What does an accountant do?
An accountant is there to help you with everything to do with your financial records. From processing receipts and invoices to doing your VAT and income tax and preparing your annual figures. In addition, a good accountant is also an advisor: someone who thinks along about deductions, investments or the legal form of your company.
Advantages
A bookkeeper saves you time, prevents mistakes and ensures you meet the requirements of the tax authorities. You do not have to keep up with the rules yourself, because your accountant knows which tax advantages apply to you. You will also spend less time on your administration, allowing you to focus on your business.
Cons
In return, of course, there is a price. For many starting self-employed people, the cost of a bookkeeper is a barrier. In addition, you hand over part of the control: you are dependent on how well and quickly your accountant works. Therefore, trust is crucial.
Duties of an accountant
An accountant's work varies from situation to situation, but broadly speaking, he will help you with:
- Entering and checking your records
- Taking care of your VAT return
- Submission of the income tax return
- Preparation of annual accounts or profit and loss accounts
- Advising on investments and tax schemes
- Correspondence with the tax authorities
For many entrepreneurs, filing returns correctly in particular is a reason to seek help. The tax authorities have been inspecting more strictly since 2025, and mistakes can lead to additional taxes or fines.
As a self-employed person, do I need an accountant?
As a self-employed person, you are not obliged to hire an accountant. But especially if you have little experience with administration or tax rules, it is often wise. The Chamber of Commerce and the Tax Administration emphasise that, as an entrepreneur, you remain responsible for your own administration. A bookkeeper is no guarantee that everything will go right, but it does help to avoid mistakes.
Do you work with multiple clients? Do you make use of deductions such as self-employment deduction or investment allowance? Or do you want to know how to properly arrange your pension? Then a bookkeeper is often more than just an administrative support person, it is a partner who helps you keep your company financially healthy.
Choosing the best accountant for zzp
A good accountant understands how you work, knows the rules for self-employed people and is clear about rates. When making your choice, pay attention to:
- Experience with zzp administrations
- Use of modern accounting software
- Transparency on what is and is not included
- Availability in case of questions or checks
- Reviews or experiences of other entrepreneurs
Also ask if the first meeting is free. Many accountants offer an introductory meeting where you can explain your situation and find out right away if it clicks.
Switching accountants
Not satisfied with your current accountant? Then you can always switch. Make sure you have all your accounts and declarations in order and clearly agree on who is responsible for the transfer. Your new accountant will often help you with the transfer. Be careful with a change of financial year: switching is easiest at the end of a quarter or year.
Costs accountant
The cost depends on how much work you outsource. The cost of an accountant can be complex and depends on several factors. On average, the following applies:
Rate base | Average cost |
Per hour | €40 - €80 |
Per month | €80 - €150 |
Per quarter | €150 - €250 |
By year | €800 - €1.500 |
Do you only have your VAT returns done? Then you will pay less than if you also outsource your income tax and annual figures. The cost also depends on your administration; do you have less work? Then your accountant will spend less time, which reduces costs.
Digital accounting and automation
Accounting is becoming increasingly digital. Many self-employed people now use online accounting software which is linked to their bank account, allowing purchase and sales invoices to be processed automatically. Bookkeepers are also increasingly working with digital tools.
Digital accounting has advantages: you keep your own overview, can share information faster and avoid piles of paperwork. Your accountant can watch you in real time, so you get advice faster. At the same time, control remains important: you remain responsible for what happens in your accounts, even if a system works automatically.
Outsourcing accountingden?
Do you want your accounting to be well organised, without having to chase every detail yourself all the time? Van Passe specialises in bookkeeping for self-employed people. We take care of your VAT returns, income tax, annual figures and offer advice on tax questions.
You retain insight via clear online accounting software (MoneyMonk), while we ensure that everything is submitted correctly and on time. This way, you comply with all Tax Administration requirements and keep more time for your business.
Schedule an introduction or view the rates.
