What is the difference between a subscription Quickbooks product and a non-subscription product?

Hi krworley!

Good to see you here and thank you for reaching out to us. 

First, you can be certain that our Support Representatives are trained and knowledgeable about QuickBooks. I'm here cause I'd like to explain the difference between the subscription-based QuickBooks Desktop and the one-time license.

Intuit will release a new version of QuickBooks Desktop every year with new updates and features. The one-time license or non-subscription software has a three-year life cycle. For example, if you purchase a one-time license of QuickBooks Desktop 2021, you are advised to upgrade by 2024. If your computer's operating system is still compatible with the old QuickBooks Desktop, you can continue using it.

However, there are features that will be stopped such as payroll and online banking. Also, once you reached the three-year life cycle, there'll be no more system updates or support for any issues you might encounter. 

Please check the policy of QuickBooks Desktop by clicking this link to learn more about why there are versions that will be discontinued: QuickBooks Desktop service discontinuation policy.

With regard to the subscription-based QuickBooks Desktop, you'll need to renew your subscription every year. You can also upgrade to a newer version without additional cost. 

If you'll not renew the subscription, you won't be able to use the software at all. Your company file will remain on your computer, but you'll need to re-activate the service to open or view the data.

I added some links for tips and other resources and for you to know the system requirements of QuickBooks Desktop:

• QBDT self-help articles
• System requirements for QuickBooks Desktop 2022
• System requirements for QuickBooks Desktop 2021

If you have any particular questions about your QuickBooks Desktop services, let me know the details in your reply. Always here to help. 

@krworley 

If you are still using QBD 2021, you can still purchase a new one time license for QBD 2021 to replace your existing license. But if you are using QBD 2022, your can only replace it with the one time license for QBD 2022 Accountant edition.

So I got 2 answers and I don't think they are the same.  Also I asked the same question on another thread and got the same as this other answer, that Quickbooks no longer has a non-subscription product beginning in 2022.  So is that right?   That person said I can probably still find a 2021 version of QB at a retailer, but that after one year I'd still have to renew subscription, which completely defeats the purpose.

This is the same problem I had with QB sales and QB customer service.  I can't get a consistent answer that sounds like I can be sure of it.  If it's correct that the product is now subscription only, then the price has in effect tripled for those of us that just want the basics.  Is that right?  Thanks very much. 

So I got 2 answers and I don't think they are the same.  Also I asked the same question on another thread and got the same as this other answer, that Quickbooks no longer has a non-subscription product beginning in 2022.  So is that right?   That person said I can probably still find a 2021 version of QB at a retailer, but that after one year I'd still have to renew subscription, which completely defeats the purpose.

This is the same problem I had with QB sales and QB customer service.  I can't get a consistent answer that sounds like I can be sure of it.  If it's correct that the product is now subscription only, then the price has in effect tripled for those of us that just want the basics.  Is that right?  Thanks very much. 

I am really confused about how to work this community.  I thought I was replying to this answer, but I apparently replied to the wrong one.  Also it keeps saying Authentication failed and then I have to start over, so I am not sure if my comments are going anywhere.

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@krworley wrote:

So I got 2 answers and I don't think they are the same.  Also I asked the same question on another thread and got the same as this other answer, that Quickbooks no longer has a non-subscription product beginning in 2022.  So is that right?   

 

@krworley 

They only offer QBD 2022 with the subscription license. But you can still purchase QBD 2022 Accountant edition with the one time license from some partners if required 

 

That person said I can probably still find a 2021 version of QB at a retailer, but that after one year I'd still have to renew subscription, which completely defeats the purpose.

 

Some retailers are still offering their supplies for QBD Plus 2021 in a box package. If you purchase this one, you have to renew the license annually.  Some other partners are still offering QBD 2021 with the one time license. Contact us in private for details.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise, Fiat Lux - ASIA. You have helped many users since you joined the Community.

Hi krworley,

I hope you are doing well so far! I read the entire thread. Rest assured that I will take your feedback to the relevant department, so they can coach the agent who assisted you. Let me add more information about the differences in the QuickBooks licenses.

Intuit has been offering subscription and non-subscription-based licenses for QuickBooks Desktop. The ones with a Plus in the name, like QuickBooks Pro Plus 2019, are subscription-based, while those without it are not.

Last year, we announced to turn the desktop products into subscription-based starting version 2022. Two of the features that I like to highlight are unlimited support and automatic data backup and recovery, which are not free on a non-subscription-based license. It's good to know that your company has already subscribed. Although payroll is an optional add-on, the subscription will still renew annually.

If you do not renew, you will not be able to use your company file in QuickBooks. You can still contact our Customer Care, and they will assist you with renewal or some account-related concerns, but not regarding product application questions.

I understand you are interested in non-Plus products. However, we no longer offer them. You can consider Fiat Lux - Asia’s suggestion to buy a non-Plus 2021 version from a retail store and use it until May 2024. On the other hand, I'm unable to comment about using an Accountant version as an alternative because it is designed for accounting firm businesses.

It's a pleasure to share the details with you. Feel free to add a comment below if you have another question. Stay safe!

Hi, i an currently using quickbooks pro desktop 2018, and want to upgrade to desktop pro 2021, THE NON PLUS version, where would i go to purchase it? I do not want to pay a  yearly subscription, so i want a one time lifetime license, even though by 2024 i would need to upgrade to whatever is on the market then.

