{"id":15758,"date":"2025-02-03T20:44:53","date_gmt":"2025-02-03T19:44:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vanpasse.nl\/?p=15758"},"modified":"2026-09-14T19:59:46","modified_gmt":"2026-09-14T17:59:46","slug":"accountant-costs-zzp","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vanpasse.nl\/en\/kennisbank\/starten\/kosten-boekhouder-zzp\/","title":{"rendered":"Bookkeeper costs for sole traders in 2026: per hour, month and year"},"content":{"rendered":"
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What does an accountant for zzp cost?<\/strong><\/h2>

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.<\/p>

At Van Passe, the self-employed package starts at \u20ac70 per month excluding VAT<\/strong>. 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 \u20ac70 per month and the terms and conditions<\/a> for your situation.<\/p>

Per month<\/strong><\/h3>

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.<\/p>

Per quarter<\/strong><\/h3>

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 \u20ac70 mathematically amounts to \u20ac210 excluding VAT; this is not a separate quarterly package.<\/p>

By year<\/strong><\/h3>

Compare the total annual price including tax returns, software and any one-off costs. Twelve months at the starting rate of \u20ac70 is \u20ac840 excluding VAT. This is a calculation example based on twelve equal monthly amounts, not an annual contract or personal quotation.<\/p>

Per hour<\/strong><\/h3>

For self-employed accountants, Knab reports an average hourly rate of \u20ac65 excluding VAT in 2026. At that rate, two hours cost \u20ac130 and four hours cost \u20ac260. This is a survey average, not a fixed quotation price or monthly fee for your bookkeeping. Source: Knab, bookkeeper hourly rate 2026<\/a>.<\/p>

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.<\/p>

Example: monthly price to annual price<\/strong><\/h3>
Period<\/th>Calculation example excl. VAT<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
1 month<\/td>\u20ac 70<\/td><\/tr>
3 months<\/td>\u20ac 210<\/td><\/tr>
12 months<\/td>\u20ac 840<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>

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 \u20ac20 per month for OSS returns.<\/p>

How to compare the full annual price<\/strong><\/h3>

Calculate for twelve months: 12 \u00d7 monthly fee + separate annual returns + software + setup costs + agreed extra work. Only include costs that are not already included in the package.<\/p>

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.<\/p>
Cost item<\/th>Example A<\/th>Example B<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Monthly amount<\/td>\u20ac60<\/td>\u20ac80<\/td><\/tr>
Twelve monthly payments<\/td>\u20ac720<\/td>\u20ac960<\/td><\/tr>
Income Tax<\/td>\u20ac250 extra<\/td>Included<\/td><\/tr>
Annual software<\/td>\u20ac120 extra<\/td>Included<\/td><\/tr>
Start-up costs<\/td>\u20ac100<\/td>\u20ac100<\/td><\/tr>
Total first year<\/strong><\/td>\u20ac1.190<\/strong><\/td>\u20ac1.060<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>

Example B costs \u20ac130 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.<\/p>

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Fees for one-off bookkeeping services<\/strong><\/h2>

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.<\/p>

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Factors affecting costs<\/strong><\/h2>