SME Accounting
2026 accounting rates in Quebec: Complete price list by service
July 23, 2026
How much should you actually pay for an accountant in 2026? If you own an SME in Quebec, this is a valid question. The Accounting Rates for SMEs in Quebec in 2026 are, according to the Bankeo Fee Barometer, ranging from $500 to $6,000 per year for most small and medium-sized businesses (median around $3,000), and may exceed this range for a comprehensive monthly package, 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... each accounting firm offers its own pricing structure, and hidden fees can drive the bill up by 20 to 40 percent. At Bankeo, after receiving more than 15,000 requests from business owners since 2023 and building a network of over 1,500 accountants, we have compiled the most comprehensive fee data on the market.
This guide details each billing model, provides a comprehensive rate schedule by service, and offers practical advice on Reduce Your Accounting Costs without compromising on quality.
Before comparing prices, it’s important to understand how Accountants charge for their services. Each model has its advantages and pitfalls. Here are the four main billing models used by accounting firms in Quebec.
| Template | Price Range | Benefits | Disadvantages | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly Rates | $45 to $500+ per hour | Flexibility, pay only for the time you use | Unpredictable Invoices, Risk of Cost Overruns | One-time assignments, consultations |
| Monthly flat fee | $500 to $2,000/month | Predictable budget, recurring services included | Additional services billed separately | SMEs with Regular Needs |
| Annual flat fee | $2,000 to $10,000/year | 10-15% discount compared to monthly, all-inclusive plans | Long-term commitment, less flexible | Established businesses with stable needs |
| Hybrid Model | Base Package + Hourly Rate for Extras | Balancing Predictability and Flexibility | More complex to understand | Growing SMEs with varying needs |
The Hourly rates is the most common model among CPAs in Quebec. According to the Ordre des CPA du Québec, each CPA is free to set their own rates based on their experience, the complexity of the assignment, and the level of responsibility involved. This model is best suited for one-time assignments such as a Tax Consulting or a response to a notice of assessment.
The monthly flat-rate plan is ideal for small and medium-sized businesses that need regular services: 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 extra.
An annual package combines all services (bookkeeping, T2/CO-17 returns, financial statements, tax advice) into a single, all-inclusive price. You generally receive a 10-15% discount compared to the total cost of monthly packages. This is the model preferred by established businesses looking to simplify their operations.
More and more firms are offering a hybrid model: a base flat fee for recurring services, combined with an hourly rate for one-time engagements (tax audits, estate planning, restructuring). This model offers 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 accountants and industry averages observed in 2026.
| Service | Hourly Rate | Typical Package | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recurring (Monthly) Services | |||
| Bookkeeping | $75 to $150/hour | $200 to $1,500/month | Monthly |
| Payroll Management (per employee) | $25 to $50 per employee | $150 to $1,000/month | Monthly / Every 2 Weeks |
| GST/QST Rebates | $75 to $150/hour | $150 to $500 per quarter | Quarterly or Monthly |
| Bank Reconciliations | $75 to $150/hour | Included in the bookkeeping package | Monthly |
| Tax Instalments | $75 to $150/hour | $200 to $500 per quarter | Quarterly |
| Annual Services | |||
| T2/CO-17 Return + Report | $125 to $300/hour | $1,000 to $3,000 | Annual |
| Year-End Financial Statements (in addition to T2/CO-17) | $125 to $300/hour | $500 to $1,500 | Annual |
| Compilation Engagement | $125 to $300/hour | $2,000 to $6,000 | Annual |
| Review Engagement | $200 to $400/hour | $5,000 to $20,000 | Annual |
| Shareholder Tax Return | $150 to $250/hour | $300 to $800 per person | Annual |
| Specialized Services | |||
| Tax Planning | $200 to $350/hour | $1,000 to $5,000 | Annual or One-Time |
| Audit Services | $300 to $500+ per hour | $7,500 to $50,000 | Annual (depending on complexity) |
| Strategic Advice | $200 to $350/hour | Based on a quote | One-time |
| Response to Revenu Québec / CRA | $200 to $350/hour | $500 to $3,000+ | One-time |
| SR&ED Tax Credits | $250 to $400/hour | $3,000 to $10,000+ | Annual |
Source: Data compiled from Bankeo’s 1,500+ partner accountants, 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 an accountant based on your profile, see our guide How Much Does an Accountant Cost in Quebec in 2026?.
