How much should you actually pay for an accountant in 2026? If you own an SME in Quebec, this is a legitimate question. Accounting rates for SMEs in Quebec in 2026 range from $850 to more than $10,000 per year, depending on the services chosen, the billing model and the size of your business.
The problem? The accounting industry lacks transparency on its prices. Hourly rate, monthly plan, annual plan, hybrid model... Each firm offers its own grid and hidden fees can increase the bill by 20 to 40%. At Bankeo, after matching more than 12,000 entrepreneurs with our 1,500+ partner firms since 2023, we have compiled the most comprehensive pricing data on the market.
This guide details each billing model, presents a comprehensive pricing schedule by service, and gives you concrete advice on how to reduce your accounting costs without sacrificing quality.
Before comparing prices, it is important to understand how accountants charge. Each model has its advantages and pitfalls. Here are the four main billing models used by accounting firms in Quebec.
| Model | Price Range | Benefits | Cons | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate | $45 to $500+/hr | Flexibility, pay only for the time used | Unpredictable bill, risk of overruns | One-time mandates, consultations |
| Monthly plan | $500 to $2,000/month | Predictable budget, recurring services included | Excess services charged extra | SME with regular needs |
| Annual Plan | $2,000 to $10,000/year | 10-15% discount vs. monthly, all-inclusive | Long-term commitment, less flexible | Established companies with stable needs |
| Hybrid model | Basic package + hourly for extras | Balancing predictability and flexibility | More complex to understand | Growing SME with Varying Needs |
The hourly rate is the most common model among CPAs in Quebec. According to the Ordre des CPA du Québec, each CPA is free to set his or her rates based on his or her experience, the complexity of the mandate and the level of responsibility assumed. Choose this model for one-off mandates such as a tax consultation or a response to a notice of assessment.
The monthly plan is suitable for small businesses that require regular services: bookkeeping, bank reconciliations, GST/QST remittances, and monthly financial reports. The cost varies between $500 and $2,000 depending on the volume of transactions. Be sure to ask exactly what is included and what will be charged extra.
An annual package bundles all services (bookkeeping, T2/CO-17 returns, financial statements, tax advice) into a global price. You usually get a 10-15% discount compared to the monthly plan total. This is the preferred model for established companies that want to simplify their management.
More and more firms are offering a hybrid model: a basic flat rate for recurring services, combined with an hourly rate for one-time mandates (tax audit, estate planning, restructuring). This model offers a good balance between budget predictability and flexibility.
Here is the most complete fee schedule in the Quebec market, based on data from more than 1,500 Bankeo partner accounting firms and the averages observed in the industry in 2026.
| Service | Hourly rate | Typical Package | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recurring Services (Monthly) | |||
| Bookkeeping | $75 to $150/hr | $200 to $1,500/month | Monthly |
| Payroll ( per employee) | $25 to $50/employee | $150 to $1,000/month | Monthly / every 2 weeks |
| GST/QST remittances | $75 to $150/hr | $150 to $500/quarter | Quarterly or monthly |
| Bank Reconciliations | $75 to $150/hr | Included in the bookkeeping package | Monthly |
| Instalments | $75 to $150/hr | $200 to $500/quarter | Quarterly |
| Annual Services | |||
| T2/CO-17 return + return | $125 to $300/hr | $1,000 to $3,000 | Yearly |
| Year-end financial statements (in addition to Q2/CO-17) | $125 to $300/hr | $500 to $1,500 | Yearly |
| Compilation Engagement | $125 to $300/hr | $2,000 to $6,000 | Yearly |
| Review engagement | $200 to $400/hr | $5,000 to $20,000 | Yearly |
| Shareholder income declaration | $150 to $250/hr | $300 to $800/person | Yearly |
| Specialized Services | |||
| Tax Planning | $200 to $350/hr | $1,000 to $5,000 | Annual or one-time |
| Audit engagement | $300 to $500+/hr | $7,500 to $50,000 | Annual (depending on complexity) |
| Strategic Advice | $200 to $350/hr | On quote | Punctual |
| Response to Revenu Québec / CRA | $200 to $350/hr | $500 to $3,000+ | Punctual |
| SR&ED tax credits | $250 to $400/hr | $3,000 to $10,000+ | Yearly |
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 file and the accountant's experience.
To find out the general ranges and the overall cost of an accountant according to your profile, also consult our guide How much does an accountant cost in Quebec in 2026.
All rates displayed are before taxes. Add the GST (5%) and the QST (9.975%) to get the actual cost. A $1,000/month plan will actually cost $1,149.75 after taxes. The good news is that accounting fees are tax-deductible as a business expense according to the CRA.
