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Are you a QuickBooks Desktop user wondering how long you’ll be able to keep using it? Here’s the deal: QuickBooks Desktop 2024 is set to be discontinued after May 31, 2024. But don’t panic just yet—your subscription will still be valid until May 31, 2027, and renewals will happen automatically. That gives you some breathing room to plan your next steps!
So, what exactly is changing, and what should you expect? Let’s dive into all the key details, the affected products, and how you can prepare for life after QuickBooks Desktop. Whether you’re considering QuickBooks Online or looking into alternatives, this guide will break it all down for you.
QuickBooks Online vs. Desktop: What’s the Difference?
If you’re trying to figure out the key differences between QuickBooks Online (QBO) and QuickBooks Desktop (QBD), here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose the best fit for your business.
- QuickBooks online is a cloud-based platform, meaning you access it through a web browser or mobile app—no installation required. The major advantage? You can use it from anywhere with an internet connection. QuickBooks experienced a 34% growth in online services like payments and payroll. Whether you’re at the office, at home, or traveling your financial data is just a click away, offering flexibility and real-time updates.
- QuickBooks desktop is a locally installed application. This means it’s tied to the specific computer you install it on, limiting access to that device. If you want it on multiple computers, you’ll need to install it on each one separately—and that comes with extra costs for additional licenses. It’s great for those who prefer working offline but are less flexible compared to the cloud.
In short, QuickBooks Online offers more mobility and remote access, while QuickBooks Desktop provides a more traditional, offline experience with limited access points. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize flexibility and cloud convenience or the stability of local software.
Let’s understand what are some of the impacted products and services in the section below.
Impacted Products
With the discontinuation of QuickBooks Desktop 2024, several popular versions will be affected. Here’s a quick look at the impacted products:
- QuickBooks Desktop Pro 2021
- QuickBooks Desktop Premier 2021
- QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions 21
- QuickBooks Premier Accountant Edition 2021
- QuickBooks Enterprise Accountant 21
- QuickBooks Desktop for Mac 2021
If you’re using any of these versions, it’s time to start thinking about what’s next, whether it’s transitioning to QuickBooks Online or exploring other options. Let’s break down what this means for subscriptions and availability.
Subscriptions and Availability
As QuickBooks Desktop phases out, here’s what you need to know about subscription timelines and pricing:
- Available until July 31, 2024
QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus, Premier Plus, Mac Plus, and Enhanced Payroll will remain available until July 31, 2024. You’ll have plenty of time to make adjustments or renewals before the cutoff date. - Subscription-only for 2024 versions
All QuickBooks Desktop 2024 versions will now be available on a subscription basis only. This change means no more one-time purchases—everything is shifting to subscriptions for flexibility and ongoing updates. - Pricing starts at $650
Subscriptions for QuickBooks Desktop will start at $650, but there are potential discounts available through select partners, so keep an eye out for deals that could help save on costs.
These changes mean you’ll need to stay proactive about managing your subscription and deciding whether to stick with Desktop or move to an alternative solution.
User Interactions and Common Inquiries
As the discontinuation of QuickBooks Desktop 2024 approaches, users have a lot of questions. Here are some of the most common inquiries and what you need to know:
- Subscription usage until 2027
According to user @SteveTallyCPA, it’s confirmed that QuickBooks Desktop subscriptions will continue to be valid until May 31, 2027. So, if you’re already subscribed, you can continue using the software without interruption until that date. - Usage without internet features post-2027
One of the big questions users are asking is whether they can keep using QuickBooks Desktop without internet-dependent features after 2027. While basic offline functions might still work, features that require internet access—like updates and integrations—won’t be available post-2027. So, you might be able to open and view old data, but anything involving online connectivity will likely be unsupported. - Importing data into TurboTax beyond 2026
User @Bob1201 pointed out that they rely on QuickBooks Desktop to import data into TurboTax. This is important for users who need to continue using the platform for tax purposes beyond 2026. If you’re in this boat, it might be worth considering your options sooner rather than later, as those features may no longer function after the discontinuation.
