What to Do After QuickBooks Desktop Discontinuation? (2025 Update)

What Does QuickBooks Desktop Discontinuation Mean?

Discontinuation vs. End of Support: Know the Difference

• Discontinuation (Stop-Sell): Intuit will no longer sell new subscriptions of QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus, Premier Plus, Mac Plus, and Enhanced Payroll in the U.S. after September 30, 2024. Existing users can still renew—new customers cannot buy these editions.

• End of Support: Every QuickBooks Desktop product has a service cutoff date. After this, Intuit stops providing updates, security patches, payroll tax tables, payments, and technical assistance. For example, QuickBooks Desktop 2022 will lose all support after May 31, 2025.

👉 U.S. businesses must treat these dates seriously because after “end of support,” your software still works, but you carry the risks—no payroll compliance, no bank feeds, and higher security vulnerabilities.

Impact on Active vs. Expired Subscriptions

• Active Subscribers (Pro, Premier, Mac, Payroll): If you already have a subscription, you can continue renewing annually until Intuit phases out that specific edition. However, renewal costs may rise as Intuit transitions users toward QuickBooks Online or Enterprise.

• Expired Subscriptions: Once your subscription lapses, you cannot restart or buy it again. Businesses in this position will be forced to either:

• • Upgrade to QuickBooks Enterprise (still supported), or

  • Transition to QuickBooks Online or a third-party accounting solution.

👉 For U.S. firms relying on payroll and compliance reporting, letting a subscription expire is not just a technical issue—it could mean IRS penalties for missed payroll updates.

Who Is Affected by QuickBooks Desktop Discontinuation?

The discontinuation of QuickBooks Desktop subscriptions doesn’t impact all users equally. The level of impact depends on the edition, subscription type, and version you currently use. Below is a breakdown of who is affected and what it means for your business.

QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus

• Status: Sales of Pro Plus stopped after September 30, 2024.

• Who’s impacted: All small business owners who rely on Pro Plus for bookkeeping, invoicing, and basic accounting.

• What it means:

• • Existing Pro Plus users can renew the Quickbooks Subscriptions for now, but Intuit is gradually phasing this out.

  • Once support ends (Pro Plus 2022 → May 31, 2025), no payroll updates, tax tables, payments, or security patches will be available.

  • U.S. businesses still using Pro Plus will need to plan a transition to QuickBooks Online or QuickBooks Enterprise.

QuickBooks Desktop Premier Plus (All Industry Editions)

• Status: Sales discontinued as of September 30, 2024.

• Who’s impacted: Businesses using industry-tailored versions like Contractor, Nonprofit, Manufacturing & Wholesale, Retail, or Professional Services.

• What it means:

• • Existing subscribers can continue renewing until their cutoff date.

  • Versions like Premier Plus 2022 will lose all support after May 31, 2025.

  • Industry-specific features (e.g., job costing in Contractor Edition or donor tracking in Nonprofit Edition) will no longer be updated or supported, creating compliance and workflow challenges.

QuickBooks Desktop Mac Plus

• Status: Discontinued for new sales after September 30, 2024.

• Who’s impacted: Mac-based small businesses and freelancers in the U.S. who rely on this version.

• What it means:

• • Current Mac Plus users can renew for now, but the 2022 Mac Plus edition loses support after May 31, 2025.

  • No future Desktop versions for Mac are planned—Intuit recommends QuickBooks Online as the replacement.

  • This is a significant change for Mac users, since there is no Enterprise alternative available.

QuickBooks Desktop Enhanced Payroll

• Status: Discontinued with the Desktop phase-out.

• Who’s impacted: Any U.S. business using Enhanced Payroll within Pro Plus, Premier Plus, or Mac Plus.

• What it means:

• • Payroll processing, tax table updates, and compliance will stop after May 31, 2025 (for 2022 versions).

  • This could expose businesses to IRS penalties if they continue using outdated payroll data.

  • Migration to QuickBooks Online Payroll or a third-party payroll solution is the only option for compliance.

QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise

• Status: Enterprise remains the only Desktop edition still sold and supported by Intuit in 2025.

• Who’s impacted:

• • Businesses on Enterprise 2022 (or earlier) will lose support after May 31, 2025.

  • Users on Enterprise 2023 and later can continue using and renewing it, as Intuit has confirmed Enterprise will remain available for the foreseeable future.

• What it means:

• • Businesses still wanting to remain on a Desktop solution should strongly consider migrating to Enterprise 2023+.

  • Enterprise provides multi-user scalability, advanced reporting, and inventory tools that are not available in Online editions.

Immediate Consequences for QuickBooks Desktop Users

When Intuit discontinues or phased out QuickBooks Desktop edition, the change is more than just ending updates—it directly impacts how your accounting system functions on a day-to-day basis. Below are the immediate consequences businesses will face.

Loss of Access to Updates & Patches

• Once your subscription ends or your version reaches its discontinuation date, Intuit stops delivering software updates and bug fixes.

• Without updates, compatibility issues with Windows or third-party tools will increase.

• Critical features like bank feeds, connected apps, and syncing tools will gradually stop functioning.

Payroll Stops Working (Tax Tables & Compliance Risk)

• QuickBooks Desktop Enhanced Payroll and Assisted Payroll will cease functioning once the product is discontinued.

• No more tax table updates—meaning employee withholdings, Social Security, and Medicare calculations will be wrong.

• This creates IRS compliance risks, payroll filing errors, and possible penalties for late or incorrect filings.

• Businesses relying on Desktop Payroll must migrate to QuickBooks Online Payroll or another compliant provider before support ends.

Integrations Break (Bank Feeds, Payments, Apps, Cloud Backup)

• Features like bank feeds, merchant services (QuickBooks Payments), and third-party apps rely on active Intuit support.

• After discontinuation, these connections stop working:

• • Bank Feeds: You won’t be able to download or reconcile transactions automatically.

  • Payments: You won’t be able to process customer credit card or ACH payments.

  • Apps & Backups: Many third-party integrations (time-tracking, CRM, cloud hosting) will disconnect.

Security Vulnerabilities (No Fixes)

• Intuit stops releasing security patches for discontinued editions.

• Your financial data becomes more exposed to cyberattacks, data corruption, and malware.

• Since accounting files contain sensitive data (SSNs, payroll, tax IDs), this risk is especially dangerous for U.S. businesses subject to state and federal privacy laws.

Compliance & Audit Risks

• Businesses in regulated industries (healthcare, nonprofits, construction, government contracts) face audit complications if using unsupported software.

• Payroll-dependent businesses risk non-compliance with the IRS and state labor laws due to outdated tax calculations.

• Unsupported accounting records can also be challenged during an IRS or financial audit, since you cannot prove compliance with updated tax rules.

Access Limited to Read-Only Mode Once Subscription Expires

• When your QuickBooks Desktop subscription fully expires, the software shifts into read-only mode.

• You can still view and export old data, but you cannot:

• • Create new invoices

  • Run payroll

  • Record transactions

  • Access integrations

• This essentially locks your business operations, leaving you with historical data only until you migrate to another solution.

Discontinuation doesn’t just mean “no new versions”—it immediately impacts payroll, compliance, banking, security, and daily accounting tasks. If your business relies on QuickBooks Desktop for mission-critical functions, you need to plan migration before your renewal cycle ends to avoid costly disruptions.

Who Is Affected the Most by QuickBooks Desktop Phasing Out?

Not every user feels the impact equally. These groups face the biggest challenges:

Small Businesses Relying on Payroll

• Payroll shuts down first → no updated tax tables, e-filing, or direct deposit.

• High risk of IRS penalties and compliance issues.

Multi-User Environments with Large Files

• No updates = greater risk of file corruption, sync errors, and crashes.

• Larger files may slow down or fail on newer Windows systems.

Users Needing Desktop-Exclusive Features

• Features like Advanced Inventory, Job Costing, and industry editions are not fully available in QuickBooks Online.