The factor that influences your accounting bill the most? The size of your business. Here are the total annual costs you can expect based on your profile.
| Company size | Employees | Approximate turnover | Total annual cost | Typical services included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Micro-enterprise | 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 |
| Medium-sized business | 25 to 100 | $2 million to $10 million | $20,000 to $50,000+ | All above + audit, strategic advice, advanced taxation |
These ranges represent the total annual cost for all accounting services. Self-employed workers without employees can get by as little as $1,500 per year for basic needs.
Why can two SMEs of similar size receive very different bids? Here are the six factors that directly influence the accounting rate you will pay.
The level of qualification has the most direct impact on the hourly rate:
To learn more about the differences between these profiles, check out our guide Clerk, technician or CPA: how to choose.
A local business with simple revenues will not pay the same price as a company operating in multiple provinces or internationally. Special tax credits (SR&ED, investment credit), multiple legal entities, and complex tax returns add significant work hours.
This is the main factor for bookkeeping. An SME that handles 50 transactions per month will pay significantly less than a company with 500 transactions per month. Each transaction must be categorized, verified, and reconciled.
Well-organized documents and up-to-date accounting software (like QuickBooks or Sage) reduce the hours needed. Conversely, scattered receipts and late accounting can increase the bill by 30 to 50 percent.
Need to have your returns prepared urgently during the tax season (March-April)? Plan for an extra charge of 25 to 50%. Planning ahead is your best weapon to avoid these costs.
Firms in Montreal and downtown Quebec City charge on average 10 to 20% more than those in the regions. This difference reflects the cost of living and local demand. Working with a virtual accountant in the regions can be an interesting saving.
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 extra:
Tip: Always ask for a detailed quote that specifies what is included and what will be charged extra. This is the best way to avoid unpleasant surprises. Moreover, choosing the right accountant from the start remains the key.
If your current accountant regularly charges unplanned extras or you feel like the relationship is no longer working, it may be time to switch accountants. Comparing offers is free and could save you thousands of dollars a year.
The good news is that you have direct control over several factors that influence your bill. Here are 10 concrete actions to save on your accounting costs without sacrificing the quality of service.
The accounting services market in Quebec has undergone several changes in 2025-2026 that directly affect rates:
The accounting rate should never be your only selection criterion. A cheaper accountant who makes mistakes or misses deductions will cost more in the long run. Here are the criteria to be evaluated in parallel with the award:
Bankeo matches you free of charge with accountants who match your needs and budget. More than 12,000 entrepreneurs have already placed their trust in us.
Find my accountantIn 2026, the average rate is between $75 and $300/hour depending on the level of qualification (clerk, technician or CPA). For a monthly plan, 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+.
The package is ideal if your needs are recurring and predictable (monthly bookkeeping, payroll, annual returns). The hourly rate is best suited for one-time mandates or companies whose needs vary significantly from month to month.
The combined cost of the T2 (federal) and CO-17 (provincial) return, including the report, varies from $1,000 to $3,000 on average depending on the complexity of your file. Year-end financial statements are added for an additional $500 to $1,500.
Yes. A CPA charges an average of $125 to $300/hr compared to $75 to $125/hr for a technician. A specialized CPA can even reach $300 to $500+/hr. The difference is justified when you need regulated services (audit, review engagement, compilation) or advanced tax expertise. For basic bookkeeping, a qualified technician is usually sufficient.
Absolutely. Accountants expect some negotiation, especially for new clients or long-term commitments. Getting multiple quotes through Bankeo gives you concrete negotiating leverage.
Yes. Emergency costs (+25 to 50%), correction of past errors, responses to tax authorities and over-communications are the most frequent extras. Also beware of the administration fees (3 to 8%) that some firms add to each invoice in addition to the advertised rates. Always ask for a detailed quote specifying what is included and what is not.
Organize your documents in advance, use bookkeeping software, meet deadlines, opt for an annual plan, and compare multiple submissions. These actions combined can reduce your bill by 20-35%.
Yes. Firms in Montreal and Quebec City (city) are on average 10 to 20% more expensive than those in the regions. With remote work, hiring an accountant in the regions while being based in Montreal is a viable economic strategy.
Always. Even if an accountant advertises a basic package, ask for a written breakdown of what's included, the hourly rate for extras, and billing terms. Compare this submission with at least two other offers.
Yes. Bankeo is a free book-matching service that connects you with accountants tailored to your budget, industry, and needs. You choose the number of accountants you want to meet, and you receive all the information you need to make an informed decision, including the full catalog of services and pricing.
1,500+ partner firms across Quebec. Free, personalized and non-binding matching. Find out how much you could save.
Find my accountantAccounting rates in Quebec in 2026 vary greatly depending on the billing model, the size of your business, and the complexity of your needs. The key to getting the best value for money? Understand what you're paying, compare multiple offers, and choose a billing model that fits your needs.
Remember, accounting fees are an investment, not an expense. A good accountant who optimizes your tax can save you much more than his fees. The most important thing is to find the professional who understands your industry, your reality and your goals.
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