Bookkeeping : VT Transaction+ or Sage or Quickbooks Accounts Production & filing : VT Accounts Tax Software : Taxcalc Payroll : 12Pay or Moneysoft for Payroll and of course Excel.
My setup is
VT Transaction+ VT Accounts Excel
I also have Quickbooks but have not used it with any client yet.
I don't offer Payroll at the moment as I've dumped it as a service until RTI calms down. When I pick it up again it will be with 12pay not least as I think that Tom deserves a big thankyou in the form of increased sales for all of the help that he has given to people during the RTI transition regardless as to whose software that they use.
Tax I do manually but with more than a little help from VT Accounts for the CT side of things. Having Taxcalc improves ones speed and efficiency and reduces the opportunity for error so whilst it's well worth acquiring is it worth £450 every year?... I think that it is but I've not acquired it myself yet.
I chose VT because its a fully integrated package from data entry through to final accounts. I like that the software treats you like a grown up rather than the likes of Sage which try to make software idiot proof but make the software less user freindly in the process.
That of course is not the main issue with Sage. That would be the licensing where you are taxed by Sage on your client numbers yet you are only using the same software for the same time on the same machine.
Many people here do have Sage as their primary software. You can run a practice without it (as proven by myself) but it can be easier to adopt Sage as well as you will get clients come to you that have it. Personally my giving these to a local chartered practice buys my supervision.
Of course, the all important bottom line difference between Sage and VT is that a 25 client licence for Sage client manager comes in at around £900 but unlimited clients on VT Accounts (which includes VT Transaction+) is £200.
That said, you might try VT and hate it. If you fancied having a play just download the 60 day free trial.
If you want more info on VT just do a search on here or Accountingweb to hear what people have to say about it.
Also, this site has two threads that have been promoted to sticky status. One is on free training materials and the the other is on software. Despite the name of the thread (convince me that I don't need sage) it really is quite unbiased and worth a read. Here's the link
Responses are not meant as a substitute for professional advice. Answers are intended as outline only the advice of a qualified professional with access to all relevant information should be sought before acting on any response given.
I was a Sage dealer for many years so I know it really well and was involved in scoping the Accountants Club, I often say that they nicked the idea from us as we did it in our dealership long before they did ... all I can say is sorry ;).
I will have a look at everything you've suggested - the obvious answer to me is Sage but I do think their pricing is getting out of hand.
Currently use VT for accounts and Taxcalc for tax returns but as taxcalc is now integrated currently trialing Taxcalc Accounts Production and I like it contrary to other opinion on sites like AWeb.
Use SAGE for bookkeeping clients.
Going to become accredited with Xero for those looking for online option. Have done all the trials and the online course and just need to now find time to sit the exam to become certified partner. May also in due course look also at Freeagent if i eventually take the decision to move to IRIS as it links well with IRISopenbooks.
Currently outsource payroll so dont do any payroll work personally.
