Cost of an accountant for Self-Employed individuals in Quebec in 2026: The real numbers

At a Glance. For a self-employed individual in Quebec, preparing T1 (federal) and TP1 (Quebec) tax returns generally costs between $300 and $900 per year. When GST/QST returns or basic bookkeeping are added, the cost for self-employed individuals ranges from $500 to $1,500 per year, well below the overall median of approximately $3,000 observed across all profiles. These amounts are based on the actual fees from 1,248 assignments completed through Bankeo (2024-2026), out of more than 15,000 requests received; full details are published in the Bankeo Fee Barometer. All amounts are in Canadian dollars.

Whether you’re a graphic designer, consultant, massage therapist, truck driver, or self-employed developer, the same question comes up every spring: How much should an accountant cost me? The answers you find online vary by a factor of four, often without explaining where the numbers come from. At Bankeo, we’ve decided to publish what self-employed workers actually pay. Since 2023, the platform has received more than 15,000 matching requests, and 1,248 contracts signed between 2024 and 2026 provide the data for this Bankeo Fee Barometer. This article focuses on the self-employed segment of this study, explains what factors affect the cost, and shows you how to estimate your taxes yourself before meeting with a professional.

The Self-Employed segment of the Bankeo Fee Barometer

The Barometer is not a survey: when a Bankeo match results in a retained engagement, the actual fees agreed upon between the business owner and their accountant are recorded. Across all engagements, the median fee is approximately $3,000 per year, with most engagements ranging from $500 to $6,000. The self-employed segment, however, is significantly lower: from $500 to $1,500 per year for comprehensive support, and the majority of self-employed individuals pay less than $1,000 per year. Here are the ranges observed, by profile.

Source of figures: based on actual fees from 1,248 contracts concluded through Bankeo (2024-2026), out of more than 15,000 requests received. The ranges have been rounded for ease of reading; the precise medians, broken down by service and sector, are published and updated in the Bankeo Fee Barometer. For an overview of the market, including incorporated small and medium-sized businesses, see our Comprehensive Study on the Cost of an Accountant in Quebec in 2026 and our guide on The Cost of Accounting Services in Quebec.

Factors affecting a Self-Employed person’s bill

Within these ranges, five variables account for nearly all of the variations observed across engagements:

• Registration for the GST and QST. As soon as your taxable income exceeds $30,000 over four consecutive calendar quarters, registration becomes mandatory. Tax returns add a recurring task, and therefore a few hundred dollars to the fee.
• The State of Your Records. Income and expenses that are recorded as they come in are processed quickly; a pile of invoices handed over in April results in overtime charges. The difference can amount to several hundred dollars.
• Expenses to be itemized. Home office, a vehicle used partly for work, cell phone, Tools, training: the more mixed expenses there are to allocate between personal and business use, the more meticulous the preparation must be.
• Years Behind. Catching up on unfiled tax returns is billed as a separate project, in addition to the ongoing retainer. The longer you wait, the higher the bill gets, not to mention the interest and penalties from the CRA and Revenu Québec.
• The Need for Advice. Contributing to an RRSP or TFSA, planning for estimated tax payments, and assessing whether incorporating a business would be beneficial: these planning considerations justify a more comprehensive package, and this is often where an accountant adds more value than they cost.

Your tax obligations and how they affect your bill

An accountant’s fee primarily reflects the number of obligations that need to be addressed. Here is an overview of the obligations of a self-employed person in Quebec, along with the thresholds and deadlines that trigger accounting work.

There are two pitfalls that come up time and again. The first: the June 15 deadline is for filing, not for payment; if you owe taxes, interest begins to accrue on April 30. The second: in their first profitable year, many self-employed individuals suddenly find themselves facing taxes due, both QPP contributions, and the estimated payments required for the following year. This is exactly the kind of surprise that an accountant, or at the very least, a good estimate, can help you anticipate.