Thanks for joining us here, @Vane.

I'll share some information about purchasing QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT). We make it simple for you to upgrade. You'll get a message when you open QuickBooks to upgrade to the new version. Just click Upgrade Now and follow the rest of the steps.

If you don’t see a prompt to upgrade, don’t worry. It means you made a one-time purchase of QuickBooks. You can upgrade with the easy upgrade tool. Here’s how.

1. Go to Help, and then Upgrade QuickBooks.
2. Select the version you want to upgrade to, then tap Upgrade Now.
3. You can keep a copy of your current version of QuickBooks. Click Keep old version on my computer, then select Let’s go.

QuickBooks downloads, installs, and activates the new version for you. It updates your company file(s).

See this article for more information: Upgrade QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus, Premier Plus, or Enterprise.

Additionally, you can directly buy it from our business partners near you.

In case you need help with other QBDT-related tasks, browse this link to go to the page. It has our general QuickBooks topics with articles and some videos you can choose from. Just pick a topic that fits your concern: Browse all articles for QBDT.

Please let me know if you have follow-up questions or concerns about QuickBooks. I'm here to help. Take care and have a good one.

You did not read my message.  I want to purchase the NON PLUS option. NO subscription. 2021 desktop pro

Hi there, @Vane.

I'd be happy to take care of your concern in purchasing a one-time license for your QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT).

I'll recommend reaching out to the Support Team to check if we still have an available one-time license for you.

Here's how you can get in touch with an agent:

1. In QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT), press F1 on your keyboard to open the Help page. 
2. Click the Contact Us button.
3. Enter your concern in the box and select Continue. 
4. Choose either Start messaging or Get a callback.

Please take note of our business hours to ensure we can attend to your needs.

Once done purchasing and installing the software, you can already activate it. 

Also, here's a compilation of QBDT articles that you can browse to help you in doing your  QuickBooks tasks. 

Thank you for posting here in the QuickBooks Community. Don't hesitate to leave a comment below if there's anything else you need. Take care!

@Vane 

Click my profile name and you will find our website address to send a direct message. We can still help to obtain the one time license for QB Desktop 2021 if required.

My "annual" subscription in Sept 2022 was $376.  This is way more than I need - just need to document invoices, payments coming in, watch for outstanding invoices, etc.  I miss the "stand alone" product we could buy @ OfficeMax, etc. and it would last 3 years.  I will look for options in next few months because this product is too expensive for what I do.  

@SmallSelfEmployedSecretary 

If you are working solo on a desktop (PC or Mac) to manage your book and only need basic features, you should explore a free program. You can use the program for as long as you like, use all the features and enter as much data as required. There are no time limits, no usage limits, no ads (at this time). This program is quite popular in Asia and Europe.

The worst thing about this subscription model is that if you no longer need to use QB, in my case I am closing my business, ALL OF THE INFORMATION IS HELD HOSTAGE BY INTUIT unless you pay the extortion money (renewal)! This is probably illegal!

I purchased Quickbook Desktop for Mac in 2023. I thought I purchased the product and wouldn't have to pay a subscription every year.  It seems Im getting charged every year and I don't need the online stuff. I mainly use it for the checkbook/ reports and I manually input my payroll. We are a very small business (2 people) do I have to pay?

Hi there, accmc.

I'm here to provide information about the QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) Mac 2023 you've purchased.

At present, QBDT Mac Plus 2023 is solely offered through an annual subscription model. This implies that you will be required to renew your subscription on a yearly basis in order to maintain access to the software.

To know more about what's new in QBDT Mac Plus 2023, you can check out this article: What's new in QuickBooks Mac Plus 2023.

You can also visit our website for more tips and other resources you can use in the future: Self-help articles.

Please leave a comment below if you have additional questions about your subscription or anything else QuickBooks, accmc. I'm more than willing to answer them. Take care.

@accmc 

Contact me in private and we can share some options to consider. You can use QB Desktop for Mac and get a cashback. 

I do not want to pay for a subscription but if I cancel can I still use my basic quickbooks? 

Let me share some information regarding the cancellation of your subscription, Vickki. 

If you want to cancel your subscription to QuickBooks Desktop, using their services will be no longer available. However, you can still access your company data file that's stored within your device. This View-only access remains for 1 year after your subscription ends. Please know that during the View-only access, you won't be able to edit your data since you already cancel your subscription. 

You can also learn more about the QuickBooks Desktop cancelation policies to understand the effects of canceling your plans. 

In addition, you can also renew your subscription or use view-only mode in QuickBooks Desktop to learn how to access the view-only mode if your subscription expires or if you decide to cancel your plan.

The comment section is always available for any additional information or inquiries while using QuickBooks. 

@Vickki 

Which QB Desktop year version do you have?

2022 But here's the thing I don't do payroll, invoicing or anything on line. I download my clients bank statements from their bank account and reconcile and print a monthly P&L and balance sheet.  Quickbooks charged me 500.00 for nothing. I have called and called trying to see if I can change the price for what I do and no one has been much help. 

2022

They charge me over 500.00 

I don't use on line, invoice , payroll and use a usb drive for back up

I get my clients bank statements from their bank and reconcile send tclients a P&L and balance sheet .

@Vickki 

Contact me in private and we can share an option to consider.