In November 2020, Tally Solutions launched TallyPrime — a major new version of their accounting software that replaced the decade-old Tally ERP 9. If you are currently on Tally ERP 9 and wondering whether to upgrade, or if you are evaluating Tally for the first time and confused by the two names, this guide explains everything clearly.
Quick Summary: What Changed?
TallyPrime is not a minor update — it is a full redesign of the product with a new interface, new navigation, and several new capabilities. However, the core accounting engine, TDL support, and data format are compatible with Tally ERP 9.
| Feature | Tally ERP 9 | TallyPrime |
|---|---|---|
| Launch year | 2009 | 2020 |
| Interface | Old keyboard-only UI | Redesigned, mouse-friendly |
| Navigation | Menu-driven | "Go To" universal search bar |
| Multi-tasking | One task at a time | Multiple windows simultaneously |
| Reports | Standard set | Customisable, exception-based |
| GST e-filing | Export only | Direct e-filing via connected services |
| E-invoicing | Not available | Built-in IRN generation |
| Cloud/Remote access | Tally.NET (limited) | TallyPrime Server + Connected Services |
| Data import | XML import | Excel import (new) |
| Audit trail | Basic | TallyPrime Edit Log (tamper-proof) |
| Support status | Discontinued (no new features) | Actively developed |
| License price | Same (existing licenses work) | ₹18,000 Silver / ₹54,000 Gold |
What is New in TallyPrime?
1. Redesigned Interface
Tally ERP 9 had a notoriously dated interface — function-key-heavy, menu-driven, and intimidating for new users. TallyPrime introduced a cleaner layout with better typography, mouse support, and a more intuitive structure. It is still very keyboard-friendly (as Tally users prefer) but no longer only keyboard-driven.
2. "Go To" Feature
The biggest productivity change in TallyPrime is the Go To feature (press Alt+G). Instead of navigating menus, you type what you are looking for — "P&L", "GSTR-1", "Day Book", a ledger name — and TallyPrime takes you there instantly. This alone saves significant time for experienced users.
3. Multi-tasking
In Tally ERP 9, you could only do one thing at a time. TallyPrime allows multiple windows — you can be creating a sales invoice in one window while checking a ledger report in another. This is a major workflow improvement for accountants handling multiple tasks simultaneously.
4. E-Invoicing (IRN Generation)
Businesses with turnover above ₹5 crore must generate e-invoices via the GST portal (IRN — Invoice Reference Number). TallyPrime has built-in e-invoicing support — you generate the IRN directly from within Tally without needing a separate tool.
Tally ERP 9 does not support e-invoicing. This alone is a reason many businesses have already upgraded.
5. TallyPrime Edit Log
TallyPrime 2.0 introduced an Edit Log feature — a tamper-proof audit trail that records every change made to any voucher, including who made it and when. This is critical for compliance, audits, and fraud prevention. It was not available in Tally ERP 9.
6. Customisable Reports
TallyPrime's reports are significantly more flexible. You can filter, sort, and customise any report on the fly, save report configurations, and view exception reports (e.g., "show only invoices above ₹1 lakh that are overdue").
7. Excel Import
TallyPrime supports importing data from Excel — a feature that was missing from ERP 9 (which only supported XML import). This makes bulk data entry and migration significantly easier.
8. Connected Services
TallyPrime's "Connected Services" provide remote access, cloud backup, and direct integration with the GST portal for GSTR filing. Tally ERP 9 had Tally.NET for remote access but it was more limited and less stable.
What Stayed the Same?
Despite the overhaul, several things are unchanged:
- Data format — you can open your Tally ERP 9 company data directly in TallyPrime without migration
- TDL (Tally Definition Language) — most TDL customisations built for ERP 9 work in TallyPrime (with minor adjustments)
- Core accounting logic — the same double-entry system, voucher types, and ledger structure
- Keyboard shortcuts — most ERP 9 shortcuts work in TallyPrime
- Pricing model — perpetual license with optional annual TSS renewal
Should You Upgrade from Tally ERP 9 to TallyPrime?
Upgrade if:
- Your turnover exceeds ₹5 crore and you need e-invoicing
- You want direct GST e-filing from Tally
- Your accountant complains about the old interface
- You need multi-user with proper audit trail
- You want to use connected services for remote access
- You are onboarding new staff unfamiliar with Tally (TallyPrime is easier to learn)
You may wait if:
- Your business is very small (under 200 transactions/month) and ERP 9 is working fine
- You have heavily customised TDL code that has not been tested with TallyPrime
- Your current TSS is expired and you do not want to renew
Overall verdict: For most businesses, upgrading to TallyPrime is worthwhile — especially given that Tally ERP 9 is no longer receiving new features or compliance updates. The e-invoicing requirement alone forces most businesses above ₹5 crore turnover to upgrade.
How to Upgrade from Tally ERP 9 to TallyPrime
- Ensure your TSS (Tally Software Service) is active and valid
- Download TallyPrime from the official Tally website
- Install TallyPrime on the same machine (it coexists with ERP 9)
- Open TallyPrime and select your existing company data folder — it will migrate automatically
- Verify all data, check TDL customisations, and run through key reports
- Contact your Tally partner if any TDL needs updating
Note: Always take a full backup of your company data before upgrading.
TallyPrime vs Tally ERP 9: Which is Easier to Learn?
TallyPrime is meaningfully easier for new users. The redesigned interface, the Go To feature, and better on-screen guidance make the learning curve less steep. For experienced Tally ERP 9 users, there is a short adjustment period — most report being fully comfortable within a week.
However, many experienced Tally accountants still prefer ERP 9 out of habit. When you outsource your Tally work to a service like AutoTally, our specialists work with both versions — we adapt to whatever version you are running.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open TallyPrime data in Tally ERP 9?
No. Once data has been accessed and saved in TallyPrime, it cannot be opened in Tally ERP 9. This is a one-way migration. Always back up before upgrading.
Is TallyPrime free to upgrade from ERP 9?
If your TSS is active and valid, the upgrade to TallyPrime is free. If your TSS has expired, you will need to renew it to upgrade. Contact your Tally partner for renewal pricing.
Does TallyPrime work on Mac or Linux?
No. TallyPrime is a Windows-only application. It can run on Windows via virtualisation on Mac, and there are cloud-hosted versions that work in a browser, but the native application requires Windows.
Is Tally ERP 9 still supported?
Tally Solutions has officially discontinued Tally ERP 9 development. It continues to work, but it will not receive new compliance updates, new features, or technical support. Businesses still on ERP 9 should plan their upgrade.
Conclusion
TallyPrime is a clear improvement over Tally ERP 9 in almost every dimension — better interface, e-invoicing support, multi-tasking, improved reports, and an active development roadmap. For most businesses, upgrading is the right move.
Whichever version you use, the most time-consuming part of Tally is always data entry. AutoTally handles all your Tally data entry — purchase & sales entry, bank reconciliation, GST filing, payroll — with 99.9% accuracy from ₹5,000/month. See how it works.