Entrepreneur
Accountant Fees in Quebec in 2026: Rates for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses
3/8/2026
"How much does an accountant cost in Quebec?" That's the question thousands of entrepreneurs ask themselves every year before hiring an accounting professional. According to the Bankeo Fee Barometer (2024-2026 data, 15,000+ requests received), most companies pay between $500 and $6,000 per year, with a median of around $3,000. The exact amount depends on your needs, the size of your business, and the type of accountant you choose.
In 2026, prices for accounting services in Quebec continue to rise in line with inflation, growing demand, and new tax regulations. Whether you’re a self-employed individual looking to file your taxes or an SME with 50 employees needing monthly bookkeeping, understanding the fee structure in the Quebec market is essential for budgeting properly and avoiding unpleasant surprises.
This comprehensive guide details the actual prices charged in 2026 for all accounting services, the factors that influence rates, and how find the best value for the money thanks to the accountant matching.
Here is the most comprehensive fee schedule for the Quebec market in 2026, based on data from more than 1,500 accountants Bankeo and confirmed by statistics from theOrdre des CPA du Québec.
| Service | Low range | Medium range | High end |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate (unapproved) | 100 $ | 150 $ | 250 $ |
| Hourly Rate (CPA) | 150 $ | 250 $ | 400 $ |
| Monthly Plan for Micro-Businesses | 200 $ | 350 $ | 500 $ |
| SME Monthly Plan (20 employees) | 500 $ | 1 000 $ | 2 000 $ |
| T2 Return (Corporate Income) | 1 000 $ | 2 500 $ | 5 000 $ |
| Simple Personal Income Tax | 90 $ | 200 $ | 250 $ |
| Complex Personal Taxes | 150 $ | 300 $ | 500 $ |
| Monthly Bookkeeping | 200 $ | 600 $ | 1 500 $ |
| Annual Financial Statements | 1 000 $ | 2 000 $ | 4 000 $ |
| Payroll Management (Monthly) | 150 $ | 400 $ | 1 000 $ |
| Compilation Engagement | 1 500 $ | 3 000 $ | 6 000 $ |
| Tax Planning | 500 $ | 1 500 $ | 3 000 $ |
Source: Data compiled from more than 1,500 Bankeo partner accountants, 2026. Rates may vary depending on the region, the accountant’s experience, and the complexity of your case.
The difference in hourly rates reflects the accounting professional's level of certification and experience:
To learn more about the differences between these profiles, check out our guide Clerk, Technician, or CPA: How to Choose.
Many firms offer all-inclusive monthly packages for small and medium-sized businesses, which simplifies budgeting. These packages typically include:
The monthly cost depends on the volume of transactions:
Annual services are often billed at a flat rate rather than by the hour:
For individuals, rates depend on the complexity of your tax situation:
The Specialized accountants for self-employed individuals often offer annual packages that include tax planning and estimated tax payments.
The prices shown are before taxes. Add the GST (5%) and the QST (9.975%) to get the total cost. For example, a monthly plan of $1,000 will actually cost 1 149,75 $ after taxes. However, certain accounting services are tax-exempt depending on the nature of the engagement.
Why do rates vary so much from one practice to another? Here are the 7 key factors:
| Factor | Impact on Price | Real-world example |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Company Size | The larger the company, the greater the workload | Self-employed worker: $200/month vs. SME with 50 employees: $2,000/month |
| 2. Complexity of Operations | International transactions, multiple currencies, complex inventory | Local restaurant: $800/month vs. multi-location chain: $3,000/month |
| 3. Industry | Certain sectors require specialized expertise | Retail: Standard rates vs. construction: +20-30% |
| 4. Accountant Accreditation | CPA costs 2-3 times as much as a technician | Technician: $100/hr vs. CPA: $250/hr |
| 5. Geography | Montreal and Quebec City are 10-20% more expensive than other regions | Montreal: $1,200/month vs. Saguenay: $900/month |
| 6. Frequency of Services | Long-term commitment = discount vs. one-time = full price | Annual package: 15% off vs. one-time consultation: full hourly rate |
| 7. Accounting Status | Accounting backlog = overtime to catch up | Up-to-date accounting: standard rate vs. 2 years behind: +50-100% |
This is the most decisive factor. Here is a breakdown by category:
Certain industries require specialized expertise and are more expensive:
To find an accountant who specializes in your industry, check out our network of 1,500+ accountants.
A CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant) costs, on average, 2 to 3 times as much as an accounting technician or clerk. Is this price difference justified?
You MUST hire a CPA if:
One accounting technician is sufficient to:
The general rule: Hire a CPA when the tax or financial implications justify the investment. If good tax planning can save you $10,000 in taxes, paying a CPA $2,000 is worth it. If you only need basic bookkeeping, a technician at $100/hour will do the job just fine.
To learn more, check out our guide Accountant vs. Tax Specialist: The Differences.
Two billing models dominate the Quebec market:
Benefits:
Disadvantages:
Recommended for: Self-employed individuals with straightforward income, businesses with irregular needs, and one-time strategic consultations.
Benefits:
Disadvantages:
Recommended for: Small and medium-sized businesses with recurring needs, growing companies, and startups requiring ongoing support.
