15 December 2023
Perspective

Is it Time to Leave QuickBooks Desktop?

Intuit will stop selling new QuickBooks Desktop subscriptions after July 31, 2024, leaving many small businesses and sole proprietors uncertain. This article explores whether to transition from QuickBooks Desktop and examines alternatives.

Is it Time to Leave QuickBooks Desktop?

What’s happening?

Starting from July 31, 2024, Intuit will cease selling new subscriptions in the US for the following desktop products:

  • QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus
  • QuickBooks Desktop Premier Plus
  • QuickBooks Desktop Mac Plus
  • QuickBooks Desktop Enhanced Payroll

Here’s what remains unchanged: Current users of Desktop Pro Plus, Premier Plus, Mac Plus, and Enhanced Payroll can continue renewing their subscriptions beyond July 31, 2024.
New users can still subscribe to QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise (Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond) after July 31, 2024.

What should you do?

As a QuickBooks Desktop user, you have a few options at your disposal.

Stick with Your Current Subscription

If you’re satisfied with the current features and functionality of your QuickBooks Desktop subscription, there’s no immediate need to make a switch. Intuit has committed to supporting existing subscriptions beyond July 31, 2024, ensuring you’ll continue to receive updates and technical assistance in the foreseeable future. Intuit’s current support policy is to maintain and assist their desktop versions for three years. This means that you can expect support for Desktop Pro Plus, Premier Plus, Mac Plus, and Enhanced Payroll until at least July 31, 2027, provided you’ve purchased the license in 2024.

Migrate to QuickBooks Online Online

Intuit’s cloud-based accounting software, QuickBooks Online, is an alternative to their desktop version. QuickBooks Online offers similar features and functionality as QuickBooks Desktop but with the added benefit of accessibility from anywhere at any time. If you’re planning to transition to QuickBooks Online, Intuit has built out a migration process that gets the critical data into QuickBooks Online. Since its initial launch, QuickBooks Online has made remarkable progress. In many cases, QuickBooks Online offers enhanced flexibility and advanced features, making it a preferable option over the traditional Desktop version. However, it is important to consider various factors before making this transition.

Switch to QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise

As mentioned earlier, QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise will still be available for new subscriptions after July 31, 2024. This version offers advanced features and can handle larger amounts of data.

Explore Other Accounting Solutions

If you’re open to trying out something new, there are numerous accounting software options to consider, including a venture into the realm of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. FreshBooks, Xero, and Wave remain popular alternatives to QuickBooks Online, each with a unique set of features that may be more aligned with your business needs.

Additionally, ERP systems like SAP Business One, Oracle NetSuite, and Microsoft Dynamics 365 offer a more integrated approach, combining accounting with other core business functions such as CRM, supply chain management, and analytics. These ERP solutions can be particularly beneficial for businesses looking to streamline multiple processes in a single, cohesive system. However, it’s important to weigh each option carefully, considering the specific features, scalability, and cost implications to find the tool that best suits your business requirements and growth trajectory.

Remember, the best solution depends on your individual business needs and processes.

Our Perspective

The advice we provide depends on your specific circumstances. If you’re currently using QuickBooks Desktop and are satisfied with its IT configuration for your business, it’s advisable to continue using it for now. However, keep in mind that you will eventually need to take action to embrace newer technology. On the other hand, if you’re interested in exploring the benefits of cloud-based systems like QuickBooks Online or an alternative accounting or ERP system, now is a great time to start that process. Many businesses have found the convenience of the cloud to be well worth the migration effort.

If you were already considering switching from QuickBooks Desktop, now is the ideal time to initiate that transition. We suggest timing your migration to align with significant accounting milestones, such as the end of a fiscal quarter or year, to facilitate a smoother data transfer.

Our primary recommendation is to replace QuickBooks Desktop with QuickBooks Online. As the largest small-medium business software in the U.S., it offers seamless integration with other business apps and services. QuickBooks Online provides a comprehensive range of features to efficiently handle your accounting, payroll, inventory management, invoicing, and more, all in a single platform. Out-of-the-box, it works with most businesses without the need to customize or configure the software.

However, we understand that it may not always be the most suitable or cost-effective option for small to medium-sized businesses. In such instances, we would be more than happy to explore alternative solutions that align with the unique needs of your business. We can provide personalized guidance and help you make an informed decision that maximizes efficiency and minimizes costs.

At RUZICKA CPA, we pride ourselves on staying up-to-date with the latest technology trends and industry best practices. Our goal is to help businesses like yours leverage technology to streamline operations, enhance productivity, and drive growth. Whether you choose to stick with QuickBooks Desktop or migrate to QuickBooks Online, we are here to support you every step of the way.

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