Sage

Updated on May 21, 2024

Introduction

Sage promises that you don’t need any experience to use their cloud accounting software. Using the software you are also able to keep on top of the latest legislation (and remain compliant). They also ensure safety with their bank-level security. 

They offer three plans, which all include the tools you need to manage your finances, including invoicing, cash flow management, VAT tracking,  online payments and more, from any device – PC, tablet or phone.

You can change, cancel or upgrade your plan at any time. You can also ask for a full refund if you have purchased software and decide it’s not the right fit for your business.

Sage offers a free 30-day trial.

Main Features

All plans (Start, Standard, and Standard PLUS Payroll) come with following standard features. Income and expense tracking, invoicing, quotes generation, online payments and integration with your bank accounts.  

The Standard and Standard PLUS Payroll have the following additional features.

The Standard plan 

  • Includes a free trial 
  • Calculate VAT returns
  • Support starts from two up to five users included in the package
  • Add additional users for R65/month 
  • Additional companies for R355/month; add Inventory for R355/month 
  • Debtors manager for R250/ month 
  • Time tracking for R140/month; take payments with multiple currencies for R140/month; and take the option of collaborating with your accountant.
  • 1GB storage for R15/month

Standard PLUS Payroll 

  • Unlimited companies and users
  • Run monthly, fortnightly and weekly pay cycles
  • Get pre-defined legislative and payroll reports
  • Email payslips
  • Provide UIF declaration
  • Take care of leave management
  • Make ACB payments
  • Real-time calculations
  • Connect with Sage Accounting
  • Add Time Tracking for R1,130/year
  • Add Multi-Currency for R1,130/year

Pricing

There are three plans: Start, Standard, and Standard PLUS Payroll.  You can pay for the Start and Standard plans monthly or per annum.

Start package (1 user – sole traders, freelancers, and micro businesses) – R200 p/m (including VAT) or R2400 annually. 

Standard package (between 2 and 5 users) 

  •  from R370 (including VAT) or R4440 annually for two users
  •  from R565 per month or R4440 annually for five users 

The Standard PLUS Payroll can only be purchased on an annual subscription model, the bundle price starts from R4 150, including VAT, per year. 

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Pros

  • Cost-effective, without skimping on important features

Cons

  • They only offer annual packages. 

FAQs

Sage is ideal for Businesses that need a user-friendly and affordable way to manage their finances. It’s particularly helpful for businesses that don’t have a dedicated bookkeeper on staff.

Sage offers several versions of their accounting software in South Africa, each catering to different business needs. These include:

  • Sage Business Cloud Accounting Start
  • Sage Business Cloud Accounting Essentials
  • Sage Business Cloud Accounting Pro
  • Sage Business Cloud Payroll (integrated with Accounting)

Sage takes data security seriously. They use industry-standard security measures to protect your financial data, including encryption and access controls.