TinyTax vs TaxCalc: Which CT600 Software Is Better?
Choosing CT600 software? TaxCalc and TinyTax are both popular options for UK corporation tax filing. But they're designed for different users. This comparison helps you decide which is right for your company.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | TinyTax | TaxCalc |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Micro-entities self-filing | Accountants and complex returns |
| Starting price | Free | £145/year |
| CT600 filing | ✓ | ✓ |
| iXBRL accounts | ✓ (micro-entity) | ✓ (full range) |
| Companies House filing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Target user | Business owners | Accountants |
| Learning curve | Low | Medium-High |
TinyTax Overview
TinyTax is a modern, web-based platform designed specifically for UK micro-entity companies to file their own CT600 and accounts.
Strengths
- Free tier for micro-entity companies
- Simple interface - designed for non-accountants
- All-in-one - CT600 and accounts together
- Instant filing - submit directly to HMRC
- No installation - web-based, works anywhere
Limitations
- Focused on micro-entities (under £1m turnover)
- Limited advanced features (R&D claims, etc.)
- Newer platform (less established)
Ideal For
- Solo directors filing their own returns
- Micro-entity companies
- Those wanting simplicity over features
- Budget-conscious businesses
TaxCalc Overview
TaxCalc is established tax software used by accountants and businesses for over 20 years.
Strengths
- Comprehensive features - handles complex scenarios
- Full accounts range - micro to large companies
- Desktop and cloud options
- Established reputation - used by many accountants
- Detailed calculations - R&D, group relief, etc.
Limitations
- Higher cost - £145+ per year
- Complex interface - designed for accountants
- Steeper learning curve - more features = more complexity
- Annual subscription - ongoing cost
Ideal For
- Accountants with multiple clients
- Companies with complex tax situations
- Those needing full statutory accounts
- Users wanting comprehensive features
Feature Comparison
CT600 Filing
| Feature | TinyTax | TaxCalc |
|---|---|---|
| Standard CT600 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended period splitting | ✓ | ✓ |
| HMRC submission | ✓ | ✓ |
| Submission confirmation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Amendment filing | ✓ | ✓ |
Accounts Generation
| Feature | TinyTax | TaxCalc |
|---|---|---|
| Micro-entity accounts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Small company accounts | Limited | ✓ |
| Full statutory accounts | ✗ | ✓ |
| FRS 102 support | ✗ | ✓ |
| Audit-ready accounts | ✗ | ✓ |
Tax Calculations
| Feature | TinyTax | TaxCalc |
|---|---|---|
| Corporation tax | ✓ | ✓ |
| Marginal relief | ✓ | ✓ |
| Capital allowances | Basic | Comprehensive |
| R&D tax credits | ✗ | ✓ |
| Group relief | ✗ | ✓ |
| Losses | Basic | Comprehensive |
Ease of Use
| Aspect | TinyTax | TaxCalc |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time | Minutes | Longer |
| Learning curve | Low | Medium-High |
| Interface | Modern, simple | Feature-rich |
| Help/guidance | In-app prompts | Documentation |
| Support | Chat/email | Phone/email |
Pricing Comparison
TinyTax Pricing
| Plan | Price | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Free | £0 | Micro-entity CT600 + accounts |
| Standard | From £49 | Additional features |
TaxCalc Pricing
| Product | Price (approx) | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| CT600 | £145/year | CT600 filing |
| Accounts Production | £195/year | Full accounts |
| Bundle | £300+/year | Both products |
Cost Over 5 Years
For a typical micro-entity company:
| Option | 5-Year Cost |
|---|---|
| TinyTax Free | £0 |
| TaxCalc CT600 only | £725 |
| TaxCalc Bundle | £1,500+ |
Who Should Use TinyTax?
Choose TinyTax if:
- ✓ Your company is a micro-entity (under £1m turnover)
- ✓ You want to file your own returns
- ✓ You prefer simple, modern software
- ✓ You want to minimise costs
- ✓ Your tax situation is straightforward
- ✓ You don't need R&D claims or group relief
Who Should Use TaxCalc?
Choose TaxCalc if:
- ✓ You're an accountant with multiple clients
- ✓ Your company exceeds micro-entity thresholds
- ✓ You need full statutory accounts
- ✓ You claim R&D tax credits
- ✓ You have complex group structures
- ✓ You want comprehensive features
Switching from TaxCalc to TinyTax
If you're currently using TaxCalc and want to switch:
- Check your company size - TinyTax works best for micro-entities
- Review your needs - Do you use TaxCalc's advanced features?
- Export your data - Keep records from TaxCalc
- Create a TinyTax account - Free to start
- File your next return - Try TinyTax for your upcoming period
What Accountants Say
Many accountants use TaxCalc for complex clients and recommend TinyTax for simple micro-entities:
> "For my micro-entity clients, I point them to TinyTax. It's simpler and free. I keep TaxCalc for clients with more complex needs."
This hybrid approach can save money while ensuring complex situations get appropriate tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I import TaxCalc data into TinyTax?
TinyTax doesn't have a direct TaxCalc import. However, it can fetch prior year data from HMRC, so you won't need to re-enter historical figures.
Is TinyTax HMRC-approved like TaxCalc?
Yes. Both TinyTax and TaxCalc are HMRC-recognised software for CT600 filing. They use the same submission system.
Can I use TinyTax if my accountant uses TaxCalc?
Yes. You can file your own CT600 with TinyTax regardless of what software your accountant uses. Many businesses are switching to self-filing for simple returns.
Does TaxCalc have a free version?
TaxCalc offers a free trial but no permanent free tier. For ongoing free CT600 filing, TinyTax is your best option.
Which is better for dormant companies?
Both handle dormant companies. TinyTax offers free dormant filing. TaxCalc requires an active subscription.
Summary
| If You... | Choose |
|---|---|
| Are a micro-entity wanting simple, free filing | TinyTax |
| Are an accountant with complex clients | TaxCalc |
| Want to minimise costs | TinyTax |
| Need R&D claims or group relief | TaxCalc |
| Prefer modern, simple software | TinyTax |
| Need full statutory accounts | TaxCalc |
Disclaimer: Pricing and features shown are correct as of December 2024. We recommend verifying current pricing directly on each provider's website.