Costs & rates
Do you understand what an accountant really costs? Canada Depending on your situation, what makes the bill vary and how to pay the right price, then be paired with the right accountant for free.
The cost of an accountant depends on your actual needs: a simple tax return costs significantly less than monthly bookkeeping, a corporate tax return (T2/CO-17), or incorporation. Consider three billing models—hourly, flat fee, and one-time fee—and compare several accountants before making your choice.
There is no single price: an accountant charges what your situation requires. Tax returns, monthly bookkeeping, corporate tax returns, and incorporation are all on very different scales. The right question is not "how much," but "how much for what?"
Pour vous donner un repère fiable : selon le Baromètre Bankeo des honoraires comptables, établi à partir de 15 000+ demandes d'entrepreneurs reçues depuis 2023, la médiane se situe autour de 3 000 $ par année, dans une fourchette de 500 $ à 6 000 $ selon le secteur d'activité.
Au Canada, les honoraires comptables ne sont pas réglementés : chaque comptable fixe ses tarifs selon son expertise, sa région et la complexité du dossier. Un travailleur autonome avec quelques factures par mois ne paiera jamais le même montant qu'une PME incorporée qui gère la paie, la TPS/TVQ et des états financiers.
The best way to get a clear picture is to precisely define your needs, then compare several quotes on the same basis. List what you want to delegate (tax returns, taxes, bookkeeping, advice) before requesting a price.
Good to know: Bankeo is not an accounting firm. Our role is to connect you, free of charge, with an accountant suited to your situation, so you can compare the best options without guesswork.
The price varies based on five factors: transaction volume, type of return (T1/TP1 for an individual, T2/CO-17 for a corporation), presence of taxes and payroll, your level of organization, and the expertise required.
The season also matters: during tax season, demand is high. Preparing your application early gives you more room to compare.
Three models coexist. The hourly rate is suitable for occasional needs. The fixed- price package (monthly or annual) covers a defined set of services, ideal for budgeting. The one-off contract applies to a single task, such as a tax return or incorporation.
In all cases, demand in writing what is included, what is excluded and the price of extras.
The price depends primarily on your status. A simple personal tax return (T1/TP1) is at the lower end of the scale. A sole trader's return costs more. A company tax return (T2/CO-17) is significantly more expensive because it requires financial statements.
In Quebec, don't forget the double declaration: the federal (T1) to the CRA and the provincial (TP1) to Revenu Québec.
Bookkeeping is most often charged at a monthly flat rate , calculated based on your transaction volume and the services included (categorization, reconciliation, VAT tracking, payroll, reporting).
Keeping your accounting up-to-date reduces your year-end expenses: the accountant spends less time making corrections. Conversely, falling behind turns an update into a more costly catch-up order.
Good to know: accounting and bookkeeping are two separate services. Specify your needs to compare equivalent prices.
Incorporation involves two types of costs: government registration fees (federal or state) and professional accountant fees . In addition, there are recurring costs: the annual tax return (T2/CO-17) and more structured bookkeeping.
Au Canada, vous pouvez incorporer au fédéral (Corporations Canada) ou au provincial (au Québec, le Registraire des entreprises). Le choix a des implications de coût et de territoire.
Incorporating isn't always profitable at the outset: below a certain income level, sole proprietorship remains simpler. It's a trade-off where an accountant can save you more than their fees.
These three roles do not cost the same because they do not do the same job.
Often, the most economical solution combines the two: a day-to-day accountant, and an accountant or CPA for tax returns.
Note de vocabulaire : au Canada, on parle de comptable et de CPA. Bankeo réfère à « comptables dans le réseau » et à des comptables vérifiés.
To pay a fair price, compare several accountants based on the same scope of work, request a written breakdown of what is included, and arrive with an organized file. The biggest source of savings is reducing the time spent on a disorganized file.
With Bankeo, you are matched for free with verified accountants, you compare, and we stay by your side: if the accountant is no longer suitable, even later, we will find you another one free of charge.
The cost depends on your volume and needs: a simple T1/TP1 return costs less than a package including bookkeeping and GST/QST tracking. Define your requirements, then compare a few quotes. Bankeo will match you with a free comparison service.
Three models exist: hourly rate, fixed fee (monthly or annual), and one-off contract at an agreed price. Always ask in writing what is included and excluded before signing.
It depends on the task. An accountant manages your day-to-day bookkeeping at the most affordable rate. A chartered accountant or CPA handles tax returns and provides advice. The most cost-effective solution often combines both.
As soon as his advice saves you more than his fees: unclaimed credits, better compensation structure, penalties avoided, time recovered.
Nothing. The matching process is completely free for the entrepreneur, with no obligation. You only pay for the accounting services you choose, directly to your accountant. Bankeo isn't an accounting firm: we connect you with the right accountant.
Clearly define your mandate (tax returns, bookkeeping, payroll, advice), then ask each accountant for the same scope of services. Bankeo connects you with verified accountants free of charge, usually within 48 hours.
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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