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Cancel your QuickBooks subscription or trial

by Intuit123 Updated 2 weeks ago

We’re sorry to see you go. If QuickBooks isn’t right for your needs, here’s a simple guide to help you cancel your QuickBooks Online or QuickBooks Sole Trader subscription or trial, including what happens to your data afterwards and how to save your records.

This article is for customers who use QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Sole Trader.
Note: If you’re using QuickBooks Online Accountant, please note that it’s a free programme and cannot be cancelled.

Consider switching to a different plan

QuickBooks is designed to grow with your business – or scale back when you need it to. If your needs have changed, consider switching to a different plan instead of starting from scratch elsewhere. You can:

You’ll keep your data, settings, and account history if you choose to switch plans—making it a simpler alternative to cancellation. Still prefer to cancel? Follow the steps below based on how you signed up.


How to cancel your subscription

The cancellation process depends on where you purchased your QuickBooks subscription. Follow the steps that apply to your situation.

Use these steps if you signed up through the QuickBooks website on your computer.

  1. Open a web browser on your computer (not a mobile device).
  2. Sign in to QuickBooks as an admin user.
  3. Go to Settings ⚙ and select Subscriptions and billing.
    • If you don’t see this option, you may have purchased QuickBooks via a mobile app store. See the mobile app instructions below.
  4. In the QuickBooks section, select Cancel subscription or Cancel online.
    • If you’re using a trial, select Cancel trial.
    • For QuickBooks Sole Trader, select Cancel.
  5. Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm your cancellation.

If you subscribed through the Apple App Store, you’ll need to manage and cancel your subscription through Apple’s system.

If you signed up through the Google Play Store, cancel your subscription via your Google account settings.

If your account is suspended due to failed payments, you’ll need to reactivate it before cancelling.

  • To cancel, first resubscribe and bring your account current.
  • If we can’t charge your payment method after three attempts, your subscription will be automatically cancelled.
  • You’ll still have read-only access to your data for one year from the cancellation date.

Important: Cancel payroll before cancelling your subscription

If you’re using QuickBooks Online Payroll, we recommend cancelling your payroll subscription before you cancel your QuickBooks Online account. This helps prevent ongoing payroll charges, especially if you’re on an annual billing plan.

  • Monthly billing: Payroll ends when your QuickBooks plan ends.
  • Annual billing: Payroll is billed separately and may continue to charge monthly until the end of your annual term—unless cancelled in advance.

What happens to your data after cancellation

Your data is kept safely for one year from the cancellation date, giving you time to export it or return if needed. Here’s what to expect based on your situation:

  • Paid subscriptions: You’ll have read-only access for 1 year from the cancellation date.
  • Trial accounts: If you cancel or let the trial expire, your data will also be available in read-only mode for 1 year.
  • Suspended accounts: You’ll have a 14-day grace period to update your billing information. After this, access becomes read-only for 1 year.

See how to export your QuickBooks Online data.


Download your data before cancelling

Before cancelling, we recommend exporting or printing your data for your records. This helps you retain important financial details and makes it easier to transition to another solution.

  1. Sign in to QuickBooks as an admin.
  2. Go to Settings ⚙ and select Export data.
  3. Choose the reports and lists you want to export, such as General Ledger, Balance Sheet, Profit and Loss, Customers, and Suppliers.
  4. Select the format (usually Excel or PDF) and export each report.
  5. Save the files securely on your computer or cloud storage.

What's next?

Have a burning question about your subscription? Check out the FAQ section in our manage billing and subscription article.

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