SME Accounting
Accounting rates in Quebec 2026: complete schedule by service
23/7/2026
Combien devriez-vous réellement payer pour un comptable en 2026 ? Si vous êtes propriétaire d'une PME au Québec, cette question est légitime. Les tarifs comptables pour PME au Québec en 2026 se situent, selon le Baromètre Bankeo, entre 500 $ et 6 000 $ par année pour la plupart des PME (médiane autour de 3 000 $), et peuvent dépasser ce repère pour un forfait mensuel complet, selon les services retenus, le modèle de facturation et la taille de votre entreprise.
The problem? The accounting sector lacks transparency regarding its pricing. Hourly rates, monthly flat fees, annual flat fees, hybrid models... each firm offers its own pricing structure, and hidden fees can increase the bill by 20 to 40%. At Bankeo , after receiving over 15,000 requests from entrepreneurs since 2023 and building a network of 1,500+ accountants, we have compiled the most comprehensive pricing data on the market.
This guide breaks down each billing model, provides a complete fee schedule by service, and gives you practical tips to cut your accounting costs without sacrificing quality.
Before comparing prices, you need to understand how accountants charge. Each model has its pros and cons. Here are the four main billing models used by accounting firms in Quebec.
| Model | Price Range | Pros | Cons | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate | $45 to $500+/hr | Flexibility, only pay for the time you use | Unpredictable bill, risk of going over budget | One-off tasks, consultations |
| Monthly plan | $500 to $2,000/month | Predictable budget, recurring services included | Extra services billed separately | Small businesses with regular needs |
| Annual Plan | $2,000 to $10,000/year | 10-15% discount vs. monthly, all-inclusive | Long-term commitment, less flexible | Established businesses with stable needs |
| Hybrid model | Base package + hourly for extras | Balance between predictability and flexibility | More complex to understand | Growing small businesses with changing needs |
The hourly rate is the most common model among CPAs in Quebec. According to the Ordre des CPA du Québec, each CPA sets their rates freely based on their experience, the complexity of the task, and the level of responsibility involved. This model is best for one-off tasks like a tax consultation or responding to an assessment notice.
The monthly package is great for small businesses that need regular services like: bookkeeping, bank reconciliations, GST/QST remittances, and monthly financial reports. The cost ranges from $500 to $2,000 depending on your transaction volume. Just make sure to ask exactly what's included and what will be charged extra.
An annual package bundles all services (bookkeeping, T2/CO-17 declarations, financial statements, tax advice) into one overall price. You usually get a 10-15% discount compared to adding up monthly packages. It's the preferred model for established businesses looking to simplify their management.
More and more accounting firms are offering a hybrid model: a basic package for your regular services, combined with an hourly rate for one-off tasks (like a tax audit, estate planning, or restructuring). This setup gives you a nice balance between knowing what you'll pay and having flexibility.
Here is the most comprehensive pricing grid on the French market, based on data from more than 1,500 Bankeo partner accountants 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 Management (per employee) | $25 to $50/employee | $150 to $1,000/month | Monthly / Bi-weekly |
| GST/QST Remittances | $75 to $150/hr | $150 to $500/quarter | Quarterly or monthly |
| Bank Reconciliations | $75 to $150/hr | Included in bookkeeping package | Monthly |
| Instalments | $75 to $150/hr | $200 to $500/quarter | Quarterly |
| Annual Services | |||
| T2/CO-17 Declaration + Report | $125 to $300/hr | $1,000 to $3,000 | Yearly |
| Year-End Financial Statements (in addition to T2/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 tax returns | $150 to $250/hr | 300$ to 800$ per person | Yearly |
| Specialized services | |||
| Tax Planning | 200$ to 350$ per hour | $1,000 to $5,000 | Yearly or one-off |
| Audit services | $300 to $500+/hr | 7,500$ to 50,000$ | Yearly (depending on complexity) |
| Strategic Advice | 200$ to 350$ per hour | On quote | Punctual |
| Responding to Revenu Québec / CRA | 200$ to 350$ per hour | 500$ to 3,000$+ | Punctual |
| SR&ED tax credits | 250$ to 400$ per hour | 3,000$ to 10,000$+ | Yearly |
Source: Data compiled from Bankeo's 1,500+ partner accountants, French market 2026. Actual prices may vary depending on your region, the complexity of your case and the accountant's experience.
To get a general idea of the price ranges and overall cost of an accountant for your specific needs, check out our guide How much does an accountant cost in Quebec in 2026.
All prices shown are before taxes. Add GST (5%) and QST (9.975%) to get the real cost. A 1,000$/month package will actually cost 1,149.75$ after taxes. Good news: accounting fees are tax-deductible as a business expense according to the CRA.
The biggest factor affecting your accounting bill? Your business size. Here are the total annual costs you can expect based on your profile.
| Business Size | Employees | Approx. 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 filings, GST/QST, shareholder tax |
| Small Business | 5 to 25 | $500,000 to $2M | $8,000 to $20,000 | All of the above + payroll, financial statements, compilation, tax planning |
| Medium Business | 25 to 100 | $2M to $10M | $20,000 to $50,000+ | All of the above + audit, strategic advice, advanced tax planning |
These ranges show the total yearly cost for all accounting services. Self-employed individuals without employees can get by starting at $1,500 per year for basic needs.
