How do you downgrade your account from simple start to self-employed without losing your info?

You cannot. Different platforms,  difference between double entry and single entry. You can export reports in excel.

@stevenwgrahamlcs 

You currently can't switch from QuickBooks Self-Employed to QuickBooks Desktop. You also can't go back to QuickBooks Self-Employed once you switch to QuickBooks Online.

https://quickbooks.intuit.com/learn-support/en-us/product-preferences/switch-from-quickbooks-self-em...

If you have to open a new account, make sure to click the Buy button to get the discounted price for up to 6 months. If you purchase from the trial account, you have to pay the regular price. For QBSE, currently company offers $1/month for 12 months.

https:// quickbooks.grsm.io/US

https:// quickbooks.grsm.io/us-promo