• May need costly third-party apps or new ERP systems.

Companies Using Accountant’s Copy

• Loss of compatibility with accountants’ systems.

• CPAs may reject outdated files → delays in tax prep, audits, and year-end closing.

What Are Your Options After QuickBooks Desktop Discontinuation?

When Intuit ends support, standing still isn’t an option. Every business owner must choose a path — and delaying could mean lost payroll, broken integrations, or even compliance penalties. Below are the realistic options in 2025, with pros, cons, and risks you should weigh carefully.

A. Renew Your Desktop Subscription (Short-Term)

Renewal Costs in 2025

• Pro Plus & Premier Plus: ~$649–$999/year (per user).

• Enterprise: $1,410+/year (single user; multi-user costs rise sharply).

• Payroll add-ons: Extra $500–$950/year depending on features.

Pros

• Immediate access to your current software without migration.

• No learning curve—your staff continues with the same workflow.

• Maintains compatibility with existing company files and reports.

Cons

• High cost compared to QuickBooks Online or alternatives.

• Only a temporary extension—support will still end (e.g., Enterprise 2022 loses support after May 2025).

• No long-term security or compliance guarantees.

Renewing is only a stopgap solution if you need more time to plan migration. It buys stability for now but isn’t sustainable long term.

B. Switch to QuickBooks Online

• Plans (2025): Ranges from $30/month (Simple Start) to $200/month (Advanced).

• Benefits:

• • Cloud-based, no need for servers or IT upkeep.

  • Bank feeds, payroll, and payment integrations update automatically.

  • Works anywhere — office, home, or on the road.

• Limitations:

• • File size and user list caps (can frustrate Desktop power users).

  • Certain Desktop-only features vanish — advanced inventory, job costing depth, custom reporting.

• Migration: Intuit’s tools can move most data, but large or complex files may require professional migration to avoid data loss.

C. Move to QuickBooks Enterprise (If Still Supported)

• Enterprise Today: Still offered as a subscription in 2025, designed for companies needing scale, with advanced inventory, custom fields, and stronger multi-user performance.

• Costs: Starts around $1,410/year per user, often bundled with hosting for remote access.

• Best Fit: Businesses with large files, complex reporting, or heavy inventory management.

• Cloud Hosting Option: Authorized hosting providers allow Enterprise to run on the cloud — combining Desktop functionality with cloud convenience.

D. Explore Third-Party Alternatives

• Popular Options in 2025:

  
  

• • Xero (great for global businesses).

  • Zoho Books (budget-friendly, integrated with Zoho suite).

  • Sage (robust for mid-sized companies).

  • FreshBooks (service-based businesses).

  • Wave (free, limited features for freelancers).

• Pros: Flexible pricing, modern cloud-first design, and lower costs in some cases.

• Cons: May not match QuickBooks Desktop’s advanced features (job costing, industry editions).

• Transition Risks: Data migration, employee retraining, and compliance checks add hidden costs.

E. Outsource Payroll & Bookkeeping

• When Useful: If payroll is your biggest dependency, outsourcing can be cheaper than migrating immediately.

• Benefits:

• • Eliminates compliance risks (no expired payroll tables).

  • Saves subscription costs if you’re only keeping Desktop for payroll.

  • Frees time to focus on running your business.

• Limitations: Doesn’t solve long-term accounting needs — you’ll still need a platform for full bookkeeping.

How to Decide the Best Path for Your Business?

Choosing the right transition after QuickBooks Desktop discontinuation depends on your current usage, costs, team setup, and future goals. Use the following checklist to guide your decision.

1. Audit Your Current Desktop Usage

• List out critical features: Do you rely on advanced inventory, job costing, industry-specific editions (Contractor, Manufacturing, Nonprofit)?

• Check integrations: Note if you connect with third-party apps (CRM, POS, time tracking, etc.) that may not work with QuickBooks Online.

• Assess data size: Large company files (over 750MB–1GB) or multi-year histories may not migrate smoothly to Online.