Why can two small businesses of similar size get very different quotes? Here are the six factors that directly influence the accounting fee you'll pay.
The level of qualification has the most direct impact on the hourly rate:
Want to know more about the differences between these roles? Check out our guide: Clerk, Technician, or CPA: How to Choose.
A local business with straightforward income won't pay the same as a company operating in multiple provinces or internationally. Special tax credits (like SR&ED or investment credits), multiple legal entities, and complex tax returns all add significant work hours.
This is the main factor for bookkeeping. A small business with 50 transactions a month will pay a lot less than one with 500 monthly transactions. Every transaction needs to be categorized, checked, and reconciled.
Well-organized documents and up-to-date accounting software (like QuickBooks or Sage) cut down on the hours needed. On the flip side, scattered receipts and accounting delays can hike up your bill by 30 to 50%.
Need your returns prepared in a hurry during tax season (March-April)? Expect an extra charge of 25 to 50%. Planning ahead is your best bet to avoid these fees.
Firms in Montreal and downtown Quebec City typically charge 10 to 20% more than those in rural areas. This difference reflects the cost of living and local demand. Working with a virtual accountant from a rural area can lead to some nice savings.
An attractive base price can quickly get expensive if you don't keep an eye on hidden fees. Here are the most common extras firms charge:
Tip: Always ask for a detailed quote that specifies what's included and what will be charged extra. It's the best way to avoid nasty surprises. By the way, choosing the right accountant from the start is still key.
If your current accountant regularly charges for unexpected extras, or if you feel the relationship just isn't working anymore, it might be time to switch accountants. Comparing offers is free and could save you thousands of dollars a year.
Good news! You actually have a lot of control over what you pay. Here are 10 simple ways to save on your accounting fees without cutting corners on quality.
The accounting services market in Quebec has seen a few changes in 2025-2026 that directly impact prices:
The accountant's fee should never be your only deciding factor. A cheaper accountant who makes mistakes or misses deductions will end up costing you more in the long run. Here are some other things to consider along with the price:
Bankeo connects you, free of charge, with accountants suited to your needs and budget. Over 15,000 requests from entrepreneurs have been received since 2023.
Find my accountantEn 2026, le tarif moyen se situe entre 75 $ et 300 $/h selon le niveau de qualification (commis, technicien ou CPA). En forfait mensuel, prévoyez entre 500 $ et 2 000 $ selon la taille de votre entreprise et le volume de transactions. Selon le Baromètre Bankeo, la plupart des PME paient de 500 $ à 6 000 $ par année (médiane autour de 3 000 $) ; un forfait mensuel complet pour une PME établie peut dépasser ce repère.
A package deal is perfect if your needs are regular and predictable (like monthly bookkeeping, payroll, or annual tax filings). An hourly rate works better for one-off tasks or businesses whose needs change a lot from month to month.
The combined cost for T2 (federal) and CO-17 (provincial) tax filings, including the report, typically ranges from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on how complex your situation is. Year-end financial statements are an extra charge, usually $500 to $1,500.
Yes, they do. A CPA typically charges $125 to $300/hour, compared to $75 to $125/hour for a technician. A specialized CPA can even go up to $300 to $500+/hour! This difference is worth it when you need regulated services (like an audit, review engagement, or compilation) or advanced tax expertise. But for basic bookkeeping, a qualified technician is usually enough.
Absolutely! Accountants expect some negotiation, especially for new clients or long-term commitments. Getting several quotes through Bankeo gives you real negotiating power.
Yes. Urgency fees (+25 to 50%), correcting past errors, responding to tax authorities, and extra communications are the most common add-ons. Also, watch out for admin fees (3 to 8%) that some firms add to every invoice on top of their advertised rates. Always ask for a detailed quote that clearly states what's included and what's not.
Organize your documents beforehand, use bookkeeping software, meet deadlines, choose an annual package, and compare several quotes. Doing all these things together can cut your bill by 20 to 35%!
Yes. Firms in Montreal and Quebec City are, on average, 10 to 20% more expensive than those in rural areas. With remote work, hiring an accountant from a rural area while you're based in Montreal is a smart way to save money.
Always! Even if an accountant advertises a basic package, ask for a written breakdown of what's included, the hourly rate for any extras, and the billing terms. Make sure to 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 get to choose how many accountants you want to meet, and you'll receive all the info you need to make an informed decision, including their full service catalog and rates.
Over 1500 accountants across Quebec. Free, personalized, and no-obligation matching. Discover how much you could save.
Find my accountantThe accountant rates in Quebec for 2026 vary a lot depending on the billing model, your business size, and how complex your needs are. The key to getting the best value? It's understanding what you're paying for, comparing several offers, and picking a billing model that fits your situation.
Don't forget, accounting fees are an investment, not an expense. A good accountant who optimizes your taxes can save you much more than their fees. The most important thing is to find a professional who understands your industry, your situation, and your goals.
General information provided for guidance purposes only, reflecting the current 2026 tax regulations. It does not replace the advice of an accountant or chartered accountant: always consult a professional for your specific situation.
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