Sage 50 vs Sage Accounting
Side-by-side comparison for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.
Sage 50
Desktop-rooted accounting for established businesses.
Sage 50 (formerly Sage 50cloud) is Sage's long-standing desktop-based accounting software with cloud connectivity. MTD Income Tax submission for sole traders is built into version 33.1 and later, on subscription licences. It's a heavier, more expensive product than Sage's cloud-only Sage Accounting.
Visit Sage 50Sage Accounting
Established UK brand, trusted by accountants.
Sage's cloud accounting product. Solid, enterprise-backed, wide accountant adoption. Has a dedicated landlord flow.
Visit Sage AccountingFull feature comparison
| Sage 50 | Sage Accounting | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing & compliance | ||
| Price from | £20/mo | £15/mo |
| Free tier | – | – |
| HMRC-recognised | ✓ | ✓ |
| Features | ||
| Bank feeds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile app | – | ✓ |
| Receipt scanning | – | ✓ |
| CIS support | – | – |
| Furnished holiday let support | – | – |
| VAT submission | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bridging software | – | – |
| Invoicing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multiple properties | – | ✓ |
| Accountant access | ✓ | ✓ |
| Best suited to | ||
| Sole Traders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Landlords | – | ✓ |
| Airbnb / Short-let Hosts | – | – |
| CIS Subcontractors | – | ✓ |
| Uber & Gig Drivers | – | – |
| Freelancers | – | – |
| Spreadsheet Users | – | – |
| Simple Affairs | – | – |
| Accountants | ✓ | ✓ |
| VAT-Registered | ✓ | ✓ |
✓ = supported. Based on each provider's published plans; check their site for the latest details.
Sage 50 verdict
Makes sense if you already run Sage 50 or need its depth. Most sole traders and landlords will be better served by a lighter cloud tool.
Sage Accounting verdict
Solid choice if your accountant prefers Sage. Otherwise Xero gives you more for less.