SA software alternatives

SA software alternatives

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We have used PTP tax software for over 20 years, dating back to MSDos days and it has been functional and (until IRIS took over) reasonably priced for our one office practice.

Since the advent of the IRIS era, the costs have risen sharply, to the point where we entered into 3-year fixed price deals, the most recent ending with 2014-15.

We have just had a quote for the 2015-16 year with an over 30% hike which under any circumstances is excessive.

Accordingly I would welcome any suggestions as to a reliable sensibly priced alternative - we file about 600 SA/Pship/Trust returns and about 100 CT returns annually (and please don't suggest IRIS!!!)

Many thanks in advance

Replies (10)

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By The Innkeeper
02nd Dec 2015 20:46

We jumped ship from ptp
When iris swallowed it up and the support went down the tubes . We moved to absolute and the support team are headed by ex ptp staff and are brilliant.

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Glenn Martin
By Glenn Martin
02nd Dec 2015 22:01

Digita
I use Digita which I find to be really good it has the functionality of the IRIS products without the price tag although you would not say it was a cheap alternative.

For the money tax filer looks great and very well priced as for the amount of returns you have software that prices on client numbers will, be quite expensive.

Tax filer is cheap as chips for unlimited clients but it may lack a few bells and whistles that the bigger products have.

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By The Innkeeper
02nd Dec 2015 21:22

Ps
Check your agreement to see how much notice you need to give to exit

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By carnmores
02nd Dec 2015 21:26

without a shadow of a doubt
Taxfiler, I have used Digita & Absolute & Taxcalc over the years, but if you know what you're doing Taxfiler is an absolute doddle and in the cloud

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By Tim Vane
02nd Dec 2015 22:03

If you have a licence agreement that requires you to give several months notice with PTP then you should look at switching to Taxfiler - they will give you a free licence until your existing licence runs out so at least if you have to pay the PTP licence you can still switch and won't have to pay twice.

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By Cloudcounter
03rd Dec 2015 08:22

Taxfiler

We jumped ship from Drummohr which was inevitable after Iris took them over.  Our first port of call was BTC, but I just didn't feel comfortable with using it and the use of spreadsheets for the CT returns.  Moved on again to Taxfiler and wish that I'd done that the year before.  Maybe there are no bells and whistles but we didn't have any before so you don't miss what you've never had.

Very happy with it.

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By thomas34
03rd Dec 2015 08:42

Absolute

Try Absolute - you pay £5 plus VAT for each return so you should have some idea of the likely annual cost. Having used PTP myself for many years and being very happy with it I jumped ship once those other shysters took over. As you say the cost got ridiculous and they have an auto-renewal clause in their contract whereby they quoted me after the termination period for cancellation had expired. I got wise to this eventually and would terminate my contract each year and resubscribe at a negotiated rate.

This practice totally confused the sales staff who clearly had no idea of the auto-renewal clause. When they used my credit card without permission I left on principle.

You'd find Absolute totally different at first and the dividends part of the program for owner-managed companies is a pain to operate but the support is great (ex PTP people).

Incidentally I'm reliably informed that the auto-renewal clause is likely in breach of the Unfair Contract Terms rules so if Iris play that card I'd dig your heels in.

 

 

 

 

 

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By cstwragby
03rd Dec 2015 10:33

Taxfiler too

Have been using it since April, no problems, and now also includes Accounts. I'm now using to file Returns and prepare Accounts for virtually the same price as VT Accounts alone.

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By Robertnz
04th Dec 2015 13:49

Thanks

Many thanks to all for the comments and tips - very much appreciated.

It looks as if we will shift as soon as the tax season is over

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By Tosie
04th Dec 2015 18:07

Taxcalc

I moved from PTP to Taxcalc several years ago and I am very happy with it. The support is excellent.

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