Existing Company - starting over

We acknowledge that adapting to changes can be challenging sometimes, @ckzraymond. We want to ensure we can equip you with all the essential information needed to begin anew while safeguarding your important data as you embark on a fresh start with QuickBooks.

To better assist you, we'd like to know what QuickBooks product you're using. Are you working with QuickBooks Self-Employed (QBSE) or QuickBooks Online (QBO)?

If you're using the QBSE version, you can consider moving your data to QBO since the option to export customer information in QBSE isn't possible. This way, you can retain your customer information and other files you want to include when transferring. Feel free to check this page for more details about the process: Switch from QuickBooks Self-Employed to QuickBooks Online.

In case you're using QBO and wanted to start over with a new company file, I recommend checking this article for more details about the process and how you can handle all your existing data: Delete your data and start over in QuickBooks Online.

On the other hand, here are some articles to help you navigate QuickBooks effectively and secure your data:

• Get started with QuickBooks Online
• Export data out of QuickBooks Self-Employed

Please let us know in the comment section if you're referring to something else, @ckzraymond. We'll do our best to respond as soon as possible and provide the resolution to address your QuickBooks concerns.

I'm using Quickbooks Online.  I'm not sure why that wasn't an option or if I used the wrong forum to post this question.

Thank you for your help.

In QuickBooks Online (QBO), you can import and export various types of data to streamline your accounting processes, ckzraymond.

You can export data from your old QuickBooks Online account in Excel or CSV format and select the correct date range so that you can export your historical data. After exporting, import the data into your new account by formatting the files to match QuickBooks’ import templates and uploading them through the new account.

This process allows you to transfer essential data to the new QBO account such as customers, vendors, chart of accounts , products and services, and transactions, enabling continuity in your bookkeeping without starting from scratch.

Here’s how to export data from your old QBO account:

1. Click on the Gear icon in the upper right corner.
2. Under Tools, select Export data.
3. Choose the type of data you want to export and set the date from the Pre-selected date ranges.
4. Add or remove items from the Reports and Lists tabs by turning the switch on or off.
5. Select the Export to Excel.

If you want to import data into your new QBO account, here's how to do it:

1. Click on the Gear icon in the upper right corner.
2. Under Tools, hit the Import data.
3. Drop down the arrow and select the data that you import.
4. Press the import button.
5. You can choose either a Select a CSV or Excel file to upload or Select Google Sheet.
6. Then click Browse and choose the file that you want to import.
   
   
   
   
   
   Additionally, I encourage you to take advantage of our QuickBooks Live Expert Assistance to enhance your experience with our software. This service connects you with QuickBooks-certified experts who offer personalized support specifically for managing reports and transactions.
   

If you require detailed steps, click on the links to learn how to import your customers, vendors, products and services, invoices, bills, and other transactions check out this article: Common questions about importing data to QuickBooks Online.

Let me know in the comments below if you have other questions or concerns about QBO. Well, be around to provide the necessary help.

@ckzraymond 

I would recommend these options

1. Convert your data to QB Desktop and use the trial version to access your historical data for good.

2. Purchase a third-party service to move several years of data to a new QBO account.

if I start a clean slate in 2026 for my compnay can I move all the accounts and class information. I have Premiere Nonprofit Edition 2021

Good afternoon, @don-triangle. 

Thanks for joining in on this thread. 

Here's the information you could import into your new QBO: 

• Bank Data
• Customers
• Vendors
• Chart of Accounts
• Products and Services
• Invoices
• Bills 
• Checks
• Class
• Deposits
• Employee
• Estimates
• Expenses
• Journal Entries
• Locations
• Purchases Orders
• Sales Receipts 
• Time Activities

I recommend reviewing these guides below on how to export your data properly and how to import these lists and transactions into your new QuickBooks Online account when it comes time: 

• Common questions about importing data to QuickBooks Online
• Export your QuickBooks Online data

Feel free to come back if you have any further questions. We're always here to help! 

@don-triangle 

Do you need tp create a new company file on QB Desktop or convert to QB Online on Jan 1?

Thanks for asking. I have had QB 2021 non-proift which I love working, but I want to start with a fresh clean slate starting in 2026. We are very small non-proift and can't afford to upgrade. So, I thought if I could figure a way to start fresh with Dec 31 statements that would be great.

It appears that I can, I'm still not quite clear on how to do it. I saw where someone actually laid out screen shots on how to - that would be so helpful.

You just need to run the Condense Data utility to remova ALL transactions to create a new company file.

https://quickbooks.intuit.com/learn-support/en-us/help-article/data-utilities/use-condense-data-util...

I am trying to wipe my slate clean and start 2026 with nothing in QB. I have QB Premier Non-profit edition 2021. *I followed the instructions to "Condense" the company files.

*Removing all. 

*Specific Date: 1/01/2026

*It said it might take awhile but it was done in like 1 minute.

It should "condensing" "reducing company files"

Then I received notice: OB has successfully removed transactions before 12/23/2025.

BUT, when I went to start anew, all my data was there from 2023 to present.

What should I do now?

Hi there, @don-triangle.

Thanks for sharing the steps you've already taken. That really helps.

What you're seeing is expected with QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT). The Condense Data tool only removes transactions before the date you choose. It doesn't delete any transactions dated after that cutoff, which is why your 2023 and present activity is still showing.

If your goal is to start 2026 with a completely clean slate, you can create a brand-new company file and bring over only the lists you want to keep, such as your Chart of Accounts, Classes, Customers, Vendors, and Items.

Before creating the new file, you can export the lists you want to keep. Once exported, you can now proceed to create your new company.

Here's how:

1. Go to File, then select New Company.
2. Choose Express Start or Start Setup if you want to get started right away. You only need to enter your business name, industry, and business type, then hit Create Company File. Pick Detailed Start if you want to do a complete setup so all of your information is entered from the start.
3. Follow your on-screen steps to finish the setup.
4. Give the new file a unique name so it doesn't overwrite your existing one.
5. Select Start Working.

After the new file is created, you can import the lists you exported from your old company file.

If you have any follow-up questions, feel free to click the Reply button.

@don-triangle 

Open the sample file and run the Condense Data utility. Did the process end correctly?