Estimate your taxes first: The calculator reflex

Before you even request a quote, take five minutes to assess your situation. Here’s the three-step method:

• 1. Calculate your net business income. Add up your income for the year, then subtract your deductible expenses (home office, vehicle, equipment, telecommunications, training). It’s this net amount that’s taxed, not your gross revenue.
• 2. Enter it in the Bankeo Individual Tax Calculator. You’ll receive an estimate of your combined federal (CRA) and Quebec (Revenu Québec) taxes, and thus the amount you need to set aside from each client payment.
• 3. Compare the result to the cost of an accountant. If your estimated tax liability exceeds $1,800, you’ll need to make tax instalments; if you have significant mixed expenses or are unsure whether to choose an RRSP or a TFSA, a $300 to $900 fee often pays for itself with just the first optimized tax return.

The calculator provides an estimate, not professional advice: it does not replace a detailed breakdown of your expenses or financial planning. But it puts you in a position of strength: you’ll walk into your accountant’s office knowing your net income, your approximate tax liability, and your obligations, and you can discuss the quote based on facts. It’s the same logic as the Barometer: real numbers rather than impressions.

Tax software or an accountant: Making the right choice

Over-the-counter tax software costs between $0 and $150 and is sufficient when the situation is straightforward: a single source of business income, few expenses, and no GST or QST to manage. Hiring an accountant becomes the best choice as soon as things get more complicated: tax registration, mixed expenses that need to be justified in the event of an audit, estimated tax payments to plan for, and growing income that raises the question of incorporation. In the cases reviewed through Bankeo, the gap between software and a professional narrows quickly: for a few hundred deductible dollars, you gain better-documented deductions, met deadlines, and answers throughout the year. Our guide to Choosing the Right Accountant for Your Business lists the questions to ask before signing.

Frequently asked questions

How much will an accountant cost a self-employed person in Quebec in 2026?

Preparing T1 and TP1 returns typically costs between $300 and $900 per year, and the full self-employed package ranges from $500 to $1,500, depending on GST/QST, bookkeeping, and record-keeping. These amounts are based on the actual fees from 1,248 contracts concluded through Bankeo (2024-2026), out of more than 15,000 requests received; the details are published in the Bankeo Fee Barometer.

Are my accountant’s fees tax-deductible?

Yes. Accounting fees related to your self-employment are a deductible business expense, which can be subtracted from your business income at both the federal level (Form T2125) and in Quebec (Schedule L and TP-80). The actual after-tax cost is therefore lower than the amount invoiced. Keep the invoice with your other supporting documents.

Do I need to register for the GST and QST as a self-employed individual?

Registration becomes mandatory as soon as your taxable income exceeds $30,000 over four consecutive calendar quarters. In Quebec, Revenu Québec administers both taxes: the 5% GST and the 9.975% QST. If you’re below the threshold, you’re considered a small supplier, and registration is optional; it may be worth it if you want to claim back the taxes paid on your business purchases.

When do I need to file my T1 and TP1 returns?

As a self-employed individual, you have until June 15 to file your T1 (CRA) and TP1 (Revenu Québec) returns. Watch out for this trap: any outstanding tax balance remains due on April 30, and interest begins to accrue from that date. If your tax liability exceeds $1,800, quarterly tax instalments may also be required for the following year.

Is tax software enough for a Self-Employed person?

Yes, when the situation is simple: one source of income, few expenses, and no taxes to manage. Hiring an accountant becomes cost-effective as soon as you factor in the GST and QST, mixed expenses such as a home office or a vehicle, advance tax payments to plan for, or considerations about incorporating your business. A good tip: First, estimate your taxes using the Individual tax calculator, then compare.

Is Bankeo really free for the self-employed?

Yes, absolutely. You pay nothing to be matched, neither at the time of your request nor afterward. Bankeo is compensated by the accountants in its network through a fixed fee per file, which is known in advance. Your fees are a matter between you and your accountant, and the Barometer helps you verify that they’re fair.

Official sources

1. Revenu Québec, Self-Employed Individuals (Obligations, TP1, Estimated Tax Payments)
2. Canada Revenue Agency, Guide T4002: Income from Self-Employment
3. Revenu Québec, Business Section (GST, QST, Withholdings)
4. Ordre des CPA du Québec
5. Éducaloi (legal information for self-employed workers)