Review by R. Eye

Sage 50 Complete 2013 is accounting software that used to be known as Peachtree Complete. It has its own database, which can make installation challenging. After installation, the setup wizard asks you to select your accounting method - cash basis or accrual. Once an accounting method is selected, a GUInterface appears to help you navigate the software such as your preference in flowchart formatting. The software shows YTD revenue, accounts payable, accounts receivable, account balances, and display graphics such as pie charts displaying pertinent data. These are accomplished via widgets. Customization is performed by the addition/removal of widgets. Unlike QuickBook Pro (2012), Sage 50 offers a wider variety (LIFO, FIFO) of cost-basis options for inventory while QuickBook Pro only offers one (average cost).

Sage 50 allows data to be transferred to Microsoft Excel (2003+) spreadsheets, which is a wonderful feature. It has an enhanced batch check printing for payroll & accounts payable.

What I don’t like is that I cannot import data into Excel from any other software so switching over to it is initially tedious. Also, if you don’t want to enroll in its add-on option for payroll, tax tables will need to be updated manually. This expense costs almost as much as the Sage 50 package. Likewise, without its payments service, there is no mobile app.