TinyTax vs Sage: Corporation Tax Software Compared
Sage is one of the biggest names in UK accounting software. TinyTax is a focused CT600 filing solution. This comparison helps you understand when to use each.
Important Distinction
Sage is primarily accounting/bookkeeping software. CT600 filing is available through add-ons or separate products.
TinyTax is specifically designed for CT600 and micro-entity accounts filing.
Quick Comparison
| Aspect | TinyTax | Sage |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | CT600 filing | Bookkeeping/Accounting |
| CT600 capability | Core feature | Add-on/separate product |
| Starting price | Free | From £14/month (basic) |
| Target user | Small companies filing tax | Businesses doing bookkeeping |
Sage's Product Range
Sage offers multiple products:
| Product | What It Does | CT600? |
|---|---|---|
| Sage Accounting | Cloud bookkeeping | No (export to accountant) |
| Sage 50 | Desktop accounting | With add-on |
| Sage Final Accounts | Accounts production | Yes |
| Sage Corporation Tax | CT600 filing | Yes |
TinyTax's Approach
| Feature | Included |
|---|---|
| CT600 filing | Yes (core) |
| Micro-entity accounts | Yes (free) |
| Companies House filing | Yes (free) |
| Bookkeeping | No |
Cost Comparison
TinyTax
| Tier | Cost |
|---|---|
| Free (micro-entity) | £0/year |
| Standard | From £49 |
Sage (for CT600)
Varies significantly by product combination:
- Sage Accounting alone: No CT600
- Sage 50 + Final Accounts: £100s+/year
- Sage Corporation Tax: Separate pricing
When to Use Each
Use Sage If...
- You need full bookkeeping software
- You're already invested in Sage ecosystem
- You have employees (Sage Payroll)
- Your accountant uses Sage
Use TinyTax If...
- You just need to file CT600
- You use spreadsheets or other software for bookkeeping
- You want free micro-entity filing
- You want the simplest path to compliance
Use Both If...
- You use Sage for bookkeeping
- You want easy, free CT600 filing
- You export trial balance from Sage to TinyTax
The Combined Approach
Many small businesses do:
- Bookkeeping: Sage Accounting (or spreadsheets)
- CT600 filing: TinyTax (free for micro-entities)
- Professional bookkeeping software
- Free tax filing
- Best of both worlds
How It Works
- Keep records in Sage throughout the year
- At year-end, run trial balance in Sage
- Import trial balance to TinyTax
- File CT600 and accounts with TinyTax
Feature Comparison
Bookkeeping
| Feature | TinyTax | Sage Accounting |
|---|---|---|
| Invoice creation | No | Yes |
| Bank feeds | No | Yes |
| Expense tracking | No | Yes |
| Receipt scanning | No | Yes |
CT600 Filing
| Feature | TinyTax | Sage CT |
|---|---|---|
| HMRC submission | Yes | Yes |
| Micro-entity accounts | Yes (free) | Yes |
| Period splitting | Yes | Yes |
| Prior year data | Yes | Yes |
Ease of Use
| Aspect | TinyTax | Sage |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time | Minutes | Hours/days |
| Training needed | Minimal | Moderate |
| Interface | Modern, simple | Feature-rich |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I export from Sage to TinyTax?
Yes. Export your trial balance from Sage as CSV and import to TinyTax.
Do I need Sage for bookkeeping?
Not necessarily. Many micro-entities use spreadsheets or simpler tools. Sage is one option among many.
Is Sage overkill for a micro-entity?
Potentially. If you only need CT600 filing and have simple records, TinyTax alone may be sufficient.
What if I outgrow TinyTax?
If your company grows beyond micro-entity, consider Sage's full suite or professional accountant software like TaxCalc.
Can my accountant use TinyTax?
Yes. Many accountants use TinyTax for simple clients while keeping Sage for their own practice bookkeeping.
Summary
| Need | Solution |
|---|---|
| Bookkeeping software | Sage |
| CT600 filing only | TinyTax |
| Both bookkeeping and CT600 | Sage + TinyTax |
| Free filing | TinyTax |
| Full accounting suite | Sage |
Related guides:
- CT600 Software Guide
- Trial Balance Import