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DMK64
Level 1

Desktop payroll subscription

Our company has been sold and I only need QB to function for this year.  I switched to QB Online because the cost was cheaper than renewing my desktop subscription which terminates in a few days.  My payroll information did not migrate to QB Online with the other files.  I only need payroll to function in order to file end of year reports and print W2s for 2025.  I cancelled my QB Desktop subscription but still have active desktop payroll until March 2026.  

 

I'm thinking I might just want to handle these tasks with my desktop payroll since I'm very familiar with it instead of dealing with QB online for this.

2 Comments 2
SIAB
Level 6

Desktop payroll subscription

You can't use Enhanced Payroll as a stand alone program. You still need to have QB Desktop Pro/Premier to run with your existing Enhanced Payroll subscription. You may have 2 options

1. Renew your QB Desktop Pro Plus/Premier Plus through a reseller and get $200 cashback to lower your costs.

2. Cancel your Enhanced Payroll subscription and request a refund within 60 days of your March renewal date. Sign up for QB Online Payroll and start syncing your data from scratch with your new QBO account. You can then use the QB Desktop Enterprise Gold trial to access your historical payroll data.

JamaicaA
QuickBooks Team

Desktop payroll subscription

You need a supported QuickBooks Desktop to use the Payroll service, @DMK64. I can share options you can choose from to ensure you can print W2s and file yearend reports.

 

I agree with SIAB that a payroll service won't work as a standalone product. Although I recognize how the cost may influence your choice, if you used to have QuickBooks Desktop 2023 or 2024, consider renewing it. Given your familiarity with the system and its active status until March 2026, you can manage your payroll tasks within the desktop application until your service ends.

 

Alternatively, consider adding a Payroll service to your QuickBooks Online subscription since these data do not move during the migration process. This allows you to handle paychecks, forms, and reports in one place. Follow the instructions below:

 

  1. Go to the Payroll menu and select Employees.
  2. Scroll down to choose a plan.
  3. Fill out the necessary information, and follow the onscreen steps.

 

Additionally, if you've run payroll for this year, add pay history to Online Payroll. We'll use this info to accurately report wages and taxes on W-2s and other payroll tax forms.

 

Moreover, check out these articles to submit forms to the state, federal, and state agencies: 

 

 

Furthermore, save this guide to keep paper copies for your employees or own records: Print your W-2 and W-3 forms.

 

Lastly, explore QuickBooks Payroll to streamline paycheck generation and payroll taxes for more personalized support.

 

After filing the payroll forms and taxes, do you also need help printing them? Let me know, and I’d be glad to help you, @DMK64.

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