As of July 31, 2024, new subscribers can choose between QuickBooks Online (QBO) and QuickBooks Enterprise. Existing subscribers will still be able to renew their QuickBooks Desktop Pro and Premier subscriptions, but these options are no longer available to new subscribers. The biggest impact will be for new businesses or QuickBooks Desktop users without an active subscription. For several years, Intuit has poured its resources into enhancing QuickBooks Online, to make it more robust and user-friendly while adding new features.
Will this impact me?
If you are using QuickBooks Online or QuickBooks Enterprise, this announcement will not impact you. If you have a current QuickBooks Desktop subscription, this will not impact you. If you aren’t sure if your subscription is active, here are a couple of things to check:
- If you are processing payroll, an active subscription will be needed.
- You can navigate to your “help” window within QuickBooks to double-check your version or
- Log in to your Intuit account and confirm which subscriptions you have.
If you are using a QuickBooks Desktop version that is 2020 or older, you do not have an active subscription and will be affected by this decision.
Can I just keep using my QuickBooks Desktop version even if it doesn’t have an active subscription?
While QuickBooks versions 2021 and prior will continue to work without a subscription, here are some things to consider:
- QuickBooks is no longer releasing any updates for these versions which increases the threat of hacking and other cyber security risks.
- If your computer crashes and you need to reinstall QuickBooks, you will not be able to buy new software to load onto your computer and may be forced to make a quick and potentially costly decision to upgrade QuickBooks so that you can continue to have access to your financial data.
While every business situation is unique, best practices include using software that has an active subscription. With cybersecurity threats constantly on the rise, it is always in your best interest to have a conversation with your IT team so that you understand the risks and can create a suitable plan.
If your subscription is currently inactive, you should consider registering for a subscription before July 31, 2024, or consider moving to QuickBooks Online.
What if I’d like to switch to QuickBooks Online?
If you’d like to convert from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online, we have a dedicated team that can work through the process with you and provide training on using QuickBooks Online. It’s important that your QuickBooks Desktop is reviewed before converting to QuickBooks Online. While much of the data will convert automatically, some items don’t and it’s better to catch those ahead of time, rather than afterward.
Rea wants to be your partner in progress. If you are interested in moving to QuickBooks Online, let’s talk! Rea will be glad to discuss and decide if QuickBooks Online would be a good fit for your future – and the best way to make that transition.
By Cheryl Coblentz (Wooster)