QuickBooksHelpIntuitWhat changes after switching from QuickBooks Self-Employed or Sole Trader
by Intuit• Updated 5 days ago
Welcome to your new home for business. Your bookkeeping is now part of a unified platform designed to be faster, smarter, and more personal. While the layout might look different from your previous version, your most important tools are now easier to reach.
| This article is for customers who have switched from Self-Employed or Sole Trader to QuickBooks Online or Sole Trader Plus. |
Explore your new navigation menu
The new navigation moves away from a long, static list. Instead, QuickBooks Online uses Hubs (categorised as "Apps") to group your work logically.
- Sidebar: The sidebar is now your main navigation area. From here, you can access core apps such as Sales, Expenses, Accounting, Taxes and Reports.
- Pinned apps: You can pin up to three apps you use most often at the bottom of the sidebar. Select Customise at any time to update them.
- My Apps: This area shows additional apps available in your plan. Hover to explore tools such as Projects or Payroll.
Learn more about exploring QuickBooks on the Intuit Platform.
Where to find everyday tasks
If you're used to the old layout, here is your "cheat sheet" for where your essential tasks have moved:
| Task | Where to find it now |
| Create an invoice | Select the + New button at the top left. |
| Review bank feeds | Found under the Accounting app or pinned to your bar. |
| Snap and upload receipts | Use the Expenses app or the QuickBooks mobile app. |
| Check VAT or Income Tax | Hover over Taxes in the My Apps section. |
| Run reports | Select the Reports icon directly from the sidebar. |
Find out how to customise your navigation menu.
Your data after switching
Nothing has been lost in the move. Your existing data has come with you.
You may notice that transactions are now organised using a full Chart of Accounts rather than simplified categories. This allows for more detailed reporting, including Profit and Loss and Balance Sheet reports.
If you’re unsure how categorisation works, see Find and categorise transactions after switching.
Personalise your new workspace
You can now Bookmark the specific pages you visit most often. If you check your "Profit and Loss" or "Unpaid Invoices" daily, you can save them for one-click access.
- In QuickBooks, go to the page you want to save.
- Hover over the Bookmarks icon in the left menu.
- Select + Bookmark current page.
- To reorder your list, hover over Bookmarks and select Edit to drag and drop your favourites.
Meet Intuit Assist, your digital teammate
Your new navigation includes a Feed button powered by Intuit Assist, your AI-driven business agent. These agents work behind the scenes to surface key insights and take care of tasks with your permission.
- Smart suggestions: The feed highlights things that need your attention, such as a potential duplicate invoice or a missing supplier.
- Accounting Agent: This keeps your books accurate by automatically categorising transactions to align with HMRC categories, saving you hours of manual work.
- Ask questions: You can ask the agent questions like "What is my projected profit for this quarter?" directly from the search bar.
Find out how to get the most out of Intuit AI agents.
Quick tips for settling in
- Use search: The powerful global search bar helps you quickly find transactions, contacts, reports or help content. Try searching by name or by amount (for example, ÂŁ45.00).
- Bookmark important pages: You can bookmark reports or pages you use regularly, such as Profit and Loss or Unpaid Invoices, for quicker access.
- Switch to Classic View: If this option is available on your account, go to Settings âš™ and select "Switch to Classic View" while you adjust to the updated layout.
- Preparing for Making Tax Digital (MTD): If you’re preparing for MTD for Income Tax, make sure your bank transactions are reviewed and categorised regularly. The updated layout makes it easier to see items marked "Review Needed".
What's next?
Now that you're familiar with the changes, here’s how to get back to business:
- Resource hub: Your central home for all move-over guides and support.
- Get organised: Learn how to find and categorise your transactions.
- Manage sales: Discover how invoicing works on your new platform.
- Master the new platform: Start our 1-hour masterclass video course.
Still have questions? Book a free 1:1 onboarding session with a product expert to walk through your specific setup.