Tip: Write down the “must-have” features your business cannot lose. This list is the foundation for choosing your next platform.

2. Compare Renewal vs. Migration Costs

• Renewal Costs (2025):

• • Pro/Premier Plus: $650–$950 per year, per user

  • Enterprise: $1,410+ per year, per user

• QuickBooks Online Costs (2025):

• • $30–$200/month depending on plan and features.

• Migration Costs: May include one-time fees for professional migration ($500–$2,000+) if your file is large or complex.

• Long-Term ROI: Renewing is only a temporary fix; costs keep rising and support will still end.

📊 Action Step: Compare your 3-year renewal expense against the cost of moving to QuickBooks Online or another platform — often migration pays off faster.

3. Consider Team Size, Data Volume & Remote Work Needs

• Small teams (1–3 users): May find QuickBooks Online or even third-party tools (like Zoho, Xero) more cost-effective.

• Medium–large teams (5+ users): QuickBooks Enterprise (with hosting) may be a better fit for collaboration and file stability.

• Remote work: If your team needs anytime/anywhere access, QuickBooks Online or a hosted Enterprise solution is essential.

• Data-heavy businesses: If you keep large transaction histories, Enterprise (Desktop or hosted) is safer than Online.

4. Plan Your Timeline

• Short-Term Renewal: If your busy season is near, renewing Desktop for one year may buy you time to migrate smoothly.

• Long-Term Switch: Businesses should plan to migrate by or before May 2025, when payroll and many integrations stop working.

• Testing Period: If moving to QuickBooks Online or another tool, consider a parallel run (1–2 months) before fully switching.

⚠️ Warning: Waiting until after discontinuation may lead to downtime, payroll errors, or data access issues. Start planning at least 3–6 months ahead.

Migration & Transition Steps (If Moving Away from Desktop)

1. Back Up Your File – Create a full backup (payroll, templates, attachments) and save in multiple locations.

2. Test Migration – Use Intuit’s/QBO or third-party tools with a copy of your file. Verify balances, payroll, and reports; note Desktop-only features won’t transfer.

3. Clean Data First – Fix chart of accounts, merge duplicates, close old vendors/customers, and clear unreconciled transactions to avoid migration errors.

4. Train Staff – Provide training on daily tasks in the new system, highlighting differences from Desktop. Use demo environments for practice.

5. Keep Desktop Data – Retain your old file in read-only mode for audits, compliance, and reference. Store license details securely.

Risks of Ignoring the Discontinuation of Your QuickBooks

Payroll penalties for non-compliance

• Once QuickBooks Desktop is discontinued, payroll tax table updates stop.

• This means calculations for tax withholdings, filings, and e-payments will be outdated.

• Using incorrect payroll data can lead to IRS/state penalties, late fees, and compliance risks.

Security risks (data breach, corruption)

• Discontinued software no longer receives security patches.

• Vulnerabilities in outdated QuickBooks Desktop versions can expose sensitive financial and employee data.

• Risk of file corruption or incompatibility with newer Windows/Mac versions increases.

Lost access to banking feeds & apps

• Online banking connections and app integrations (like payment processors, third-party add-ons) stop working.

• You’ll lose automated bank feeds, requiring manual reconciliation and data entry.

• This slows down financial operations and increases chances of errors.

Business disruption during audits

• Without updated software, generating compliant reports or retrieving historical data becomes difficult.

• Missing payroll or financial records may create complications during IRS or state audits.

• Business continuity and credibility with regulators and banks may be impacted.

  
  

Hidden Risks and Real-World Challenges When Moving Away from QuickBooks Desktop

1. Data Migration Risks: What Desktop Users Must Know Before Moving

Why certain Desktop data may not migrate properly

• Not all QuickBooks Desktop data transfers seamlessly to QuickBooks Online.

• Items at risk include:

• • Custom reports (QBO may not support the same formatting or filters).

  • Inventory history & assembly data (QBO uses a different tracking method, so past details may be lost or altered).

