Are Accountant Fees Tax Deductible uk

Wojciech

Wojciech

Diploma in Professional Accounting
Diploma for Financial Advisers
Member of London Institute of Banking and Finance


When it comes to running a business or sorting out tax returns, many people ask the same question: are accountant fees tax deductible uk? The short answer is yes, if the costs are linked to your business or taxable income.

Accountant Fees for Businesses

If you’re self-employed, a sole trader, or run a limited company, accountant fees usually count as a tax-deductible business expense. This covers services such as:

  • Bookkeeping
  • Preparing annual accounts
  • Filing Self Assessment or Corporation Tax returns
  • Business-related financial advice

These costs can be deducted from your profits before tax, helping you reduce your overall bill.

Accountant Fees for Employees

If you’re employed and only pay for personal tax advice, such as checking your PAYE code, these costs are not deductible. HMRC only allows relief on fees that are directly linked to earning taxable income.

Self Assessment and Personal Tax Returns

For individuals completing a Self Assessment tax return, accountant fees are deductible only if they relate to taxable income, such as:

  • Rental income from property
  • Self-employment income
  • Dividends or investments

If the fee is just for personal financial planning, you cannot claim it.

Final Word

So, are accountant fees tax deductible? Yes – but only if they relate to your business or taxable income. Keeping records of what you pay and making sure costs are clearly linked to your earnings will help you claim correctly.