Support and Updates
Even though QuickBooks Desktop is being discontinued, support isn’t going away immediately. Here’s how support and updates will look over the next few years:
- Support for QuickBooks Enterprise 2024 until 2027
If you’re using QuickBooks Enterprise 2024, you’ll still receive support until 2027. This includes help with any issues you encounter and the ability to renew your subscription. - No critical updates post-2027
After May 31, 2027, there will be no critical updates for QuickBooks Desktop. This means no security patches, no new features, and no bug fixes—so the software may become less reliable over time. - Enterprise customers can renew subscriptions after discontinuation
For QuickBooks Enterprise users, there’s good news: you can renew your subscriptions even after the primary discontinuation date. This means you’ll have the flexibility to continue using Enterprise beyond 2024, though you should keep in mind that no major updates will be available after 2027.
Understanding these common inquiries and support timelines, you can plan your transition away from QuickBooks Desktop in a way that best suits your business.
Existing Subscriber Benefits
If you’re currently a QuickBooks Desktop subscriber, there are a few key advantages that make the transition a bit smoother:
- Continued renewals
Even with the discontinuation of QuickBooks Desktop 2024, your subscription renewals will remain unaffected until May 31, 2027. That means if you’re already using the software, you’ll continue to receive uninterrupted service during this time, providing a solid three-year buffer to plan your next steps. - Enterprise users face no immediate impact
For QuickBooks Enterprise users, you’re in a good position. The discontinuation will not affect your current operations, and you can continue using QuickBooks Enterprise without any issues until the final phase-out in 2027. With over 80% of mid-market companies and self-employed customers relying on QuickBooks Enterprise for their financial management, it remains a trusted option for businesses.
Also Learn: Quickbooks Sales Order Integration: Fixing Missing Sales Order
Migration and Alternatives
As QuickBooks Desktop phases out, now is a great time to explore alternative options to keep your business operations running smoothly:
- QuickBooks Online: the preferred choice for cloud access
Did you know that QuickBooks maintains a strong presence in the small business accounting sector, with a significant market share? The majority of its users are small businesses, which account for about 40% of its customer base. It’s a perfect option for businesses looking for enhanced mobility, real-time collaboration, and more frequent updates.
With QuickBooks Online, you get automatic feature updates and seamless integration with over 700 third-party apps, keeping your operations ahead of the curve.
- Enterprise desktop solutions still available post-2024
If you prefer to stay with QuickBooks Enterprise Desktop, there’s no rush. Enterprise Desktop solutions will still be available even after the main discontinuation in 2024, giving you ample time to decide whether to migrate or stick with your current system. - Payroll services: QuickBooks enterprise and online payroll
For businesses requiring payroll services, you can seamlessly transition to QuickBooks Enterprise Payroll or QuickBooks Online Payroll. Both offer comprehensive payroll support, with QuickBooks Online Payroll boasting over 1.4 million employees paid through the service. This option is especially valuable if you’re looking for more flexibility, as the cloud-based solution allows remote access and real-time updates.
With QuickBooks Desktop discontinuation on the horizon, seamless integration with different accounting software is key to keeping your business running smoothly. WizCommerce is the ideal tool to help you transition effortlessly and keep your operations on track. Let’s find out how!
Why is WizCommerce the Best Choice for Integration?
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Here’s why WizCommerce stands out:
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- without hopping between different tools. WizCommerce centralizes everything and brings all the information from multiple platforms to one place, helping you manage workflows easily without any hassle.
- Built for B2B businesses: Designed specifically for wholesalers, distributors, and manufacturers, WizCommerce understands the unique needs of your business and delivers solutions that make sense for you.
- Real-time data sync: Always have the latest information at your fingertips. From inventory to sales, WizCommerce ensures real-time updates across all platforms.
If you’re ready to simplify your business and boost efficiency, WizCommerce is here to help.
Conclusion
Whether you’re sticking with QuickBooks Desktop for now or considering the flexibility of QuickBooks Online, understanding the key differences will help you choose the best solution for your business. QuickBooks Online offers the convenience of cloud-based access, and QuickBooks Desktop provides a more traditional, offline approach to accounting. Both software solutions have their advantages, and the best choice for your business depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors such as your internet connectivity, data security requirements, and desired level of flexibility when making your decision. Ultimately, the goal is to select the accounting software that will best support your business’s growth and efficiency.
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