What does an accountant for zzp cost?
The price depends on your accounts and the work you outsource. A monthly package, a separate tax return and an hourly rate are therefore not directly comparable. First look at which services are included and then calculate the total costs over the same period.
At Van Passe, the self-employed package starts at €70 per month excluding VAT. This includes bookkeeping, VAT returns, income tax returns, the online app, monthly one-to-one meetings you can schedule, and unlimited questions. Set-up fees may apply. See the sole trader package from €70 per month and the terms and conditions for your situation.
Per month
A monthly package provides insight into your recurring costs. Ask whether software, tax returns and consultations are included, which activities are charged additionally and whether the price suits your industry. At Van Passe, the package can be cancelled monthly.
Per quarter
A price for just a VAT return is something different from three months of full bookkeeping. Check whether processing and checking your administration is also included in that price. Three months at the starting rate of €70 mathematically amounts to €210 excluding VAT; this is not a separate quarterly package.
By year
Compare the total annual price including tax returns, software and any one-off costs. Twelve months at the starting rate of €70 is €840 excluding VAT. This is a calculation example based on twelve equal monthly amounts, not an annual contract or personal quotation.
Per hour
For self-employed accountants, Knab reports an average hourly rate of €65 excluding VAT in 2026. At that rate, two hours cost €130 and four hours cost €260. This is a survey average, not a fixed quotation price or monthly fee for your bookkeeping. Source: Knab, bookkeeper hourly rate 2026.
When paying by the hour, the bill depends on both the rate and the time spent. Ask for an estimate of hours in advance, which tasks are included and when you will be informed if more work is needed. Van Passe presents a monthly package on the rates page; ask for a price in advance for any individual tasks.
Example: monthly price to annual price
| Period | Calculation example excl. VAT |
|---|---|
| 1 month | € 70 |
| 3 months | € 210 |
| 12 months | € 840 |
This example uses the starting rate of Van Passe, checked on 9 September 2026. Set-up costs and any additional services are not included. For example, the rates page states a surcharge of €20 per month for OSS returns.
How to compare the full annual price
Calculate for twelve months: 12 × monthly fee + separate annual returns + software + setup costs + agreed extra work. Only include costs that are not already included in the package.
The quotes below are fictitious. They show why a lower monthly price does not always mean a lower annual price. All amounts are excluding VAT.
| Cost item | Example A | Example B |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly amount | €60 | €80 |
| Twelve monthly payments | €720 | €960 |
| Income Tax | €250 extra | Included |
| Annual software | €120 extra | Included |
| Start-up costs | €100 | €100 |
| Total first year | €1.190 | €1.060 |
Example B costs €130 less in the first year. Also compare the work and terms: both quotes must match the same brief. These are not Van Passe's rates.
Fees for one-off bookkeeping services
Do you want to just have your income tax arranged, clear a backlog in your administration, or have a consultation? Request a quote detailing the precise assignment. Ensure it is specified whether sorting out documents, corrections, consultation, and answering questions about the tax return are included. A low price for merely filing might require more preparation on your part.
Factors affecting costs
- Scope: the number of transactions, invoices and bank accounts.
- Preparation: A complete, digitally supplied set of accounts requires different work than a backlog.
- Complexity: for example foreign sales, multiple activities or special VAT schemes.
- Services: just processing and filing returns, or also software and regular consultation.
- Legal form: do not simply compare a freelance package with services for a limited company or a business with employees.
What does an accountant do?
An accountant can keep your records up to date, prepare and submit tax returns, and help you understand your figures. What you get precisely is stated in your agreements. Read more about the tasks of an accountant for a self-employed person.
Why choose an accountant?
Outsourcing can free up time and help to keep your administration carefully up to date. Do not compare price alone, but also the dedicated contact person, accessibility, explanation and the way in which you submit documents. Tax savings depend on your situation and are not a guaranteed return of a subscription.
Checklist: how to compare quotes
- Are the amounts excluding or including VAT?
- Are VAT returns, income tax and software included in the price?
- Are set-up costs, arrears or additional returns priced separately?
- How much contact and support do you get?
- What do you need to provide yourself and when?
- What are the cancellation terms and how does a switch work?
- What do I pay in total in the first year and in a subsequent full year?
- How are the annual tax return and any additional costs calculated if I start, switch or stop halfway through the year?
Outsourcing bookkeeping to Van Passe
We will discuss your work and administration and explain which fee and agreements apply to you. Our freelance package includes the app and personal contact with a dedicated accountant. We currently do not handle administration for the car dealership sector and dropshippers.
Schedule a no-obligation introductory meeting or first view the package from €70 and what is included. Looking for an office in the region? Read about our bookkeeper in Amsterdam.
