asked questions about the price of an accountant

How much does an accountant cost for a small business?

On average, around $2,000 per year, ranging from $500 to $6,000 depending on your industry, volume, and chosen services. Bankeo will connect you with a free accountant tailored to your specific needs and budget.

Why do prices vary so much from one accountant to another?

Because the price depends on your transaction volume, the complexity of your case, the level of service, and your sector. The same need can therefore vary from one to two times the price.

Do the prices include taxes (VAT and VAT)?

No. The price ranges in the Barometer are shown excluding taxes. VAT is added to the fees, as with any professional service.

Does Bankeo take a commission on the price?

No. Bankeo is completely free for entrepreneurs. You pay the accountant directly, at the price agreed upon with them. Bankeo is paid by the accountants in its network, never through your invoice.

Is a cheaper accountant a bad choice?

Not necessarily. The right price is the one that matches your actual needs. An accountant who understands your industry might cost less and save you more on taxes.

How can I get an accurate price for my situation?

Describe your business to Bankeo: we will present you with a free accountant who matches your sector and budget, and you agree on the price directly with him.

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Also read: everything about the price of an accountant

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Accountant or accounting software: the real cost

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