Solution Properties
Solution ID:
200427112448095
Last Modified Date:
Mon Jun 23 15:31:31 UTC 2025
Taxonomy Path:
Case category//How do I...//processing
Author:
[email protected]
Prepare to migrate your clients from Sage 50 Accounts to Sage Accounting
Description

You can migrate your client's data to Sage Accounting using our Migration Tool, with some exceptions.

▼ Reasons why you can't migrate using the Migration Tool  

Non-UK companies

The Migration Tool only includes UK companies with UK VAT, GBP as base currency, and UK as the country code. However, you can migrate manually with switching reports or start from scratch.

Switched VAT scheme from Standard VAT to VAT Cash Accounting

You can’t migrate companies that have switched between these VAT schemes in Sage 50 Accounts.

When you switch to VAT Cash Accounting, you set up new tax codes and mark the old ones as inactive for VAT Returns. Because of this, when you mark invoices as paid, the VAT Return doesn’t pick up the payment.

If you migrate this data to Sage Accounting, the VAT Return includes those payments or receipts again. To avoid this, you can start fresh in Sage Accounting by using the Opening balances option in the Migration Tool.

You've enabled Foreign Trader in Sage 50 Accounts

If you have Foreign Trader enabled, you currently can't use the Migration Tool to move to Sage Accounting.

This is because Sage 50 Accounts deals with exchange rates differently to Sage Accounting. The process causes rounding issues which result in different figures. 

Reverse charge tax codes are in use

Sage Accounting doesn't support these tax codes. You can migrate by using the Opening balances Migration option in the Migration Tool.

Partial exemption tax codes are in use

Sage Accounting doesn't support these tax codes. You can migrate by using the Opening balances Migration option in the Migration Tool.

Cause
Resolution

Before you start

Decide on the date to start using Sage Accounting and enter all transactions in Sage 50 Accounts up to this date. We recommend at the end of a VAT period.

Back up and check your data

  1. Take a backup of the data for each company. We recommend a Data Files only backup.
  2. Click Yes to the check your data before you back up message.
     If any errors appear, you need to fix them before migrating. 

Invoices and credits

Only posted invoices will migrate to Sage Accounting meaning you need to make sure you've updated all invoices to the ledgers.

Nominal codes

Sage Accounting only has one chart of accounts. This means you need to have the correct chart of accounts set as default in Sage 50 Accounts.

To make sure the migration runs smoothly, you also need to check your chart of accounts.

VAT Returns

Make sure all VAT returns are up to date where possible. 

When we migrate the data, the software rebuilds VAT returns based on each transaction’s date. Later entries or manual adjustments can cause differences in Sage Accounting.

Internet browsers

Sage Accounting is compatible with certain browsers. If you don't already, we recommend you install one of the following Internet browsers:

  • Google Chrome
  • Mozilla Firefox
  • Apple Safari
  • Microsoft Edge
Steps to duplicate
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