new company file

You've come to the right place, @fincoord.

Yes, you can create a second company file for your new business without affecting your current company file. You just need to enter your business name, industry, and business type to create your company file. I can guide you in doing so.

Here's how:

1. From the No Company Open window, select Create a new company
2. Choose the Express Start button.
3. Fill in the necessary information.
4. Click Create company.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the setup

Also, you can create multiple company files in one QuickBooks Desktop Premier 2021 license. You can refer to this article for more information: Create QuickBooks Desktop Company file: Overview.

On the other hand, you can open each company one at a time. Here's how to access the 2nd company file:

1. From the File menu, select Open or Restore Company.
2. Select Open a company file, then Next.
3. Browse the location of the company file.
4. Choose the company file (with file extension .qbw) from the list.
5. Click Open.
   • If prompted, enter your user name and password.

Lastly, the maximum number of simultaneous users or people working on the same company file at the same time for QuickBooks Desktop Premier Edition is five users.  This way, it increases collaboration and productivity. Just make sure to enable the multi-user mode and each must have their own QuickBooks license. You can read through this article for more detailed steps: Set up and install a multi-user network for QuickBooks Desktop.

I want to ensure that you have the optimum configuration for your business, so please feel free to let me know if you have additional questions. Have a wonderful day. 

Thank you for your reply.  

So, we can have 2 companies under one license?  Can I get a refund for the one we bought and haven't used?

We have a payroll subscription for the first company -- will it work for the second company, or will that need to be a separate purchase?

Thanks in advance for the help.

Thanks for getting back in here, @fincoord.

Let me provide some clarification about creating a second company file in QuickBooks Desktop. 

You can create two companies under one license. If you'll want to get a refund, you can reach our support team to further assist you. They have the tools to help you with the refund process. 

Here's how:

1. Open your QuickBooks company file.
2. Go to the Help menu, then choose QuickBooks Desktop Help.
3. Click Contact Us.
4. Provide a brief description of your issue, then select Let's talk.
5. Choose a way to connect with us.

QuickBooks Desktop Payroll can only support one company data file per EIN. Attempts to use multiple company files under the same EIN and payroll subscription may cause errors.

For more information, please refer to this article: Add an EIN to existing Payroll Subscription.

Additionally, you may consider checking out this article for future reference:  Set up and install a multi-user network for QuickBooks Desktop. 

Direct other queries you have with QuickBooks in the comments below. I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Have a wonderful day.