TinyTax vs IRIS: CT600 Software Comparison
IRIS is a major player in UK accounting software. TinyTax is a focused CT600 solution. This comparison helps you understand the differences.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | TinyTax | IRIS |
|---|---|---|
| Company | TinyTax | IRIS Software Group |
| Target market | Micro-entities, self-filers | Accountancy practices, enterprises |
| Starting price | Free | Contact for pricing |
| Product range | CT600 focused | Full practice suite |
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud + desktop options |
The Key Difference
IRIS is an enterprise-level practice management solution covering accounts, tax, payroll, and practice management across multiple products.
TinyTax is a focused tool for CT600 and micro-entity accounts filing.
Who Uses Each?
TinyTax Users
- Small company directors self-filing
- Micro-entity businesses
- Accountants recommending simple tools to clients
- Cost-conscious companies
IRIS Users
- Large accountancy practices
- Multi-partner firms
- Enterprise organisations
- Firms needing integrated systems
Pricing Comparison
TinyTax
| Tier | Price |
|---|---|
| Free (micro-entity) | £0 |
| Standard | From £49 |
IRIS
IRIS uses practice-based pricing with various product bundles. Prices are typically in the £1000s per year for practices. Contact IRIS for quotes.
Feature Comparison
CT600 Capability
| Feature | TinyTax | IRIS |
|---|---|---|
| CT600 filing | ✓ | ✓ |
| HMRC submission | ✓ | ✓ |
| All company sizes | Limited | ✓ |
| Complex returns | Basic | ✓ |
Accounts Production
| Feature | TinyTax | IRIS |
|---|---|---|
| Micro-entity | ✓ (free) | ✓ |
| Small company | Limited | ✓ |
| Medium/Large | No | ✓ |
| Full statutory | No | ✓ |
Additional Products
| Product | TinyTax | IRIS |
|---|---|---|
| Personal tax | No | Yes |
| Payroll | No | Yes |
| Practice management | No | Yes |
| Bookkeeping | No | Yes |
| Time recording | No | Yes |
When to Choose TinyTax
Choose TinyTax if:
- You're a micro-entity wanting free filing
- You want simple, modern software
- You don't need practice management
- Budget is a primary concern
- You're self-filing as a director
When to Choose IRIS
Choose IRIS if:
- You run a multi-client accountancy practice
- You need integrated practice management
- You handle complex tax situations
- You want everything from one vendor
- You're already using other IRIS products
For Practices: The Two-Tool Approach
Many accountants use different tools for different clients:
| Client Type | Tool |
|---|---|
| Simple micro-entity | TinyTax (free) |
| Complex or larger | IRIS |
Migration Considerations
From IRIS to TinyTax
Practical for simple clients only:
- Export client data
- Set up in TinyTax
- TinyTax fetches prior year from HMRC
From TinyTax to IRIS
If clients grow beyond micro-entity:
- Download TinyTax records
- Import to IRIS (or re-enter)
- Continue with more features
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TinyTax suitable for practices?
Yes, for simple micro-entity clients. Many practices use TinyTax alongside more comprehensive software.
Can IRIS do what TinyTax does?
Yes—IRIS can file CT600 for micro-entities. But it's more software than most micro-entities need.
Which is easier to learn?
TinyTax is simpler with minimal training. IRIS has more features requiring more learning investment.
What about support?
IRIS: Comprehensive support for practices. TinyTax: Chat/email support designed for self-filers.
Summary
| Factor | TinyTax | IRIS |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free-£49 | £1000s/year |
| Best for | Simple filing | Full practice |
| Learning curve | Low | Higher |
| Features | Focused | Comprehensive |
| Support | Chat/email | Full practice support |
Related guides:
- CT600 Software for Accountants
- CT600 Software Guide