TaxCalc Blog

When your accountancy software is axed, what should you do?

If you’re using BTC (Bright Software), PTP or Keytime (both IRIS products), you’ve probably felt that sinking feeling lately as you realise the software you’ve relied on for years is being pulled from under you.

Here’s the blunt truth: vendors don’t retire products because they love you - they retire them because they want you on a different platform. And that often means you get told to learn a completely new system at the busiest time of the year.

What’s actually happening?

BTC / Bright Desktop:
Accountants across forums are reporting that Bright is phasing out the classic BTC desktop software and migrating users onto Bright Tax (their cloud-based platform). Emails to customers have hinted that the desktop version “will be discontinued by the end of this year” as part of the broader shift to cloud services - even though it doesn’t appear that Bright hasn’t been entirely clear on how and when that will play out.

IRIS PTP & Keytime:
IRIS has made this one clearer: both PTP and Keytime will be supported for regulatory updates only until 31 March 2026. After that date they enter so-called read-only mode -  you can view your data, but you won’t be able to submit new filings or accounts. On 1 April 2026 these products will be discontinued, and IRIS expects customers to migrate to its IRIS Elements cloud platform instead.

This isn’t a gradual phase-out - it’s a hard deadline tied directly to compliance. Miss it and you’re stuck with unsupported tools that may not meet the statutory filing requirements.

Why users are frustrated

It’s one thing for a vendor to say “move to our new product.” It’s another to force you onto a platform that:

• Looks and feels completely different
• Has a steep learning curve mid-busy season
• Can leave you scrambling for training and support
• Might not fit how you work

The problem is the disruption that causes. And having to re-train your whole team because the supplier has shifted strategy is frustrating at the best of times.

What are your options?

You don’t have to go where your current supplier points you. When your incumbent sunsets your software, it’s an opportunity for you.

Many accountants are switching to TaxCalc, a fully integrated tax and accounts platform that’s become a go-to for teams who don’t want to start from scratch with cloud products they weren’t ready for.

Here’s why practices considering a move are choosing alternatives like TaxCalc:

• It gives you core functionality (tax, accounts, VAT, reporting) without reinventing workflows
• The switch is quick and hassle-free. It can be managed with dedicated support
• The interface is intuitive and easier to learn than some of the platforms existing providers would like to move you to
• You’re not locked into one vendor’s ecosystem
• Customer support is widely praised, with a team who are all accountancy-trained, UK-based and available on the phone

Switching isn’t trivial. But neither is moving onto a product that doesn’t fit your team just because your current one’s being discontinued.

What do accountants say about switching?

Ryan Lewis, Director of Frost Chartered Accountants, says that, although switching does bring challenges, the benefits outweigh the disbenefits. His firm switched to TaxCalc recently.

He says: “Switching is a pain because you have to weed out all of the inconsistencies in your current system. However, the time investment up front was more than paid back through efficiencies gained from using a more straightforward and quicker system.”

Often, accountants feel anxious and reluctant to switch their accountancy software because of fears over perceived disruption, downtime and potential loss of vital data.

Rob Newman, Managing Partner of CCM Accountants, switched to TaxCalc. He says: “I’d say that the anxiety is understandable - switching core software always feels riskier than it turns out to be - but in practical terms we saw very little downtime and no operational disruption with our move to TaxCalc.”

Don’t let deadlines drive panic

If you’re on BTC, PTP or Keytime, now is not the time to procrastinate. Those deadlines won’t wait!

What you can do:

• Assess where your software options actually take you
• Evaluate alternatives on their own merits and listen to what your peers say
• Plan your transition on your own terms
• Choose the solution that fits your practice and keeps you productive

When your current software stops working for you, the right move can feel like a parachute - not a fall.

Ready to take a look at your options? Find out more information and get a quote.