Move your QuickBooks Desktop file to QuickBooks Online

Note: You have 60 days from the time you create your QuickBooks Online account to move your data. If you’re not sure how old your company is, sign in to QuickBooks Online. Then, refresh this page for personalized info.

1. Make sure QuickBooks is up-to-date.
2. Make sure your company file isn’t too big to export.
   1. Total targets need to be less than 750,000 for it to be converted to QuickBooks Online. Press Ctrl+1 or F2 on your keyboard to check. If you’re over 750,000 targets, you can try to condense your data. You can also import lists and balances. Or, you can begin using QuickBooks Online without importing any of your information from QuickBooks Desktop.
      Note: Import your data from QuickBooks Desktop before working in QuickBooks Online. Any work completed in QuickBooks Online will be deleted during the import process if it was done before importing your data.
   2. Learn what does and doesn’t move to QuickBooks online.
3. Print a copy of your sales tax liability report. You'll need it to enter adjustments after your move.
   1. Go to Reports, then select Vendors & Payables. 
   2. Select Sales Tax Liability.
   3. From the Dates ▼ dropdown, select All.
   4. From the Print ▼ dropdown, select Save as PDF.
   5. Choose the folder you want to save it in, name the file, and then select Save.
4. If you use QuickBooks Desktop Payroll:
   1.  Terminate or deactivate any employees that no longer work for you and haven't been paid in the current year.
   2. Wait 2–3 days after you've run payroll to move your data. This will help ensure all your paycheck info transfers over to QuickBooks Online. Then, move your data before your next payroll.

Note: If your QuickBooks version is 2020 or older, you can move your data to QuickBooks Online with an online tool.

1. Download and install the latest updates for QuickBooks Desktop before you copy your data to QuickBooks Online.
2. Before you make any changes, backup your QuickBooks Desktop company file.
3. Verify and rebuild data in QuickBooks Desktop before you switch to QuickBooks Online.
4. Copy your company file to QuickBooks Online:
   1. Sign in as an admin in QuickBooks Desktop.
   2. Go to Company, then select Export Your Company File to QuickBooks Online.
   3. Select Get started.
   4. Sign in as an admin to your QuickBooks Online compan.
   5. Select the company you want to replace with your company file.
   6. Select Continue, then select Export.
   7. If you track inventory in QuickBooks Desktop:
      1. Select Yes to bring them over, then enter the as-of date.
         Note: Use the first day after your last tax filing period as your inventory start date.
      2. Select No if you want to set up new items later in QuickBooks Online.
      3. Note: If you already have data in a QuickBooks Online account, QuickBooks will ask if you want to replace the existing data.
5. Enter Agree in the text field, then select Replace.
6. Select Yes, go ahead and replace the data, then select Replace.

Learn what to do after converting from QuickBooks Desktop for Windows or Mac to QuickBooks Online.

1. Connect your bank or credit card account.
2. Create and send invoices to your customer.
   Note: If you track sales tax, set up location-based sales tax in QuickBooks first.
3. Track your bills and learn how to pay them in QuickBooks.
4. If you use payroll, follow this guide to set up and run your payroll in QuickBooks Online.
   Note: To view this, you'll need to sign in to QuickBooks Online.
5. Get started with QuickBooks Online.