Updated on 6 September 2026
Sage Accounting review (2026): established UK brand, HMRC-recognised for MTD Income Tax
Prices and features last verified on 20 September 2026. Sources: Sage Accounting website, HMRC MTD software list.
Sage Accounting is HMRC-recognised for MTD Income Tax and starts at £14/month. Best for established UK businesses and landlords who want a recognisable brand. Rated 4.0/5 for stable bank feeds and multi-entity support, though the interface feels dated compared to cloud-native competitors.Started in Newcastle in 1981, Sage has grown into the UK’s most-established accounting brand — trusted by more than a million UK customers and used by around 70% of the FTSE 100. Its cloud product — Sage Accounting (formerly Sage One / Sage Business Cloud Accounting) — brings that heritage to sole traders and landlords.
Who is Sage best for?
Established UK businesses & landlords who want a recognisable UK brand
Pricing
From £14/month (Accounting Start) — £36/month (Accounting Plus). Accounting Standard sits at £24/month and adds multi-user access and cash flow reporting; Plus (£36/month) adds built-in payroll.
MTD Income Tax status
HMRC-recognised for MTD ITSA.
Pros & cons
Pros
- HMRC-recognised for MTD Income Tax on all Sage Accounting plans
- Long-established UK brand — familiar interface for traditional buyers and landlords
- Built-in payroll on the Plus tier (from £36/month) — no separate payroll provider needed
Cons
- The Sage 50 / Sage Business Cloud / Sage Accounting product split confuses first-time buyers
- Smaller app ecosystem than Xero — fewer third-party add-ons
- Pricing has crept up over 2024–2025, with useful features reserved for higher tiers
Verdict
Sage Accounting is a sensible default if you trust an established UK brand and don’t need the broadest app ecosystem. For app-rich flexibility, Xero remains the benchmark.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sage HMRC-recognised for MTD Income Tax?
Yes. Sage Accounting is fully HMRC-recognised for MTD ITSA — on all plans — and can submit quarterly updates and your End of Period Statement directly to HMRC.
Does Sage offer a free trial?
Yes — Sage Accounting offers a 30-day free trial, and new customers are often offered a month free. After that, Accounting Start is £14/month.
Can I use Sage on my phone?
Yes. Sage Accounting has solid iOS and Android apps for logging expenses and reviewing figures, though the browser is still its main workspace.
What happens if I want to switch later?
You can export your data and switch to another HMRC-recognised provider at any time. Your submission history with HMRC stays intact.