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Moving from QuickBooks Desktop to another accounting software

by Intuit• Updated 5 months ago

This article aims to help make the switch from QuickBooks Desktop to another accounting software as smooth as possible. Follow our 4-step migration checklist to help gather all your data so you can get your business up and running on the new system without breaking a sweat.

Thinking of moving from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online? Here's what to expect when you make the switch. Or if you're not sure which QuickBooks Online product is right for your business, this product and feature comparison article may help.

1. Back up and save your data

Make sure that you back up all of your data and save a copy of it so that it's readily available before you make a system shift. This way you won't lose important information in case something goes wrong while moving to the new system.

2. Export your list

You can download and export all of your data from QuickBooks Desktop. See export data in QuickBooks Desktop or export CSV files for full instructions on how to do this.

3. Generate detailed reports

Next, you'll need to create a detailed chart of accounts report. Then open the transactions reports to help you set up in the new accounting software.

Learn more about the chart of accounts and how to generate reports.

4. Enter your opening balances

In your new accounting software, enter your opening balances into your new chart of accounts and import your customer and supplier lists. Then recreate your open transactions and adjust the open balances accordingly.

For more help moving from QuickBooks Desktop, please reach out to our support team.

Frequently asked questions

Can QuickBooks help with moving my data?

If you would like help with moving to another accounting software, we recommend that you follow the steps in this article. Or you can get in touch with your new accounting software provider and ask if they can support moving you over from QuickBooks Desktop.

Can I use the another QuickBooks Desktop from the US or Canada?

Unfortunately, no. UK company files aren't compatible with the QuickBooks Desktop version for US and Canada.

Why is QuickBooks Desktop being discontinued?

Helping you stay compliant is our top priority. Given the recent changes to accounting and tax regulations, and with more on the horizon, we need to ensure you’re on a product that can be supported with regular updates.

With QuickBooks Desktop, customers can miss these updates and use software that is out of date and non-compliant. That’s why we’ve decided to discontinue the product.

Where is the new version of QuickBooks Desktop?

UK QuickBooks for Desktop 2021 is the last version that will be supported for customers in the UK and Ireland, and will be supported until January 31, 2023.

When will support and access to QuickBooks Desktop for subscribed customers stop?

Customers in the UK and Ireland with a UK QuickBooks Desktop 2021 subscription will be fully supported until 31 January, 2023. Access and support will stop after this date for all subscribed customers.

I have an outright licence, can I continue to use QuickBooks Desktop?

Customers in the UK and Ireland using outright licences will be supported until 31 January, 2023. Any support, including installation and activation services, will stop after this date.

Can I still buy an outright licence for QuickBooks Desktop?

Unfortunately, no. We've stopped selling all versions of QuickBooks Desktop in the UK.

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