Here's a simple rule:
Most Bankeo partner firms offer both options. When free matching, our advisors will help you choose the plan that best suits your needs.
Be aware of additional costs that can drive up the final bill:
How to Avoid Surprises:
Bankeo is working with all of its partner firms to ensure pricing transparency: No hidden fees, clear quotes, prices as quoted.
Here are 8 proven strategies for reducing your accounting costs while maintaining a high level of service:
If you use accounting software With software like QuickBooks, Xero, or Sage, you can enter your transactions yourself and only pay the accountant for:
Potential savings: $300 to $800 per month (40-60% discount)
Accounting backlogs are costly. An accountant charges 50-100% more to catch up on 6-12 months of backlog than to process transactions as they come in.
Potential savings: $1,000 to $3,000 per year
Every hour the accountant spends looking for your receipts or clarifying transactions adds $150, $300 to your bill. Come prepared:
Potential savings: $500 to $1,500 per year
You don't need a CPA charging $300/hour for data entry. Two-tier structure:
Potential savings: $2,000 to $5,000 per year
Firms often offer a 15-25% discount for an annual contract compared to monthly billing on a fee-for-service basis.
Potential savings: $1,500 to $4,000 per year
Some firms offer discounts of 10-20% for work completed outside the tax season (May through January). Schedule your strategic consultations for the summer.
Potential savings: $200 to $800 per year
Good accounting software that connects to your bank accounts reduces data entry time by 60-80%:
An investment of $500 per year in software can save you $2,000, $4,000 per year in accounting fees.
Bankeo negotiates preferential rates with its more than 1,500 accountants. On average, our clients save 20-30% on their annual accounting expenses thanks to:
Potential savings: $2,000 to $10,000 per year
Since 2023, Bankeo has received more than 15,000 applications from Quebec entrepreneurs looking for their ideal accountant. Our model of accountant matching We act as an advisor: we analyze your needs and connect you with the best accounting firms in our network of over 1,500 partners, depending on how many accountants you’d like to meet.
Get free quotes from qualified accountants within 48 hours. Compare rates and expertise, and choose the best one for your business.
Get my free quotesFor a small business (5-20 employees), plan on between $1,000 and $2,000 per month for a package that includes bookkeeping, payroll, monthly reports, and consulting support. If you only need the annual T2 return and financial statements, expect to pay between $2,000 and $4,000 per year.
The hourly rate ranges from $100 to $400 Depending on their certification: an accounting clerk charges $20-60/hour, a technician $60-120/hour, and a CPA $150-400/hour. The average rate for an experienced CPA is around $250 per hour.
A T2 return costs between $1,000 and $5,000 depending on the complexity of your business. A small company with straightforward revenue will pay around $1,500, while a business with subsidiaries, international transactions, or SR&ED credits may pay up to $5,000 or more.
For an individual, expect to pay between $90 and $500 Depending on your situation: $90, $150 for a standard employee, $200, $400 for a self-employed individual, and $300, $500 for a complex situation (multiple sources of income, investments, rental properties).
Yes, an accounting technician or clerk costs 50-70% less than a CPA. However, they cannot perform certain services (audits, compilations, or representation before Revenu Québec). For basic bookkeeping, an accounting technician is sufficient. For complex tax planning or corporate tax returns, a CPA is recommended.
Un monthly plan is generally 15-25% less expensive and more predictable if you need regular services (more than 10 hours per month). The hourly rate is best for one-time needs (annual filing only, one-time consultation).
Be aware of the fees for excess volume (additional transactions) Services Not Included in the Plan (tax planning, SR&ED credits) emergencies (25-50% increase) accounting catch-up (if delayed), and software ($30, $100/month). Always ask for a detailed written quote.
To reduce your costs: (1) do your basic bookkeeping yourself, (2) keep your records up to date throughout the year, (3) prepare your documents before meetings, (4) choose the right level of expertise (bookkeeper vs. CPA), (5) negotiate an annual flat-rate fee, (6) compare quotes from qualified accountants using Bankeo.
Yes, the rates in Montreal and Quebec City are approximately 10-20% higher than in regional areas (Saguenay, Abitibi, Gaspésie). However, with virtualization, you can hire an accountant in a regional area to take advantage of more competitive rates while still receiving high-quality service.
A tech startup typically pays 25-40% more expensive than a traditional business due to its complexity (SR&ED tax credits, stock capitalization, financing, stock options). Expect to pay $1,500, $3,000 per month for a comprehensive package with a tech-specialized CPA. Bankeo has accountants specializing in startups within its network.
The data in this article comes from:
The price ranges are based on actual data from more than 15,000 requests received by Bankeo between 2023 and 2026, validated by public statistics from the Ordre des CPA du Québec and independent market sources.
Need an accountant at the best price for your Quebec-based business? Get free quotes Find qualified accountants in 48 hours with Bankeo. Compare rates and expertise, and choose the best fit for your budget. 100% free, with no obligation.
General information provided for guidance only, based on known 2026 tax rules. It is not a substitute for the advice of a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA): always consult a professional regarding your specific situation.
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