Accountancy and bookkeeping fees

Yes

Fees paid to an accountant or bookkeeper for preparing your business accounts or tax return are fully deductible. The cost of accounting software subscriptions (Xero, QuickBooks, Trame, etc.) is also deductible as a business expense.

Common questions

Can I claim my accountant's fee for doing my Self Assessment?

Yes. Accountancy fees incurred wholly for the purpose of your business are deductible. This includes your annual tax return preparation.

Can I claim the cost of job management or accounting software?

Yes. Software subscriptions used for your business (invoicing, quoting, job management, accounting) are fully deductible. There is a separate page on software subscriptions with the detail.

My accountant filed late and I got an HMRC penalty. Can I claim either cost?

The accountant's fee, yes. The penalty, no. Fines and penalties are never a deductible business expense, whoever caused them.

I pay £300 a year for my accounts and tax return. How much can I claim?

All £300, provided the work is for the business. If part of the fee covers personal tax matters, split the fee and claim the business share.

Watch out for

If your accountant also handles personal tax matters (e.g. investment income), only the business-related proportion of the fee is deductible.
Bookkeeping done by a family member for payment is claimable like any other fee, provided the payment is real and reasonable for the work done.

Common mistakes

Claiming an HMRC fine or penalty. Penalties are never deductible; the professional fee for the same work is.
Claiming the whole fee when part of it covered personal tax affairs.

Cash basis vs traditional accounting

Fees are a day-to-day expense on both methods, deducted when paid on cash basis or in the period they relate to on traditional accounting.

HMRC sources

https://www.gov.uk/expenses-if-youre-self-employed https://www.gov.uk/hmrc-internal-manuals/business-income-manual/bim42515 https://www.gov.uk/hmrc-internal-manuals/business-income-manual/bim47105

Last verified: August 2026 · Tax year 2026/27

Related guides and tools

Self-employed tax, explained Self-employed tax calculator

Related expenses

Professional indemnity insurance Public liability insurance Software subscriptions

Track professional costs in TrameStart free

This guidance is for general information only. Tax rules change. Verify with HMRC or a qualified accountant before filing.

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