  • Unpaid bills & vendor credits (sometimes fail to match correctly, requiring manual adjustments).

Risk of data loss, duplication, or re-entry errors

• During migration, incomplete or duplicate records can appear.

• Complex data like job costing, multi-currency transactions, and reconciled statements may require manual re-checks.

• Inaccurate migration leads to financial discrepancies, which can affect taxes, audits, and vendor/customer relations.

Why testing migration or working with a QuickBooks ProAdvisor is strongly recommended

• Test migrations (trial runs) help identify gaps before the final switch.

• A certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor can map Desktop data correctly, fix errors, and recommend workarounds.

• This reduces downtime, minimizes re-entry work, and ensures accuracy for reporting and compliance.

2. Compliance Challenges: HIPAA and Industry-Specific Regulations

Why QuickBooks Online is not HIPAA-compliant for healthcare providers

• QuickBooks Online does not sign a Business Associate Agreement (BAA), which is mandatory for HIPAA compliance.

• Storing or transmitting patient health information (PHI) in QBO risks federal violations and penalties.

Legal and financial compliance gaps when moving from Desktop

• Desktop often works with secure, local storage or HIPAA-compliant hosting environments.

• Moving to QuickBooks Online may create gaps for:

• • Healthcare (HIPAA).

  • Government contractors (FISMA, ITAR).

  • Financial services (SOX).

• Non-compliance can result in fines, lawsuits, or failed audits.

How third-party HIPAA-compliant hosting can help Desktop users stay secure

• Hosting Desktop with an authorized HIPAA-compliant provider allows healthcare and regulated industries to continue using QuickBooks legally.

• Provides encryption, secure backups, and signed BAAs.

• Lets businesses keep Desktop’s functionality while meeting strict industry standards.

3. Cloud Options Explained: QuickBooks Online vs. Hosted QuickBooks Desktop

Key differences between QuickBooks Online and hosted Desktop solutions

• QuickBooks Online (QBO): Cloud-native, browser-based, subscription-only. Simplified interface, but fewer advanced features (e.g., job costing, complex inventory, and industry editions are limited).

• Hosted QuickBooks Desktop: Your existing Desktop edition (Pro, Premier, Enterprise, or Accountant) is hosted on a third-party cloud server. Provides full Desktop functionality with anywhere access.

Which option best fits businesses needing both Desktop features and cloud accessibility

• QBO is suitable for small businesses with straightforward accounting needs and minimal custom workflows.

• Hosted Desktop is better for companies needing advanced reporting, inventory tracking, or industry-specific features while also requiring cloud access for remote teams.

Cost and flexibility comparison

• QBO: Monthly per-user subscription, additional fees for payroll and add-ons, separate subscription required per company file.

• Hosted Desktop: Higher upfront hosting cost, but one license can support multiple companies; retains all Desktop features. Flexible for businesses not ready to downgrade to QBO.

4. The Multi-Company Dilemma: Costs and Limitations After Discontinuation

Desktop allowed managing multiple companies under one license

• QuickBooks Desktop let users create and manage unlimited company files (different entities/EINs) under a single license, a key advantage for accountants and multi-entity firms.

Online requires separate subscriptions for each company file/EIN

• QuickBooks Online mandates a separate paid subscription per company file/EIN.

• There’s no shared license option for managing multiple entities in one subscription.

Financial and operational impact for firms, accountants, and multi-entity businesses

• Costs multiply quickly for firms managing multiple clients or entities.

• Accounting professionals lose the convenience of opening multiple company files under one license.

• This shift increases both subscription expenses and administrative overhead, making hosted Desktop or third-party alternatives more cost-effective for multi-entity setups.

5. QuickBooks for Mac Users: What Changes After Discontinuation

Status of QuickBooks Desktop Mac Plus (still supported but subscription-only)

• Intuit discontinued the old one-time purchase Mac versions.

• QuickBooks Desktop Mac Plus is still available, but only through an annual subscription with updates and support included.

