IRIS vs CCH: practice suites compared

IRIS and CCH are the two long-standing UK practice software suites, and each now sells a cloud platform alongside an older desktop one. IRIS has IRIS Elements (cloud) and IRIS Accountancy Suite (desktop); Wolters Kluwer has CCH iFirm (cloud) and CCH Central (on-premise). The clearest practical differences are price transparency and contract terms: IRIS publishes some prices and a free trial, while CCH iFirm is sold by quote.

This page compares facts only. It does not pick a winner, because the right choice depends on your firm. Prices were checked on 6 November 2026.

What does each supplier sell?

Both suppliers cover accounts production, tax, practice management and anti-money laundering (AML) checks. They package them differently.

The CCH iFirm module list comes from Wolters Kluwer’s CCH iFirm Service Specific Terms, last updated 9 October 2025. The IRIS list comes from its plans and pricing page.

How much does IRIS cost?

IRIS publishes part of its pricing. The IRIS Elements Accounts Production page lists:

IRIS says the minimum subscription covers up to 10 clients, and firms with up to 100 clients can buy Essentials or Professional online. The page does not show the client subscription figure or say whether prices include VAT, so ask IRIS for a full quote.

IRIS’s ACCA member offer lists IRIS Elements Tax and Accounts Production from £10.50 a month and Practice Management from £21 a month. It gives ACCA members 25% off the first annual contract only; renewals revert to standard prices. IRIS Elements Practice Management Essentials and Professional are priced on request.

How much does CCH cost?

Wolters Kluwer does not publish prices for CCH iFirm or CCH Central. You need a quote.

Its October 2025 terms do set out how CCH iFirm billing works:

• Units. You pay for a price, band, package or volume of units for each service.
• Unused units. You pay for all units ordered, and unused units do not roll over to the next term.
• Extra usage. Going over your units adds charges, and a monthly Direct Debit rises to match.
• Payment. Monthly Direct Debit instalments are collected on the 28th of each month.
• Changes. No mid-term changes to the unit level. To upgrade, downgrade or cancel, give at least 30 days’ written notice before renewal.
• Renewal. The term renews automatically for the same services, fees and period.

How do contracts compare?

Both suppliers use fixed terms, so read the contract before you sign.

• IRIS Elements Essentials and Professional plans run on 12-month contracts. Essentials has a 30-day free trial that ends with no charge.
• CCH iFirm runs on an initial term that renews automatically, with the 30-day notice rule above. The terms do not state a standard term length; it is set in your order.

Moving from desktop to cloud

Both suppliers want desktop users to move to their cloud platforms, and each offers a bridge.

CCH. Wolters Kluwer launched CCH iFirm in the UK on 4 March 2024, saying CCH Central users could switch in one go or in phases. A paid Dual Platform Licence lets active CCH Central customers run both while they migrate. Wolters Kluwer can raise that fee once it decides iFirm has feature parity with CCH Central.

IRIS. The IRIS Elements Practice Management Professional plan includes migration of jobs and work items from IRIS Accountancy Suite, plus links between the Accountancy Suite and Elements compliance products.

Which firms does each tend to suit?

Neither suite is better for every firm. Use this list to decide which to demo first.

• If you want to try before you talk to sales, IRIS Elements Essentials offers a 30-day free trial with no card.
• If you already run CCH Central, CCH iFirm offers a phased move with the Dual Platform Licence.
• If you already run IRIS Accountancy Suite, IRIS Elements Professional includes job migration from it.
• If you want monthly billing flexibility, check notice periods closely. CCH iFirm allows no mid-term unit changes.
• If you are a small firm comparing on price, IRIS publishes per-user figures; get a written CCH quote to compare.

For lighter options, see our CCH alternatives and best accounts production software guides.

What to do now

1. List the modules you use today, including AML and practice management.
2. Count clients and users. Both suppliers price on these units.
3. Ask for written quotes with renewal terms and notice periods.
4. Check MTD for Income Tax support for the 6 April 2026 start; see MTD software for agents.
5. Book demos of both with your own client data.

Our full reviews of CCH iFirm and IRIS Practice Management go into more detail.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between CCH iFirm and CCH Central?

CCH iFirm is Wolters Kluwer’s cloud platform, launched in the UK in March 2024. CCH Central is its on-premise desktop suite.

What is the difference between IRIS Elements and IRIS Accountancy Suite?

IRIS Elements is IRIS’s cloud platform for practice management, accounts production and tax. IRIS Accountancy Suite is its integrated desktop software for accountants and bookkeepers.

Does CCH publish its prices?

No. Wolters Kluwer sells CCH iFirm and CCH Central by quote. Its terms say you pay for the units ordered, with extra charges if you exceed them.

Does IRIS offer a free trial?

Yes. IRIS Elements Accounts Production Essentials and Practice Management Essentials both have a 30-day free trial with no credit card required.

Can I cancel CCH iFirm mid-term?

Not under its October 2025 terms. You can cancel, upgrade or downgrade only at the end of a term, with at least 30 days’ written notice.