"How much does an accountant cost in Quebec"? This is the question that thousands of entrepreneurs ask themselves every year before hiring a professional accountant. Rates vary wildly – from $90 to over $7,000 per year – depending on your needs, the size of your business, and the type of accountant you choose.
In 2026, the prices of accounting services in Quebec continue to evolve with inflation, growing demand, and new tax regulations. Whether you're a self-employed person looking to do your taxes or an SME with 50 employees that needs monthly bookkeeping, understanding the Quebec market's fee schedule is essential to budgeting properly and avoiding unpleasant surprises.
This comprehensive guide details the true prices in 2026 for all accounting services, the factors that influence rates, and how to find the best value for money through the accounting match.
Here is the most complete fee schedule for the Quebec market in 2026, based on data from more than 1,500 Bankeo partner accounting firms and confirmed by statistics from the Ordre des CPA du Québec.
| Service | Low range | Mid Range | High range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate (not approved) | $100 | $150 | $250 |
| Hourly Rate (CPA) | $150 | $250 | $400 |
| Monthly micro-enterprise package | $200 | $350 | $500 |
| SME monthly package (20 employees) | $500 | $1,000 | $2,000 |
| T2 return (corporate income) | $1,000 | $2,500 | $5,000 |
| Simple personal tax | $90 | $200 | $250 |
| Complex personal taxes | $150 | $300 | $500 |
| Monthly bookkeeping | $200 | $600 | $1,500 |
| Annual Financial Statements | $1,000 | $2,000 | $4,000 |
| Payroll (monthly) | $150 | $400 | $1,000 |
| Compilation Engagement | $1,500 | $3,000 | $6,000 |
| Tax Planning | $500 | $1,500 | $3,000 |
Source: Data compiled from 1,500+ Bankeo partner accounting firms, 2026. Rates may vary depending on the region, the experience of the accountant and the complexity of your file.
The difference in hourly rates reflects the level of accreditation and experience of the professional accountant:
To learn more about the differences between these profiles, check out our guide Clerk, technician or CPA: how to choose.
Many firms offer all-inclusive monthly packages for small businesses, which simplifies budgeting. These packages typically include:
The monthly cost depends on the volume of transactions:
Annual services are often billed on a flat rate rather than an hourly basis:
For individuals, the rates depend on the complexity of your tax situation:
Accountants specializing in self-employment often offer annual packages that include tax planning and instalments.
Prices displayed are before taxes. Add the GST (5%) and the QST (9.975%) to get the total cost. For example, a $1,000 monthly plan will actually cost $1,149.75 after taxes. However, some accounting services are exempt from taxes depending on the nature of the mandate.
Why do the rates vary so much from one practice to another? Here are the 7 determining factors:
| Factor | Impact on price | Concrete example |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Company size | The larger the company, the more work increases | Self-employed: $200/month vs. SME 50 employees: $2,000/month |
| 2. Complexity of operations | International, multi-currency, complex inventory transactions | Local restaurant: $800/month vs. multi-location chain: $3,000/month |
| 3. Industry | Some sectors require specialized expertise | Retail: Standard rate vs. construction: +20-30% |
| 4. Accounting Accreditation | CPA costs 2-3x more than a technician | Technician: $100/hr vs CPA: $250/hr |
| 5. Geography | Montreal and Quebec City are 10-20% more expensive than the regions | Montreal: $1,200/month vs. Saguenay: $900/month |
| 6. Frequency of Services | Long-term commitment = discount vs. one-off = full price | Annual fee: -15% vs. single consultation: full hourly rate |
| 7. Accounting Status | Accounting delay = overtime remedial hours | Up-to-date accounting: normal rate vs. 2 years late: +50-100% |
This is the most decisive factor. Here's a breakdown by category:
Some sectors of activity require particular expertise and cost more:
To find an accountant who specializes in your industry, check out our network of 1,500+ partner firms.
A CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant) costs on average 2 to 3 times more than an accounting technician or clerk. Is this difference in price justified?
You MUST hire a CPA if:
An accounting technician is sufficient to:
The general rule: pay for a CPA when the tax or financial issues justify the investment. While good tax planning can save you $10,000 in taxes, paying $2,000 to a CPA pays off. If you only need basic bookkeeping, a $100/hr technician will do just fine.
To learn more, check out our guide Accountant vs. Tax Specialist: The Differences.
Two billing models dominate the Quebec market:
Advantages:
Cons:
Recommended for: Self-employed workers with simple incomes, businesses with irregular needs, ad hoc strategic consultations.