How Mac features compare to Windows versions

• Mac Plus offers core accounting features but lacks some advanced tools found in Windows editions (e.g., advanced inventory, industry-specific editions, custom reporting depth).

• Certain integrations and add-ons are also more limited compared to the Windows ecosystem.

Best alternatives for small businesses running entirely on Mac

• Continue with Mac Plus subscription if needs are basic.

• For advanced features or industry-specific requirements, options include:

• • Hosted QuickBooks Desktop (run Windows Desktop version on a Mac through cloud hosting).

  • QuickBooks Online (browser-based, Mac-compatible, but feature-limited).

  • Mac-native alternatives like Xero or Zoho Books for simpler operations.

6. Payroll Migration Pitfalls and Tax Compliance Risks

Why Desktop-to-Online payroll migration often causes errors

• Payroll data is one of the most complex areas to migrate.

• Differences in how Desktop and Online handle pay schedules, deductions, and benefits often lead to mismatches.

Missing paycheck histories and payroll totals after conversion

• Historical paycheck detail doesn’t always transfer fully.

• Totals like year-to-date wages, tax withholdings, or accrued benefits may need manual re-entry.

• This can disrupt reporting, W-2/1099 preparation, and employee recordkeeping.

Risks of incorrect tax filings without Intuit-supported payroll updates

• Unsupported Desktop versions no longer receive payroll tax table updates.

• Filing taxes with outdated rates or missing history can trigger IRS/state penalties, late fees, or compliance notices.

Alternatives like third-party payroll integrations or outsourcing

• Businesses can connect QuickBooks Online with integrated payroll apps (e.g., Gusto, ADP, Paychex).

• Outsourcing payroll to providers ensures compliance and removes the risk of migration errors.

• For highly regulated industries, outsourcing may be safer than relying on in-house payroll transitions.

7. Missing Features in QuickBooks Online: What Desktop Users Will Notice

Side-by-side breakdown: Desktop vs Online features

• QuickBooks Desktop: Advanced reporting, batch invoicing, job costing, customizable chart of accounts, multiple windows view.

• QuickBooks Online: Cloud access, built-in automation, app integrations, mobile support — but fewer advanced accounting tools.

Features Desktop users lose in Online

• Open windows list & ability to work in multiple windows simultaneously.

• Advanced job costing and industry-specific editions (Manufacturing, Nonprofit, Contractor, etc.).

• Customizable reporting (fewer templates and customization options).

• Complex inventory tracking (QBO inventory is simpler and less detailed).

User experience differences → efficiency impact

• Desktop allows accountants to multitask across company files and reports at once.

• Online limits users to one window per browser tab, slowing workflow for professionals handling large volumes.

• Learning curve and workflow changes reduce efficiency for accountants used to Desktop’s flexibility.

8. Risks of Staying on Unsupported QuickBooks Desktop Versions

What happens if you continue using Desktop 2020 or earlier after 2025

• Intuit ends security, payroll, payments, and support services for discontinued versions.

• These versions remain functional offline but lose all connected services.

Security, payroll, and compliance risks without updates

• Unpatched vulnerabilities expose financial data to breaches.

• Payroll and e-filing won’t work, making tax compliance impossible.

• Banking feeds, credit card processing, and third-party integrations stop.

Limited upgrade paths for very old company files

• Files from older versions may not convert directly to current editions.

• Some require a step-upgrade process through multiple versions, increasing time and costs.

• Higher risk of data corruption during migration if upgrading after years of delay.

9. Exploring Alternatives Beyond Intuit: When QuickBooks Online Isn’t a Fit

Best non-Intuit options

• Xero: Cloud-based, strong for collaboration, unlimited users.

• Zoho Books: Cost-effective, integrates with Zoho suite, good for SMBs.

• FreshBooks: Simple invoicing and expense tracking, ideal for freelancers and service businesses.

• Sage Intacct / Sage 50: Strong mid-market solutions, better for growing firms with advanced needs.

Suitability by business type

• Freelancers/solopreneurs: FreshBooks, Zoho Books.

