Accounting software with a US small business plan, though most US resellers start elsewhere.
Typical price
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Why we pick it
- Works with
Sage sells an accounting plan in the US, but its free starter plan is a UK product. For a US seller we point to QuickBooks, which more US tax preparers use and which groups costs the way Schedule C does.
Our approved alternative for the same job: QuickBooks
The guide
Each step in the order you'll need it.
Who Sage suits in the US
Sage suits a US business that already works with an accountant who uses it. Its US accounting plans are aimed at small companies that invoice customers and track bills.
Most home resellers on eBay, Poshmark or Etsy want something simpler: a bank feed, receipt capture and a running estimate of self-employment tax.
If that sounds like you, start with QuickBooks and come back to Sage only if your preparer asks for it.
The plan and its limits
The free plan you may have read about online is for the UK, so it does not apply to a US seller. Sage's US site lists the current plans and prices.
Sage's US plans focus on invoicing, bills and bank reconciliation. Check whether a plan covers inventory and marketplace payouts before you sign up.
Compare the monthly price with the time you would save over a spreadsheet; at a few dozen sales a month, the saving is small.
Categories, bank feed and a weekly routine
If you do use Sage, connect your business bank account and create categories for inventory, postage, packaging and platform fees.
Enter each sale and cost as it happens, or weekly at the latest. Before each quarterly estimated tax date, check the totals so you know what to set aside.
Pick one evening a week to enter eBay and Poshmark payouts and fees, and attach photos of your postage and packaging receipts.
QuickBooks, Xero or no software yet
QuickBooks is our pick for US resellers. Its solo plans sort costs into Schedule C lines and estimate quarterly taxes as you go.
Xero suits a growing business with staff or many transactions, at a monthly cost.
If your sales are small and mostly your own used things, a spreadsheet and the marketplaces' annual reports may cover you; irs.gov explains when personal sales count as income.
Kit for this step
Quarterly estimates in practice
Self-employed sellers usually pay federal estimated tax four times a year. The IRS sets the dates, and irs.gov lists them along with your state's own rules.
Keep a photo of each inventory and packaging receipt with its entry, so you can back up the cost if the IRS asks.
If your numbers include sales of personal items you owned for your own use, read the IRS guidance or ask a tax preparer whether they count as business income.
Common mistakes
Each one costs you money or reviews, and each has a fix.
- The free Sage plan is a UK product. Do not sign up expecting it to cover US taxes.
- If you log only sales, you miss deductible costs such as packaging. Record each expense too.
- Leave a quarter's entries until the estimated tax date and you risk paying late.
- A Form 1099-K reports gross payments, so match it against your own records of fees and refunds.
- Match what you paid for each item to its sale so your profit figure is correct.
Questions
Straight answers to what sellers ask about this.
Is Sage free in the US?
No. Sage's free plan is for UK businesses. Its US site lists paid plans and current prices.
Does Sage handle US taxes?
Sage keeps your books, and you or your preparer file the return. QuickBooks' solo plans add a running tax estimate that many resellers find more useful.
Can I switch from Sage later?
Yes. You can export your data, though a change on January 1 keeps it simpler.
Does it handle sales tax?
Marketplaces such as eBay, Etsy and Poshmark collect and remit sales tax for you in most states. Sales on your own site are a different matter; check your state's rules.
Can I record cash buys from garage sales?
Yes. Enter each purchase as an expense with the date and item, since a garage sale may give no receipt.
Do I need accounting software if I only sell my own old clothes?
Selling personal items for less than you paid is usually not taxable profit. Read the IRS guidance on irs.gov before you set up any software.
Alternatives
Other picks for the same job, cheaper and pricier.
FreeAgent
FreeAgent files UK returns only, so it does not suit a US seller. For US books, use the Sage pick on this page, or any app that exports a Schedule C summary for your tax preparer.
Typical priceCheck current pricing
QuickBooks
Suits you if your reselling has become a business and you want income, costs and a running tax estimate in one place. It pulls in your bank and card transactions and sorts them into Schedule C categories.
Typical priceCheck current pricing
Visit siteXero
Suits you once your shop has inventory, invoices and maybe a helper. It pulls details from receipts you photograph, and your accountant can see the books live.
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Visit site