I appreciate you sharing detailed information about your client's significant move from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online, Allison. The account needs to have an active subscription to generate a W-2 and 1099 forms. Nevertheless, your client will be able to access and pull up payroll reports after the renewal ends.
In this case, I recommend they generate all necessary year-end tax forms. Feel free to read our QuickBooks Desktop Payroll discontinuation policy for more information.
Before the subscription expires, your client can create a backup copy of their company file or export their data. This process will help ensure they have all their essential information secured and readily available for future reference.
The recommended approach ensures your client has everything they need for their records. I'm still here to assist with any questions or provide further support to guarantee a seamless transition for your client. Don't hesitate to reach out anytime.