In Belgium, opacity around accounting fees is almost cultural. Yet in 2026, transparency is becoming the standard. With inflation and automatic wage indexation impacting the service sector, pricing structures have evolved. Whether you’re a newly established freelancer or the director of an SME, understanding these costs is no longer optional—it’s a core management requirement.
You’re not just paying to have invoices booked. You’re paying for tax peace of mind and the sustainability of your financial strategy. Let’s break down the real numbers on the Belgian market.
Hourly Rates vs Monthly Packages: The Two Pricing Models
This is the classic dilemma: pay based on actual time spent, or secure a predictable budget? The Belgian market is slowly but surely shifting.
1. Hourly Rates: The Old-School Model
This is the traditional approach. Your accountant bills every minute spent on your file.
2026 pricing: on average, expect between €85 and €150 (excl. VAT) per hour, depending on whether your case is handled by a junior accountant or a senior manager/partner.
The downside: every phone call, every email, every question about deductibility starts the clock. This model works for very simple files with low volume—but becomes risky if you need ongoing advice.
2. Monthly Flat Fees: Budget Control
This is now the preferred option among modern firms. You pay a fixed monthly amount covering bookkeeping, VAT returns and annual accounts.
The upside: no year-end surprises. Day-to-day advice is often included.
What to watch: always check the engagement letter. Exceptional work (tax audits, complex financial plans, restructuring) is usually billed on top of the package.
Sole Trader vs Company (SRL): A Major Cost Gap
Your legal structure is the number one factor affecting your accounting bill. Administrative workload is simply not comparable.
Self-Employed Individuals (Sole Traders)
Accounting is relatively light: no filing of annual accounts with the National Bank, limited formalities.
Estimated budget: between €1,500 and €2,500 per year for a standard file (consultant, tradesperson, artisan).
Typically included: invoice processing, quarterly VAT returns, personal income tax filing, and annual customer listing.
Companies (SRL / SA)
Once you operate through a company, obligations multiply: statutory accounts, general meetings, corporate tax, stricter compliance.
Estimated budget: it’s hard to find quality service below €3,000 to €5,000 per year for an active small SRL.
Typical cost structure:
- Bookkeeping + VAT: ~€250–€400 per month
- Year-end closing & annual accounts: often billed as a “13th month” or integrated into a higher monthly package
Common mistake: choosing an SRL “to pay less tax” without anticipating that accounting fees will often double compared to sole trader status. Any tax advantage must offset this structural cost.
Starting in 2026: One-Off Setup Costs
If you’re launching a business, don’t confuse recurring fees with incorporation costs—this is where many budgets slip.
For company formation (SRL), Belgian law requires a formal financial plan. This isn’t a simple spreadsheet—it’s a legal document engaging the founder’s liability for three years.
Typical fee: €750–€1,200 excl. VAT.
Tip: some firms waive this cost if you commit to a 2–3 year accounting contract (“all-in” packages).
For sole traders, setup costs are minimal (business counter fees around €105.50). VAT and registry registration can sometimes be done without an accountant—though initial tax advice is strongly recommended to select the correct NACE codes.
Digitalisation: Pay for Thinking, Not Typing
This is the big shift of 2026. If your accountant still spends half their time manually entering invoices, you’re burning money.
With mandatory B2B e-invoicing, raw data entry is disappearing.
Don’t pay for: manual input. Do pay for: financial analysis, director remuneration optimisation, and expense strategy.
A modern firm won’t necessarily be cheaper—but it will be smarter. Instead of 10 hours of bookkeeping, you’ll get 2 hours of AI supervision and 8 hours of real tax advice. If your accountant still asks for parking receipts in a shoebox, it’s time to change partners.
Summary – Key Figures (2026 Benchmarks)
| Client Type | Average Annual Budget (excl. VAT) | Main Cost Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| Sole Trader | €1,500–€2,500 | Invoice volume, private/pro mix (car, property) |
| Company (SRL/SA) | €3,500–€5,500 | Annual accounts, AGM, financial plan, VAT complexity |
| One-off Consulting | €90–€150/hour | Level of expertise (tax specialist vs junior) |
Expert note: accounting fees are 100% tax deductible as professional expenses—one of the rare investments partially subsidised by the tax system.
FAQ – Expert Answers
Is an engagement letter mandatory?
Yes. ITAA regulations require it. It defines scope clearly: year-end closing included? Tax audit support extra? Without this document, additional charges are contestable.
Does a “cheap accountant” really exist?
Yes and the hidden cost is huge. Very low fees (e.g. €100/month for an SRL) usually mean heavy automation with minimal human review. Result: VAT penalties, missed optimisation opportunities (copyright regime, VVPR-bis) that often exceed the savings on fees.
How can I reduce my accounting costs?
Be administratively disciplined. Use pre-accounting tools (OCR). Sending messy documents three days before VAT deadlines triggers emergency surcharges. Clean, timely bookkeeping is always easier to negotiate.
