For many start-ups and sole proprietors, this remains a key question: what will the price of an accountant be in 2026, and what alternatives are available?
Here you’ll find a clear summary of realistic prices, as well as options for doing some or all of your own bookkeeping using tools such as Dexxter.
What determines the price of an accountant?
The price of an accountant depends mainly on four factors:
1. The amount of invoices
The more invoices you receive or send, the more work there is for your accountant.
2. The complexity of your business activities
For example, overseas purchases, investments, vehicles, grants, multiple VAT rules…
3. How much you do yourself
Those who process their own invoices or scan receipts usually pay less.
4. The accountant’s experience
A junior accountant costs less than a tax expert or an accountant who provides strategic advice.
How much will an accountant/bookkeeper cost for a sole proprietor in 2026?
Option 1: a fixed price quarterly
Many accountancy firms now use a fixed formula in their pricing, a subscription model, so to speak.
Just as you pay a fixed monthly price for your Netflix subscription, you can do the same for (some) accountants. The accountant then calculates the average annual price and spreads this proportionally over monthly or quarterly invoices.
The advantage is that, as an entrepreneur, you know what the cost of your accounting will be and can spread this neatly over monthly or quarterly payments. Attention! If your accountant has extra work due to unique circumstances, it is of course possible that these additional services will be charged as a surcharge.
Option 2: Based on an hourly rate
As an alternative to the fixed-fee formula, you have time-and-materials billing. Hourly billing, so to speak. When your accountant performs services, they will charge for them based on their time records.
This gives you the advantage of having a clearer understanding of how much work your accountant is doing and when. The downside of this approach is that your accountant’s invoice may suddenly be significantly higher than your usual average, for example, during the period when they are preparing your personal income tax return.
Most accountants are increasingly selecting a fixed-fee arrangement. This has the advantage of clarity. As an accountant, you know exactly what turnover you will achieve, so you can plan accordingly. It also offers the advantage of clarity in the relationship with the business owner, who can immediately estimate the annual cost, meaning the invoiced fees are often less likely to be questioned.
On average, you can expect roughly the following in 2026
| 💼 Sole proprietor as a secondary occupation | 💼 Sole proprietor as a main occupation | |
| Per month | €50 – €120 per month | €70 – €180 per month |
| Per year | €600 – €1,440 per year | €840 – €2,160 per year |
This usually includes
- processing invoices
- VAT declarations
- tax optimisation
- personal income tax
- occasional questions
Accountants who work on an hourly basis typically charge:
- entry-level: €65 – €85/hour
- experienced accountant: €85 – €125/hour
- senior accountant or office manager: €125 – €180/hour
Why many accountants do not take on new sole proprietors
In recent years, it has become increasingly difficult to find an accountant/bookkeeper who has time. Many firms operate with a client freeze.
Accountancy firms find that small dossiers require a lot of follow-up, a lot of communication and generate less revenue. For them, this means: low margins, a lot of work.
As a result, many self-employed people choose an alternative such as doing their own bookkeeping with software, or for a hybrid approach where they only schedule advisory sessions.
Alternatives to an accountant
The good news? You’re not on your own. Even if accountants have a client freeze or if your budget is limited, there are three very viable alternatives to ensure your accounts are managed correctly and affordably.
Do your own bookkeeping entirely
This is by far the cheapest option.
With a user-friendly tool such as Dexxter, you can:
- create invoices and quotations
- scan receipts
- register income and expenses
- file all declarations
- view and submit automatic VAT summaries
You’re in complete control and you only pay for your software. Ideal if you have a straightforward set of accounts and like to keep things under your own control.
👀 Tip: as Dexxter is an e-invoicing solution, you can claim 120% of the cost as a business expense
Do your own bookkeeping, but seek advice from an accountant
Would you like to save money, but still have an expert look over your work from time to time?
Then this hybrid approach is perfect.
You work in Dexxter and:
- you book a consultation when something is more complex
- you have a yearly check carried out
- you ask specific VAT or tax questions when necessary
This way, you keep costs down but still have a safety net.
✅ Did you know that Dexxter works with accountants? This makes it easy to find someone who can help you.
Do your own bookkeeping, but have your VAT declarations done by a bookkeeper
Some entrepreneurs want to keep their own records, but feel less confident about VAT declarations or their personal income tax. Dexxter offers a solution for this too.
Your dossier is automatically ready, neatly structured. This allows an accountant to:
- submit your declarations very quickly
- charge less time (so lower costs)
- work more efficiently thanks to your digital input
And honestly?
Your declarations are actually 99% prepared by Dexxter. So you can submit them yourself in just a few clicks.
Summary of average bookkeeping costs for sole proprietors
Option Yearly cost Best choice for
Accountant €840–€2,160 Those who don’t have time or have a complex dossier
Do your own bookkeeping with Dexxter €180 (exempted from VAT)
€240 (subject to VAT) Budget-conscious entrepreneurs who want control
Do it yourself + advice from an accountant €300–€500 Those who want extra advice without high costs
Dexxter + accountant €500–€800 Those who enter their own costs and income but have declarations done for them