All rates shown are before taxes. Add GST (5%) and QST (9.975%) to get the actual cost. A $1,000/month flat-rate plan will actually cost $1,149.75 after taxes. Good news: accounting fees are tax-deductible as a business expense according to the CRA.
What’s the biggest factor affecting your accounting bill? The size of your business. Here are the Total Annual Costs that you can expect based on your profile.
| Business Size | Employees | Approximate Revenue | Total Annual Cost | Typical Services Included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microbusiness | 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 of the above + auditing, strategic consulting, and advanced tax planning |
These ranges represent the total annual cost for all accounting services. The Self-Employed Individuals Businesses with no employees can get by starting at $1,500 per year for basic needs.
Why might two SMEs of similar size receive very different quotes? Here are the six factors that directly influence the accounting rates that you’ll 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 Bookkeeper, Technician, or CPA: How to Choose.
A local business with straightforward revenue streams 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 tax returns Complex cases add significant hours of work.
This is the main factor for the bookkeeping. An SME that processes 50 transactions per month will pay significantly less than a business 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) reduce the number of hours required. Conversely, scattered receipts and a Accounting Delay can drive up the bill for 30% to 50%.
Need to have your tax returns prepared urgently during tax season (March-April)? Plan on an additional 25% to 50%. Planning ahead is your best strategy for avoiding these fees.
Accounting firms in Montreal and downtown Quebec charge an average of 10 to 20% more than their counterparts 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 on hidden fees. Here are the most common extras that accounting firms charge as additional fees:
Tip: Always ask for a detailed quote that specifies what’s included and what will be billed as an extra. This is the best way to avoid unpleasant surprises. In fact, Choosing the Right Accountant Getting off to a good start is key.
If your current accountant regularly charges you for unexpected extras or if you feel that the relationship is no longer working out, it may be time to Change Accountants. Comparing offers is free and could save you thousands of dollars a year.
Good news: You have direct control over several factors that influence your bill. Here are 10 concrete steps you can take to Save on Your Accounting Fees without compromising service quality.
The accounting services market in Quebec underwent several changes in 2025-2026 that directly affect rates:
The accounting rates Price should never be your only selection criterion. A cheaper accountant who makes mistakes or misses deductions will cost you more in the long run. Here are the criteria to evaluate alongside price:
Bankeo connects you for free with accountants who match your needs and budget. We’ve received over 15,000 requests from business owners since 2023.
Find my accountantIn 2026, the average rate ranges from $75 to $300 per hour, 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. According to the Bankeo Fee Barometer, most small and medium-sized businesses pay between $500 and $6,000 per year (median around $3,000); a comprehensive monthly package for an established small or medium-sized business may exceed this range.
A flat-rate package is ideal if your needs are recurring and predictable (monthly bookkeeping, payroll, annual filings). An hourly rate is better suited for one-time projects or businesses whose needs vary significantly from month to month.
The combined cost of filing 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 ranging from $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 engagement, compilation) or advanced tax expertise. For basic bookkeeping, a qualified technician is generally sufficient.
Absolutely. Accountants expect some negotiation, especially for new clients or long-term engagements. Get multiple quotes via Bankeo gives you concrete leverage in negotiations.
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 in addition to the advertised rates. Always request 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 package, and compare multiple quotes. These steps combined can reduce your bill by 20 to 35 percent.
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 offers a basic flat-rate package, 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 tailored to 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 the complete list of services and rates.
1,500+ accountants across Quebec. Free, personalized, no-obligation matching service. Find out how much you could save.
Find my accountantThe Accounting Rates in Quebec in 2026 Rates vary considerably 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 offers, and choose a billing model that fits your situation.
Remember that accounting fees are an investment, not an expense. A good accountant who optimizes your Taxation can save you much more than its fees. The most important thing is to find a professional who understands your industry, your situation, and your goals.
General information provided for informational purposes only, based on known 2026 tax rules. It is not a substitute for the advice of a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA): always consult a professional regarding your specific situation.
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