For years, plenty of landlords filed their own tax returns. Making Tax Digital has changed that. With quarterly updates now required for landlords over £50,000 of qualifying income — and over £30,000 from April 2027 — many are looking for an accountant for the first time and wondering what’s a fair price.
The honest answer is that fees vary widely. This guide sets out typical market ranges, what drives the price up, what MTD adds, and the questions to ask before you sign up.
Note: the ranges below are indicative market figures for 2026/27, not quotes. Prices vary by firm, location and how organised your records are.
Typical landlord accountant fees in the UK
| Your situation | Typical annual fee |
|---|---|
| One property, annual Self Assessment only | £150 – £400 |
| 2–4 properties, annual Self Assessment | £400 – £1,200 |
| Landlord in MTD (quarterly updates + final declaration) | Add roughly £250 – £500 to the annual fee |
| Larger portfolio, HMOs or bookkeeping included | Often a monthly fee, from around £150 a month |
Most online accountants charge a fixed fee. Many high-street firms still bill by the hour, which makes the final cost harder to predict.
What drives the price up
- Number of properties. Each property adds income and expenses to check.
- Making Tax Digital. Four quarterly updates plus a final declaration is more work than one annual return.
- State of your records. A spreadsheet or app export costs less to process than a bag of receipts.
- Joint ownership. Splitting income correctly, especially with a Form 17 declaration, takes extra work.
- Other income. A sole trade, foreign income or dividends on the same return add complexity.
- One-off events. Selling a property means a Capital Gains Tax calculation and a 60-day report.
- Limited company ownership. Properties held in a company need annual accounts and a Corporation Tax return instead.
What Making Tax Digital adds to the bill
Under MTD, your accountant’s job changes from once a year to four times a year plus a year-end step. The work typically includes:
- Signing you up for MTD and setting up compatible software
- Checking and categorising transactions each quarter
- Submitting quarterly updates by 7 August, 7 November, 7 February and 7 May
- Making year-end adjustments and filing the final declaration by 31 January
Not sure if you’re in scope? Our guide to MTD thresholds explains the £50,000, £30,000 and £20,000 stages, and Making Tax Digital for landlords covers what changes.
Hidden extras to ask about
A low headline price can hide extra charges. Before you agree, ask:
- Are quarterly MTD updates included, or billed separately?
- Is software included, or do I pay for it myself?
- Is there an extra charge per property or per joint owner?
- What do you charge for a Capital Gains Tax calculation if I sell?
- Is there a fee for dealing with HMRC letters or enquiries?
- What’s the charge for a rushed return close to the deadline?
Is a landlord accountant worth it?
A good accountant often pays for themselves. The common savings include:
- Mortgage interest handled correctly under Section 24, as a 20% tax credit rather than an expense
- Expenses claimed that DIY landlords miss, such as replacement furniture, letting fees and professional costs
- Repairs and improvements split correctly, so you don’t overpay now or lose relief later
- No penalties for late quarterly updates or returns
- Time saved on quarterly admin
Normal accountancy fees for preparing your rental figures are usually an allowable expense against your rental income, so the real cost is lower than the invoice.
When you might not need one
If you have one property, simple finances, qualifying income below the MTD threshold, and you’re comfortable with HMRC’s online return, filing yourself can be reasonable. Our landlord tax return guide walks through it. Once MTD applies, most landlords find professional help becomes worthwhile.
SmartFiling’s fixed-fee landlord service
SmartFiling’s ICAEW chartered accountants handle landlord tax returns, Section 24, joint ownership and MTD quarterly updates for one fixed fee, agreed in writing before we start. Self Assessment returns start from £149 + VAT, and we file within 3 weeks of receiving your records.
See our Landlord Accountant service or get a free quote — tell us how many properties you let and we’ll reply within one working day.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim my accountant’s fees against rental income?
Usually, yes. Normal accountancy fees for your rental business are an allowable expense.
Do I need a specialist property accountant?
Not for a simple portfolio. Choose a qualified accountant who understands Section 24, MTD and Capital Gains Tax on property.
Is it cheaper to pay monthly or annually?
The total is usually similar. Monthly fees suit MTD because the work happens every quarter.