• SMBs: Xero, Zoho Books (affordable, scalable).

• Mid-market & multi-entity businesses: Sage Intacct (advanced reporting, consolidations).

Migration complexity and cost considerations

• Moving from QuickBooks involves data cleanup, mapping, and possible loss of historical reports.

• Some platforms support direct import of chart of accounts, contacts, and transactions — but not payroll or custom reports.

• Migration costs vary depending on years of data, integrations, and consulting needs.

FAQs

Can I keep using QuickBooks Desktop after discontinuation?

Yes, you can still use QuickBooks Desktop locally even after Intuit discontinues support. However:

• No updates or patches → Security vulnerabilities remain unaddressed.

• No live support → You won’t get official troubleshooting from Intuit.

• Connected services stop → Features like payroll, payments, and bank feeds will no longer function.

• Risk of compliance issues → Outdated tax tables, forms, and accounting standards can create problems for audits or regulatory compliance.

👉 If you only need QuickBooks Desktop for historical records or very basic offline bookkeeping, you may continue. But for growing businesses, lack of updates and integrations can cause major issues over time.

Will I lose access to my data if I don’t renew?

No, your company file remains accessible on your computer. You can still:

• View historical records, invoices, and reports.

• Enter new transactions offline.

• Export data to Excel or backup locally.

⚠️ Limitations:

• No cloud sync or multi-user updates if you rely on online features.

• No payroll calculations or tax table updates — you must handle payroll manually.

• File compatibility risk — future OS updates may cause installation or performance issues.

👉 To avoid data lock-in, it’s smart to create regular backups and, if considering migration later, keep your files in a version that’s supported by QuickBooks Online conversion tools.

Can I migrate Desktop data to QuickBooks Online?

Yes, migration is possible with Intuit’s Desktop-to-Online conversion tool. It can transfer:

• Customers, vendors, chart of accounts, and transactions.

• Invoices, estimates, and some customized templates.

⚠️ But not everything moves seamlessly:

• Complex inventory (Advanced Inventory, Assemblies) may not fully transfer.

• Custom reports, memorized transactions, or third-party integrations often require manual setup post-migration.

• Enterprise users may face data size limits, requiring cleanup or selective import.

👉 Many businesses choose to run parallel testing (using Online alongside Desktop for a month) to ensure data integrity before fully switching.

What happens to payroll after discontinuation?

Once discontinued:

• Payroll processing stops — no paycheck calculations.

• Tax table updates stop — meaning inaccurate tax withholdings.

• Direct deposit and e-file shut down — you cannot pay employees electronically or file taxes from Desktop.

👉 Options after discontinuation:

• Switch to QuickBooks Online Payroll (integrates with QuickBooks Online).

• Use a standalone payroll provider like Gusto, ADP, or Paychex.

• Handle payroll manually (high risk for compliance and errors).

For compliance and employee satisfaction, moving payroll services before discontinuation is critical.

Which QuickBooks Desktop editions are impacted?

• Pro Plus, Premier Plus, Enterprise, and Accountant → All subscription-based editions.

• Mac Plus → Also subject to discontinuation.

• Older perpetual licenses (2019–2021) → Already unsupported, meaning no updates or services.

• Point of Sale (POS) → Officially discontinued in 2023, requiring migration to third-party POS systems.

👉 Businesses must either renew subscription temporarily or plan migration to QuickBooks Online or ERP-level alternatives if Desktop no longer meets needs.

What is the cheapest alternative to renewal?

If renewal costs are too high:

1. QuickBooks Online Simple Start ($30/month) – Best for single users with basic accounting.

2. QuickBooks Online Essentials ($60/month) – Supports multiple users, invoices, and bill management.

3. Third-party cloud bookkeeping tools – Options like Xero or Zoho Books may be cheaper depending on needs.

4. Manual/Excel + tax software – For very small businesses, though not scalable.

👉 If you only need Desktop for records and don’t require updates, you can keep using your current version offline without renewing — but for long-term growth, QuickBooks Online is the most cost-effective supported option.