Sage Accounting

What it does

Sage Accounting is online accounting software from Sage, a UK company. It sends invoices and quotes, brings in bank transactions, handles VAT and files returns to HMRC under Making Tax Digital. Sage Copilot, its AI assistant, helps with tasks such as spotting overdue invoices and answering questions about your figures.

It suits sole traders and small businesses, and many UK accountants and bookkeepers support it.

Why use it

• It is made by a UK company that many UK accountants know well.
• It files VAT returns to HMRC under Making Tax Digital.
• Sage Copilot points out overdue invoices and answers questions about your business.

How it works

1. Choose a plan on Sage’s UK website and sign up.
2. Connect your bank so transactions come in automatically.
3. Set up your VAT details and invoice template.
4. Review what Sage Copilot suggests, and check it before acting.
5. File your VAT return to HMRC from Sage Accounting.

How hard is it to use?

Intermediate Some set-up, or a little practice, to get good results.

Routine tasks are simple, but setting up VAT and bank rules takes some learning, which is why we rate it Intermediate.

What it costs

Paid plans; free trial. Paid monthly plans (Start, Standard and Plus), each with a one-month free trial. Sage Copilot is included in every plan at no extra cost. Higher plans add more features and users.

Prices change often, so check Sage Accounting’s own site before you pay.

Watch out for

• Check what Sage Copilot suggests before you send or post anything.
• Introductory offers end after a few months, so check the full monthly price.

Your data

Sage’s privacy notice covers your accounts data. Check its Sage Copilot and trust pages for whether your data is used to train AI and where it is stored.

We haven’t confirmed that Sage Accounting can keep your data in the UK, so check where it keeps your data before you share anything private or about other people.