Ask for a written quote that names each tax year, the returns the accountant will prepare, and the records work included. You also need the total payable, including any VAT, and a list of work that costs extra. A price for submitting figures you have already checked can cover much less than a quote to sort several years of incomplete records.
This guide helps you compare late tax return accountant fees before you commit. We quote for the work your records need; the examples below describe scope, not a price list or a UK market average.
What should the quote include?
| Item to confirm | Ask the accountant |
|---|---|
| Tax years and returns | Which years and which returns does this fee cover? Is the price per return or for the whole backlog? |
| Record preparation | Will you reconcile bank statements and receipts, or must I supply completed accounts? |
| Income sources | Does the quote include employment, self-employment, rental income and any other relevant supplementary pages? |
| Tax calculation and approval | Will you explain the figures and send me the completed return to approve before submission? |
| Submission evidence | Will I receive a copy of the submitted return and its submission acknowledgement? |
| Separate HMRC work | Does the fee include penalty review, an appeal, a disclosure or a payment-plan request? |
| Total and extras | Is VAT included where applicable? Are software, urgent work, amendments and follow-up correspondence included? |
| Payment terms | When is payment due, and is this a one-off engagement or an ongoing subscription? |
Keep the agreed scope with the engagement letter. Ask how the accountant will obtain your approval for additional charges if the records reveal more work. A fixed fee still needs clear assumptions: for example, the number of years and whether you can supply complete records.
Why two late-return quotes can be different
Compare the same work. An accountant who receives organised annual records may need to prepare and check a return. Someone who receives mixed personal and business statements must first identify transactions, ask about gaps and reconcile totals. A low turnover does not tell the accountant how much reconstruction is needed.
Several outstanding years can add work because each year needs its own records and checks. Rental income, overseas income, disposals or a change from sole trader to limited company can also change the scope. Ask the accountant to identify the parts of your case that affect the fee rather than assuming a higher quote is a late-filing surcharge.
Compare scope before comparing price
| Illustrative situation | Work to clarify |
|---|---|
| One overdue Self Assessment return with organised records | Preparation, checking, your approval and submission; identify any excluded supplementary pages. |
| Three missing years with gaps in bank statements | A year-by-year records plan, reconstruction, return preparation and any separate HMRC correspondence. |
| A director with personal and company filings outstanding | Separate prices and deadlines for personal Self Assessment, company accounts and the company tax return. |
These are examples of different workloads, not client cases or promises about fees. Our multiple-year returns service explains how we establish the missing years. If you need help reconstructing the figures first, see back-tax calculation.
Keep the accountant’s fee separate from the HMRC bill
Ask for the professional fee and any HMRC balance to be shown separately. Paying an accountant does not settle your tax, interest or penalties. Confirm who will check the HMRC account after filing and who will make any payment.
Do not assume that preparing the return includes challenging penalties or negotiating instalments. Ask for a separate scope where needed. An accountant can assess a penalty notice and evidence; a fee does not buy a successful appeal.
Check one-off fees, subscriptions and refund deductions
If a firm quotes a monthly amount, ask what period it covers and whether it includes catching up earlier years. Confirm the minimum term, cancellation notice and any charge when you leave. Twelve monthly payments may cover ongoing support as well as an annual return, so compare that package with a one-off filing quote on its actual terms.
For a fee linked to a refund, ask what percentage or minimum charge applies, whether there are other costs, and where HMRC will send the repayment. Read the agreement before authorising anyone to receive money for you. Avoid judging the deal by the headline percentage alone.
Questions to ask before appointing an accountant
- Who will prepare the work and answer my questions?
- What experience do you have with my income sources and outstanding years?
- Can I verify any professional-body membership you claim, and do you hold professional indemnity insurance?
- How will you authorise access to HMRC and transfer documents securely?
- What information do you need before you can confirm a filing date?
- What happens if I dispute a charge or need to make a complaint?
HMRC’s guide to choosing a tax agent explains the checks to make, including fees, qualifications and experience. Keep your HMRC sign-in details private and review the return before approving it. You remain responsible for your tax affairs when using an agent.
Use the appropriate HMRC agent-authorisation process. Signing an engagement letter, authorising an agent and submitting a return are separate steps. Ask which steps remain outstanding so you know whether work has actually reached HMRC.
What to send when asking for a quote
- The tax years you believe are outstanding and whether you have filed anything for them.
- Your income sources for each year, including any company filings that need separate attention.
- A short list of available records and known gaps; use an agreed secure channel for financial documents.
- Any HMRC notice or deadline that makes the work urgent.
- Whether you want filing only, record reconstruction, penalty advice or help with an unpaid balance.
You can ask: “Please quote for the outstanding years listed below. Confirm the returns and records work included, any VAT and additional charges, when you need payment, and what you need from me before agreeing a submission date.” Send the same description to each firm so you can compare their replies.
If you are still working out what is missing, use the guide to catching up on several years of tax returns before requesting the quote. You do not need to guess a tax bill to explain the work you need.
Get a quote for your outstanding returns
Our late tax return filing service starts by identifying the years, income sources and available records. Tell us about urgent notice dates when you enquire. We will explain the proposed work and quote before you decide to engage us.