Advantages:
Cons:
Recommended for: SMEs with regular needs, growing companies, startups in need of continuous support.
Here's a simple rule:
Most Bankeo partner firms offer both options. During the free match, our advisors help you choose the most advantageous model according to your profile.
Beware of additional costs that can inflate the final bill:
How to avoid surprises:
Bankeo negotiates price transparency with all its partner firms: no hidden fees, clear quotes, respected prices.
Here are 8 proven strategies to reduce your accounting costs while maintaining quality service:
If you use accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero, or Sage, you can enter your transactions yourself and only pay the accountant for:
Potential savings: $300-$800/month (40-60% off)
Accounting delays are costly. An accountant charges 50-100% more to catch up on 6-12 months than to process transactions as they go.
Potential savings: $1,000 to $3,000/year
Every hour the accountant spends looking for your receipts or clarifying transactions, that's $150-300 on your invoice. Arrive prepared:
Potential savings: $500 to $1,500/year
You don't need a $300/hr CPA for data entry. Two-level structure:
Potential savings: $2,000 to $5,000/year
Firms often offer a 15-25% discount for an annual commitment vs. monthly fee-for-service billing.
Potential savings: $1,500 to $4,000/year
Some firms offer discounts of 10-20% for work done outside of the tax period (May to January). Plan your strategic consultations in the summer.
Potential savings: $200 to $800/year
Good accounting software connected to your bank accounts reduces data entry time by 60-80%:
A $500/year investment in software can save you $2,000-4,000/year in accounting fees.
Bankeo negotiates preferential rates with its 1,500+ partner firms. On average, our clients save 20-30% on their annual accounting fees through:
Potential savings: $2,000 to $10,000/year
Since 2023, Bankeo has helped more than 12,000 Quebec entrepreneurs find their ideal accountant. Our bookkeeping matchmaking model works like a broker: we analyze your needs and connect you with the best firms in our network of 1,500+ partners, depending on the number of accountants you want to meet.
Receive free quotes from qualified accountants within 48 hours. Compare rates, expertise and choose the best one for your business.
Get my free quotesFor a small business (5-20 employees), budget between $1,000 and $2,000 per month for a package that includes bookkeeping, payroll, monthly reports and advisory support. If you only need the annual T2 return and financial statements, expect to pay between $2,000 and $4,000 per year.
The hourly rate varies from $100 to $400 depending on the accreditation: an accounting clerk charges $20-60/hour, a technician $60-120/hour, and a CPA $150-400/hour. The average for an experienced CPA is around $250/hour.
A T2 return costs between $1,000 and $5,000 depending on the complexity of your business. A small corporation with simple income will pay around $1,500, while a company with subsidiaries, international transactions, or SR&ED credits can pay up to $5,000 or more.
For an individual, count between $90 and $500 depending on your situation: $90-150 for a simple employee, $200-400 for a self-employed worker, and $300-500 for a complex situation (multiple incomes, investments, rental properties).
Yes, an accounting technician or clerk costs 50-70% less than a CPA. However, they cannot carry out certain mandates (audit, compilation, representation before Revenu Québec). For basic bookkeeping, a technician is enough. For complex tax planning or business returns, a CPA is recommended.
A monthly plan is usually 15-25% cheaper and more predictable if you need regular services (more than 10 hours/month). The hourly rate is preferred for occasional needs (annual declaration only, single consultation).
Beware of over-volume fees (additional transactions), out-of-bundle services (tax planning, SR&ED credits), emergencies (25-50% markup), accounting catch-up (if late), and software ($30-100/month). Always ask for a detailed written quote.
To reduce your costs: (1) do your basic bookkeeping yourself, (2) keep your accounting up to date all year round, (3) prepare your documents before meetings, (4) choose the right level of expertise (technician vs CPA), (5) negotiate an annual package, (6) compare quotes from qualified accountants with Bankeo.
Yes, rates in Montreal and Quebec City are about 10-20% higher than in the regions (Saguenay, Abitibi, Gaspésie). However, with virtualization, you can hire an accountant in the region to benefit from more competitive rates while maintaining a quality service.
A tech startup typically pays 25-40% more than a traditional company due to complexity (SR&ED credits, equity capitalization, financing, stock options). Plan $1,500-3,000/month for a complete package with a CPA specialized tech. Bankeo has accountants specialized in startups in its network.
The data in this article comes from:
The price ranges are based on actual data from 12,000+ matches made by Bankeo between 2023 and 2026, validated by public statistics from the Ordre des CPA du Québec and independent market sources.
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