Accounting Is Moving to the Cloud. Don’t Get Left Behind, let’s talk QuickBooks

Important Changes Coming to QuickBooks Desktop

If you're using QuickBooks Desktop, Intuit is gradually moving away from supporting Desktop products and focusing on their cloud-based QuickBooks Online platform.

Here's what you need to know:

• New Sales Have Ended: As of September 30, 2024, Intuit stopped selling new subscriptions to QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus, Premier Plus, Mac Plus, and Desktop Enhanced Payroll in the United States.
• Support & Security Updates Ending: After May 31, 2025, QuickBooks Desktop 2022 versions will be discontinued. You'll no longer receive critical security updates starting June 1, 2025.
• Connected Services Discontinued: Services like Desktop Payroll, Payments, technical support, Online Backup, and Online Banking will no longer be available for 2022 versions after May 31, 2025.

These changes signal Intuit's strategic shift toward cloud-based solutions. While this might sound concerning, it's an opportunity to upgrade to a more powerful, flexible accounting solution that better meets today's business needs.

What We Recommend

Based on our experience with both QuickBooks Desktop and Online:

• For most businesses: Begin planning your transition to QuickBooks Online now, rather than waiting until you're forced to change. This gives you control over timing and allows for a thoughtful approach.
• For large construction, manufacturing, and inventory-heavy businesses: QuickBooks Enterprise will continue to be available and may still be the right solution for complex job costing and inventory needs.
• For everyone: Use this transition to review your current accounting processes and implement improvements that have been on the back burner.

Why This Transition is Good News - Advantages of QuickBooks Online

We've helped dozens of clients make this transition with overwhelmingly positive feedback. Here's why moving to QuickBooks Online benefits your business:

1. Work from Anywhere, Anytime

• Access your financial data from any device with internet connection
• Work from home, on vacation, or at job sites
• No need for remote desktop solutions or VPNs

2. Real-Time Collaboration

• Multiple users can work simultaneously (unlike Desktop's one-user limitation)
• Real-time visibility of changes without file transfers
• Easier collaboration with our firm for bookkeeping and advisory services

3. Automatic Updates and Backups

• No manual software updates or backups required
• Continuous security patches and feature updates
• Automatic daily backups with no intervention needed

4. Better Integration

• Connects with over 650 business apps
• Less manual data entry, more streamlined processes
• Integrate with CRM, payment processors, and industry-specific tools

5. More Accessible Support

• 24/7 customer support directly from Intuit
• Our team is specially trained for QuickBooks Online
• Extensive online resources and training opportunities

6. Cost Considerations

• Predictable monthly subscription pricing
• No server hardware or IT infrastructure needed
• Reduced IT support costs for maintenance and updates

Making the Transition Smooth and Stress-Free

We provide a comprehensive migration service to make your transition seamless:

1. Pre-conversion assessment: Review your current setup to identify potential issues
2. Data migration: Carefully transfer your financial data with nothing lost
3. System configuration: Set up QuickBooks Online to match your business needs
4. Post-conversion support: Answer questions and troubleshoot as you adapt

Why Act Now Rather Than Wait

Planning your migration now rather than waiting until support ends is a smart business decision:

• Control Over Timing: Choose a migration timeframe that works for your business cycle
• Learn at Your Own Pace: Give your team time to gradually adapt while both systems are available
• Strategic Scheduling: Plan transition during slower business periods
• Peace of Mind: Stay ahead of the curve rather than scrambling last minute
• Avoid the Rush: Prevent longer wait times and higher costs as deadlines approach

Next Steps

When you're ready to explore QuickBooks Online:

1. Contact your Dark Horse CPA about migrating to QuickBooks Online
2. We'll assess your current setup and provide a personalized migration plan
3. Choose a conversion date that works for your business
4. Let us handle the technical details while you focus on running your business

Common Questions About the Transition

Q: Will I lose any features by moving to QuickBooks Online?
A: While there are some differences, most Desktop features have equivalent or enhanced functionality in Online. During our pre-conversion assessment, we'll identify any potential gaps and solutions.

Q: What happens to my historical data?
A: Most historical data transfers successfully, including chart of accounts, customer and vendor lists, products and services, historical transactions, and reports. You'll still have access to your Desktop file for reference if needed.

Q: How much does QuickBooks Online cost compared to Desktop?
A: QuickBooks Online often proves more cost-effective when considering eliminated server maintenance, reduced IT support costs, no annual upgrade fees, included automatic backups, and multiple user access. Subscriptions range from $35-$235 per month, depending on features.

Q: How long does the migration take?
A: File conversion typically takes 1-3 business days, depending on complexity. However, we recommend planning for a 2–3-week transition period, including pre-conversion review, data validation, user training, and parallel system operation if desired.

Conclusion

The move to cloud-based accounting is more than just responding to Intuit's product changes, it's an opportunity to modernize your financial systems and gain powerful new capabilities. As your trusted advisors, we're committed to helping you make this transition successfully.

The future of accounting is in the cloud, and we're here to help you transition confidently and efficiently. Your success is our priority, and QuickBooks Online will give your business the tools it needs to thrive in today's digital world.

Ready to take the next step? Contact your Dark Horse CPA today to start your move to QuickBooks Online!