Setting your rates

Work out the income you need, then the hours you can bill, and set your rates from there rather than copying other people's.

A simple method

Add up your target income and business costs, divide by the number of days you'll actually bill (usually 180 to 200 a year) and then by your daily output.

Raising rates

Give existing clients at least 1 month's notice in writing. Many members review their rates each January.

Good to know

• Members can book a free 30-minute call with one of our partner accountants each year.
• The members' forum has an active business board where colleagues share experiences of agencies and clients.
• Keep business and personal finances in separate bank accounts; it makes tax returns much easier.

Downloads

• Starting out as a freelancer (PDF, 520 KB)
• Late payment letters (Word, 37 KB)

Page last reviewed 7 December 2025