How much should you actually pay for an accountant in 2026? If you own a small business in Quebec, this is a valid question. Accounting rates for small businesses in Quebec in 2026 range from $850 to over $10,000 per year, depending on the services selected, the billing model, and the size of your business.
The problem? The accounting industry lacks transparency when it comes to pricing. Hourly rates, monthly flat fees, annual flat fees, hybrid models... every firm has its own pricing structure, and hidden fees can drive up the bill by 20 to 40%. At Bankeo, after connecting more than 12,000 entrepreneurs with our 1,500+ partner firms since 2023, we’ve compiled the most comprehensive pricing data on the market.
This guide provides a detailed overview of each billing model, presents a comprehensive pricing table by service, and offers practical tips for reducing your accounting costs without compromising on quality.
Before comparing prices, it’s important to understand how accountants bill their clients. Each model has its advantages and pitfalls. Here are the four main billing models used by accounting firms in Quebec.
| Model | Price range | Benefits | Disadvantages | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate | $45 to $500+ per hour | Flexibility: Pay only for the time you use | Unexpected bill, risk of cost overruns | One-time assignments, consultations |
| Monthly plan | $500 to $2,000 per month | Predictable budget, recurring services included | Additional services billed separately | Small and medium-sized businesses with recurring needs |
| Annual subscription | $2,000 to $10,000 per year | 10% to 15% discount compared to the monthly, all-inclusive plan | Long-term commitment, less flexible | Established businesses with stable needs |
| Hybrid model | Base rate + hourly rate for extras | Balance between predictability and flexibility | More difficult to understand | A growing small business with evolving needs |
The hourly rate is the most common billing model among CPAs in Quebec. According tothe Ordre des CPA du Québec, each CPA is free to set their own rates based on their experience, the complexity of the engagement, and the level of responsibility involved. This model is best suited for one-time engagements, such as a tax consultation or a response to a notice of assessment.
The monthly package is ideal for small and medium-sized businesses that require regular services, such as bookkeeping, bank reconciliations, GST/QST remittances, and monthly financial reports. The cost ranges from $500 to $2,000, depending on the volume of transactions. Be sure to ask exactly what is included and what will be billed as an additional charge.
An annual package bundles all services (bookkeeping, T2/CO-17 returns, financial statements, tax advice) into a single, all-inclusive price. You typically receive a 10% to 15% discount compared to the total cost of monthly packages. This is the preferred option for established businesses looking to streamline their operations.
More and more firms are offering a hybrid model: a flat fee for recurring services, combined with an hourly rate for one-time engagements (tax audits, estate planning, restructuring). This model strikes a good balance between budget predictability and flexibility.
Here is the most comprehensive fee schedule on the Quebec market, based on data from more than 1,500 Bankeo partner accounting firms and industry averages observed in 2026.
| Service | Hourly rate | Typical package | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recurring (monthly) services | |||
| Bookkeeping | $75 to $150 per hour | $200 to $1,500 per month | Monthly |
| Payroll Management (per employee) | $25 to $50 per employee | $150 to $1,000 per month | Monthly / every two weeks |
| GST/QST Rebates | $75 to $150 per hour | $150 to $500 per quarter | Quarterly or monthly |
| Bank reconciliations | $75 to $150 per hour | Included in the bookkeeping package | Monthly |
| Advance payments | $75 to $150 per hour | $200 to $500 per quarter | Quarterly |
| Annual Services | |||
| T2/CO-17 Form + Report | $125 to $300 per hour | $1,000 to $3,000 | Annual |
| Year-End Financial Statements (supplement to T2/CO-17) | $125 to $300 per hour | $500 to $1,500 | Annual |
| Compilation project | $125 to $300 per hour | $2,000 to $6,000 | Annual |
| Review Mission | $200 to $400 per hour | $5,000 to $20,000 | Annual |
| Shareholder Tax Return | $150 to $250 per hour | $300 to $800 per person | Annual |
| Specialized Services | |||
| Tax planning | $200 to $350 per hour | $1,000 to $5,000 | Annual or one-time |
| Audit engagement | $300 to $500+ per hour | $7,500 to $50,000 | Annual (depending on complexity) |
| Strategic advice | $200 to $350 per hour | Upon request | Punctual |
| Response to Revenu Québec / CRA | $200 to $350 per hour | $500 to $3,000+ | Punctual |
| R&D Tax Credits | $250 to $400 per hour | $3,000 to $10,000+ | Annual |
Source: Data compiled from Bankeo’s 1,500+ partner accounting firms, Quebec market, 2026. Actual rates may vary depending on your region, the complexity of your case, and the accountant’s experience.
To find out the general price ranges and the overall cost of hiring an accountant based on your profile, see our guide “How Much Does an Accountant Cost in Quebec in 2026?”
All prices listed are before taxes. Add GST (5%) and QST (9.975%) to get the actual cost. A $1,000/month package will actually cost $1,149.75 after taxes. Good news: According tothe CRA, accounting fees are tax-deductible as a business expense.
