TinyTax vs TaxFiler: Which CT600 Software Should You Choose?
Choosing the right CT600 software can save you significant time and money. Two popular options for UK corporation tax filing are TinyTax and TaxFiler (now part of IRIS). But they serve quite different audiences.
This comparison will help you decide which is right for your situation.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | TinyTax | TaxFiler (IRIS Elements Tax) |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Free (dormant) / £5/year (trading) | From £10/month (£120/year) |
| Target Audience | Company directors, small businesses | Accountants, practices |
| CT600 Filing | Yes | Yes |
| Companies House Filing | Yes | Yes |
| iXBRL Generation | Included | Included |
| Personal Tax (SA100) | No | Yes |
| Partnership Returns | No | Yes |
| Contract Required | No | 12-month minimum |
Pricing Breakdown
TinyTax Pricing
TinyTax offers straightforward, annual pricing:
- Free - Dormant companies (no trading activity)
- Solo £5/year - One trading company
- Portfolio £50/year - Unlimited company filings
TaxFiler (IRIS) Pricing
TaxFiler, now branded as IRIS Elements Tax, uses monthly subscription pricing:
- Tax Essentials - From £10/month (up to 5 clients)
- Tax Professional - Custom pricing (up to 10 clients)
- Tax Enterprise - Custom pricing (larger practices)
Feature Comparison
Where TinyTax Excels
1. Simplicity for Directors
TinyTax is designed specifically for company directors filing their own returns. The interface guides you through the CT600 step-by-step, without accountant jargon.
2. Cost for Low-Volume Filers
If you have one or two companies, TinyTax costs £5-50 per year versus £120+ for TaxFiler. That is a significant saving for small businesses.
3. Combined Filing
Both CT600 (HMRC) and annual accounts (Companies House) are handled together, generating the required iXBRL format automatically.
4. No Contract Lock-in
Pay annually with no commitment. If your company becomes dormant, you can use the free tier.
Where TaxFiler Excels
1. Full Practice Suite
TaxFiler handles personal tax (SA100), partnerships, and trusts alongside corporation tax. For accountants managing diverse clients, this is valuable.
2. Multi-Tax Workflow
If you prepare both personal and company tax returns for clients, having everything in one system streamlines workflow.
3. Practice Management
Larger features like capital allowances calculations, dividend feeds, and asset registers suit complex client needs.
4. Established in the Market
As part of IRIS, TaxFiler has brand recognition and is used by thousands of accountants.
Who Should Choose TinyTax?
TinyTax is ideal if you:
- Are a company director filing your own CT600
- Have 1-10 companies to file for
- Want simple, guided filing without accountant complexity
- Prefer low annual cost over monthly subscriptions
- Do not need personal tax or partnership returns
- Value no contracts and flexibility
Who Should Choose TaxFiler?
TaxFiler suits you if you:
- Are an accountant running a practice
- Need SA100 personal tax alongside CT600
- Manage partnerships and trusts
- Want integrated practice management
- Are comfortable with monthly subscriptions and contracts
- Need advanced features like asset registers
The Verdict
For company directors filing their own returns, TinyTax offers better value. You get CT600 and Companies House filing at a fraction of the cost, with a simpler interface.
For accountants with mixed client portfolios needing personal tax, partnerships, and practice management, TaxFiler provides a comprehensive (if more expensive) solution.
Making the Switch
If you are currently using TaxFiler for simple CT600 filings, switching to TinyTax is straightforward:
- Gather your company numbers and accounting period dates
- Sign up at tinytax.co.uk (free for dormant companies)
- Enter your figures when ready to file
- Submit to HMRC and Companies House
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TinyTax HMRC-approved?
Yes. TinyTax is fully authorised to submit CT600 returns directly to HMRC and accounts to Companies House.
Can I use TinyTax if I have an accountant?
Yes. Many accountants use TinyTax for their clients, especially on the Portfolio plan with unlimited filings for £50/year.
Does TaxFiler have a free tier?
TaxFiler offers a 30-day free trial, but no permanent free tier. TinyTax offers free filing for dormant companies indefinitely.
Which has better support?
Both offer support. TinyTax provides email support and guided help within the software. TaxFiler provides phone and email support as part of IRIS.