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Choosing a bookkeeper: what does it cost and what to look for?
Written by Ilias5 min read
Sooner or later every entrepreneur faces the question: do I do my own bookkeeping or outsource it? And if you outsource, how much does it cost, and how do you choose a good bookkeeper? This article explains what a bookkeeper costs on average, what you get for it, what to watch for and why the difference between a sole trader and a BV matters so much for the price.
What does a bookkeeper cost for a sole trader?
For a sole trader the rate in 2026 is usually between 50 and 150 euros per month, averaging around 85 euros. On a yearly basis that's roughly 450 to 1,500 euros, including your VAT returns and the preparation of your income tax. If you opt for an hourly rate, expect about 60 to 110 euros per hour, depending on the bookkeeper's experience.
The simpler and tidier your bookkeeping, the lower the price. If you submit your receipts digitally, link your business account and keep your records up to date monthly, it costs your bookkeeper less time and you pay less. A fixed monthly amount is usually cheaper and more predictable than separate hours.
What does a bookkeeper cost for a BV?
A BV is more expensive, because more is involved. Expect 150 to 500 euros per month, which on a yearly basis comes to roughly 2,000 to 5,000 euros. That difference with a sole trader comes from the extra obligations: a BV must draw up an official annual report and file it with the Chamber of Commerce, file a corporate tax return, and correctly process the customary salary of the director-major shareholder.
If you have a holding structure or staff, it rises further. The administration of a holding requires specific knowledge around director's salary, current account and the share structure. With staff, payroll administration is added, often around 15 euros per payslip. So always ask whether that kind of work is in the rate or billed separately.
Why is the difference between sole trader and BV so big?
It's about the amount of work and the obligations. With a sole trader, you and your business are the same for tax: you file a VAT return and a combined income tax return. That's relatively straightforward. A BV is a separate legal entity with its own annual report, its own tax return and stricter rules. More obligations means more work for the bookkeeper, and so a higher rate.
For a general partnership (vof), with multiple partners, the price is between that of a sole trader and a BV: often around 75 to 250 euros per month, depending on the number of partners and transactions. So the type of business largely determines what you pay.
What do you get for that amount?
A standard package for a sole trader usually includes: processing your income and expenses, your VAT returns quarterly or monthly, checking your records and preparing your income tax return. Many bookkeepers also offer interim advice and the option to ask questions.
Note what's not standard. Things like payroll administration, drawing up an official annual report for a BV, advice on objections, international tax matters and incidental advice often fall outside the basic package and are billed separately. So always look at the content of the package, not just the monthly amount.
What should you watch for when choosing?
Don't compare only on price, but above all on what you get. Two bookkeepers who both charge 85 euros per month can differ greatly in what's included: one only does the processing, the other also offers advice, checks and interim reports. Always ask for a clear quote stating what is and isn't included.
Also pay attention to accessibility and the personal click. Can you ask questions easily, and does the bookkeeper respond quickly? Does he work with software that's convenient for you? And does he have experience with your type of business and sector? A bookkeeper with tax knowledge sometimes costs a bit more, but pays for himself by making better use of deductions and tax advantages.
Bookkeeper or accountant: what do you need?
For most sole traders and small BVs a bookkeeper is enough. A bookkeeper keeps your records, handles your returns and draws up an annual report where needed. An accountant with a protected title, a chartered accountant, is more expensive and mainly needed for certifying annual accounts at medium-sized and large companies.
Good to know: your bookkeeper's costs are fully deductible as business expenses. At a tax burden of, say, 37 percent you therefore net only pay part of the invoice. A good bookkeeper is thus not just a cost, but often pays for itself through saved time, prevented mistakes and better-used tax benefits.
This article provides general information based on the rules known for 2026 and does not replace personal tax advice. For your specific situation, we're happy to take a look with you.
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