What’s the biggest factor affecting your accounting bill? The size of your business. Here are the total annual costs you can expect based on your profile.
| Company size | Employees | Approximate revenue | Total annual cost | Typical services included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Micro-business | 0 to 5 | Less than $500,000 | $2,000 to $8,000 | Bookkeeping, T2/CO-17, GST/QST, shareholder tax |
| Small business | 5 to 25 | $500,000 to $2 million | $8,000 to $20,000 | All of the above + payroll, financial statements, compilation, tax planning |
| Mid-sized company | 25 to 100 | $2 million to $10 million | $20,000 to $50,000+ | All of the above + audit, strategic consulting, and advanced tax planning |
These ranges represent the total annual cost for all accounting services. Self-employed individuals without employees can get by starting at $1,500 per year for basic needs.
Why might two small businesses of similar size receive very different quotes? Here are the six factors that directly influence the accounting rate you’ll pay.
The level of qualification has the most direct impact on the hourly rate:
To learn more about the differences between these roles, check out our guide, “Clerk, Technician, or CPA: How to Choose.”
A local business with straightforward income will not pay the same price as a company operating across multiple provinces or internationally. Special tax credits (SR&ED, investment credits), multiple legal entities, and complex tax returns add up to significant hours of work.
This is the main factor in bookkeeping. An SME that handles 50 transactions per month will pay significantly less than a company with 500 monthly transactions. Each transaction must be categorized, verified, and reconciled.
Well-organized documents and up-to-date accounting software (such as QuickBooks or Sage) can save you time. On the other hand, scattered receipts and delayed bookkeeping can increase the bill by 30 to 50 percent.
Need to have your tax returns prepared on short notice during tax season (March–April)? Expect to pay an additional 25% to 50%. Planning ahead is your best way to avoid these fees.
Accounting firms in Montreal and downtown Quebec City charge, on average, 10% to 20% more than those in regional areas. This difference reflects the cost of living and local demand. Working with a virtual accountant in a regional area can result in significant savings.
An attractive base price can quickly become expensive if you don't keep an eye out for hidden fees. Here are the most common extras that firms charge as additional fees:
Tip: Always ask for a detailed quote that specifies what is included and what will be billed separately. This is the best way to avoid unpleasant surprises. In fact, choosing the right accountant from the start is key.
If your current accountant regularly charges unexpected extra fees, or if you feel that the relationship isn't working anymore, it might be time to switch accountants. Comparing quotes is free and could save you thousands of dollars a year.
Good news: you have direct control over several factors that affect your bill. Here are 10 practical steps you can take to save on your accounting costs without compromising on service quality.
The accounting services market in Quebec underwent several changes in 2025–2026 that directly affect rates:
An accountant’s fee should never be your only selection criterion. A cheaper accountant who makes mistakes or misses deductions will end up costing you more in the long run. Here are the criteria you should consider alongside price:
Bankeo connects you for free with accountants who match your needs and budget. Over 12,000 entrepreneurs have already placed their trust in us.
Find my accountantIn 2026, the average hourly rate ranges from $75 to $300, depending on the level of qualification (clerk, technician, or CPA). For a monthly flat fee, expect to pay between $500 and $2,000, depending on the size of your business and the volume of transactions. The total annual cost for an SME ranges from $2,000 to $25,000+.
This package is ideal if your needs are recurring and predictable (monthly bookkeeping, payroll, annual filings). The hourly rate is better suited for one-time projects or businesses whose needs vary significantly from month to month.
The combined cost of the T2 (federal) and CO-17 (provincial) returns, including the report, ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 on average, depending on the complexity of your case. Year-end financial statements are an additional charge of $500 to $1,500.
Yes. A CPA charges an average of $125 to $300 per hour, compared to $75 to $125 per hour for a technician. A specialized CPA can even charge $300 to $500+ per hour. The difference is justified when you need regulated services (audit, review, compilation) or advanced tax expertise. For basic bookkeeping, a qualified technician is usually sufficient.
Absolutely. Accountants expect some negotiation, especially when it comes to new clients or long-term contracts. Getting multiple quotes through Bankeo gives you real bargaining power.
Yes. Emergency fees (+25% to 50%), corrections of past errors, responses to tax authorities, and additional communications are the most common extras. Also be aware of administrative fees (3% to 8%) that some firms add to each invoice on top of their advertised rates. Always ask for a detailed quote specifying what is included and what is not.
Organize your documents in advance, use accounting software, meet deadlines, opt for an annual package, and compare multiple quotes. Together, these steps can reduce your bill by 20 to 35%.
Yes. Accounting firms in Montreal and Quebec City are, on average, 10 to 20% more expensive than those in regional areas. With remote work, hiring an accountant in a regional area while being based in Montreal is a viable cost-saving strategy.
Always. Even if an accountant quotes a flat rate, ask for a written breakdown of what’s included, the hourly rate for extras, and the billing terms. Compare this quote with at least two other offers.
Yes. Bankeo is a free accountant matching service that connects you with accountants who fit your budget, industry, and needs. You choose how many accountants you’d like to meet, and you’ll receive all the information you need to make an informed decision, including a complete list of services and rates.
Over 1,500 partner firms across Quebec. Free, personalized matching with no obligation. Find out how much you could save.
Find my accountantAccounting rates in Quebec in 2026 vary significantly depending on the billing model, the size of your business, and the complexity of your needs. The key to getting the best value for your money? Understand what you’re paying for, compare several quotes, and choose a billing model that fits your situation.
Remember that accounting fees are an investment, not an expense. A good accountant who helps you optimize your tax situation can save you far more than their fees. The most important thing is to find a professional who understands your industry, your situation, and your goals.
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