Can anyone recommend a straight forward to use accounts package that is suitable for a UK company and the UK taxman.

I'm quite happy with numbers, just things like eventually having to deal with VAT returns makes me a bit giddy, so the easier to use the better.

So far, Ive been told Sage is too complicated, but quickbooks is easier to understand.

Any good/bad experiences with quickbooks, or other alternatives?

Hi Paula

Personally I /we use Quickbooks - find it fairly easy to use, like any package though it has its draw backs but would be fairly happy to stick my neck out and recommend it

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Clive

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Although I havent used it myself, I've heard lots of good things about KashFlow Accounting software.

Its supposed to be very user friendly, and you can also download a free trial, so you can try it out first.

Small Business Accounting Software - Mac and Windows

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Steve

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thanks guys. I like the look of Kashflow, will check it out

Hi Paula
Funny enough I am going through the same process at the moment.
I have got an appt booked with a sage bod on Monday for a demo.
I will report back with my findings

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I should have also added. have a chat with your account and see what they are using and make sure that you can export your accounts in order for them to undertake your year end.

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100% top advice, and a primary consideration!!

No point going through all the pain to find out your accountant has never heard of your package! I suppose this is where the likes of Sage and Quickbooks win as they are pretty universal.

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Steve

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KashFlow is excellent. I use this as a business as well as sell it through our partnership with Kashflow.

Despite my bias as a seller it really, truely is easier than Sage.

we use quick books too and once you have it set up to do what u want it to do it works well, accountant is happy with it too.

trena

I have used Quickbook Simple Start for around 4 years now. It's the best £42 I spent. As the name suggests, it's simple to use.

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Nick
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I've been using a program called 'Solar', it was given to me by my accountant it's very easy to use, and i'm a complete beginner to book keeping and the like!

I thought I would throw my penny in the hat and offer up MS accounting express.

They have pulled the plug on it for support but the distro is free and for 1 man bands probably more then adequate and you can export to excel for you accountant.

I have had a play with it and it the usual MS monkey see monkey doo UI.

Microsoft Office Accounting Express - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com

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The fact of the matter is that whatever off the shelf package the average business user will not use more than a small faction of it's capabilities.

Kashflow is specifically designed to cut out all of the bells and whistles that are paid for but not used. The potential drawback here is that it is an hosted package. To protect your position where the hosting might fail for whatever reason you will spend a lot of time exporting information in CSV format unless you can persuade Kashflow to do it for you.

For the smaller business spreadsheets are often a better bet unless you need the purchase and sales ledgers for volume of transactions. This solution can be completely free of cost.

Remember - The simpler it is the less there is to go wrong and don't forget back up and virus protection when your business is wholly dependent on the system you use.

bjn

Hi Paula

I used Quickbooks for 6 years and I switched to Sage about 18 months ago. I must say that I prefer Sage. I like the way it organises the transactions and it's very easy to use once you've had some training. Quickbooks is great if you're not very experienced with accounts. One or two hours training is all you need to get started. Huge difference in the price though.

I do agree though that you should check what your accountant uses as it will save you money in the long run if you both use the same software.

thx for all the replies guys

haven't been around for a while, had all sorts of problems to sort out, so decided to postpone my business for 12 months, but we still be asking you daft questions!

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No such thing as a daft question here Paula; only daft not to ask it

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Hi everyone

I work as a management accountant (but i want to own my own fishing shop so thats what i'm trying to do and think that sage is the best package to go for it is the most popular within the accounting world and is very simple and easy to use (i myself will be using this for my book keeping) i have just had a look on their site and the one i'd go for is sage instant acciunts v16 i've not used this one myself but i have used the sage line 50 which is just more in depth. I have though used sage instant payroll and it was really easy and simple it uses a step by step process.

hope this helps

Matt

If anyone does purchase any sage products and do get stuck let me know i'll see if i can help

Another recommendation for KashFlow from me and the accountant approves. I use a Mac and given it is a web-based solution there are no issues with compatibility.

Enter the receipts and at the end of the quarter select VAT return and it is done for you. Enter your HMRC log in and you can even submit it directly from KashFlow. Handy little feature is that it keeps a running tally of your VAT liability on your log in page so no nasty surprises!

Invoicing module is very good and easy to use too.

Re the comment above, you can schedule a CSV back up file to be sent to you periodically. I get mine every Sunday via email.

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Must admit, a few months in, the latest version of Quickbooks really seems to be making our lives easier, ease of reports etc, and their support line seems pretty switched on.

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Steve

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Automated backups are a Godsend!

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Quickbooks is the best. I have never had any issue with this program...

hello there

just joined the forum and I saw this thread. Perhaps it is out of date but will add my two pence anyway.

As an accountant I used to provide MS Accounting fro free which was good enough for sole traders and small companies. However, the main problem that my clients encounter is when they have to make adjustments. So far none of the major packages is flexible enough for them.

I suggest you look at VT software, pugs on Excel and is very friendly although not as sexy as other software.

Plus, the Cash book version is free Final accounts production and bookkeeping software from VT Software

Hello daccountant, hope thats not a self plug

Now pop into the introductions and say hello

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Steve

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Hi Steve
that's no plug at all. I am not associated with VT in any way shape or form.
Will pop in to say hello shortly

We seem to have been battered recently with link dumpers, so apologies

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Steve

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Try Solar Accounts. Around £100 including Vat. Very simple to use. You can even try it before you buy. I am not associated with the company at all. I no longer use the software as my needs have changed. But it will do you Vat etc.

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Hello Daccountant - Thank you for the useful info, and good to meet you here!
I am Chris!

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Another vote for Solar accounts. I had a play around with a few inc Kasflow but preferred the solar interface. Also, if you go onto the 'forum' sectrion (not a forum like this type I might add) you can ask a question and the owners post the answer really quick and everyone else's questions are there to view so you can usually find the answer anyway. When you're in the middle of somehting the last thing you want to do is have to send a ticket or email and wait a day or two for the answer if you're a noob with the software.