Hi there! It is a great pleasure to have you join the Community thread, 

@LKVoss. I'd be glad to share the information regarding the use of QuickBooks.

Since your accountant needs to review your books, having a QuickBooks subscription will assist you in producing accounting data efficiently to be given to your accountant, such as creating an Accountant's Copy in QuickBooks Desktop.

You may want to view the product features of the different QuickBooks Desktop versions. Browse this link: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/desktop/.

I've also included this article for the process of giving your accountant access to your QBDT in the future: How to invite your accountant to QuickBooks.

We're always looking forward to helping you. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with us again. Keep safe, LKVoss!

Wow you guys really miss the mark

I don't know how a class action hasn't been started yet, but bookmark this thread if you're interested, because one will likely be started in the next few years. I have 10-12 clients who are also all more than willing to jump on one.

Intuit started the subscription model for the Enterprise version in 2017. I had a client who had 2014 Enterprise and needed to upgrade to keep using payroll, but when they called Intuit Sales, the sales person actually lied to them and sold them the subscription product instead of the licensed product (which was still available at the time). My client was used to paying about $2300 every 3 years for the newest version of QB Enterprise, plus $400/yr for payroll. Once they found out they were on an annual subscription product, and they'd have to pay (AT LEAST) $2500/year instead of every 3 years, we called Intuit trying to get onto the product license instead of the subscription product, and they said there was nothing they could do. The support person even admitted that they knew that sales was lying to existing and potential clients! They also told my client that if they ever stopped paying, not only would they not be able to make any changes to their company file (like when Office 365 subscriptions expire, your documents become read-only), but Intuit went one step further into extortion and said that you can't even OPEN your company file without an active subscription. One of my clients closed their business, but they still have to maintain access to their company records for 7 more years for legal reasons. Intuit told them they if they ever want to open their company file, they have to pay for at least one month of a subscription, JUST TO OPEN IT. They have had to access their old company records 3 times in the last 4 years, so Intuit extorted at least another $600 out of a business that was already out of business!

By 2020, Intuit eliminated the licensed product and switched to subscription-only for Enterprise, but the Pro & Premier products could still be purchased with a license that would work for 3 years, instead of a subscription that had to be purchased every year. However, they have consistently increased the price of the subscription EVERY. SINGLE. YEAR. My clients have gone from paying $2300/year to over $5000/year because of Intuit's greed! Payroll has also increased from $385/year to $585/year - in addition to increased per user monthly fees.

I have 7 clients on Enterprise who all went through the same problem. Some of them are medium sized businesses, and they can technically afford the prices that keep increasing every year, but I also have some small business clients who have been using the Pro and Premier versions, and they just found out that they are now being forced into an annual subscription. I have already warned them that the prices have not only increased 2-3 times as much since the last time they purchased the software, but also that the price will probably continue to increase around 15% every year like it has the last 6 years for the Enterprise version. I also told them that if they ever stop paying, they can't even open their company data file to access their own data. All of them said the same thing: "How is that not illegal?" Three of them are already looking at moving to an alternative accounting software. They are too small to be able to afford Sage or other enterprise level software, but they are looking at moving to another online subscription software like Zoho, Xero, or Freshbooks. I've also been telling them about products like Wave that are significantly cheaper, but can still handle payroll.

Long story short, Intuit's greed will eventually be their own demise. Of course, there will still be medium sized business who will keep paying $5000, then $6000, then $7000/year as Intuit keeps raising their prices, but only because they feel like they are locked into software they've been using for 10-15 years. But when new alternatives come out, and more consultants are able to move all of their QB data to another service, Intuit will see a large drop in their customer base.

I will continue to urge all of my clients to look into legal representation for Intuit's deceptive, predatory, and extortion practices, and as soon as I hear about a class-action suit against them, I will be post it here, and anywhere else I can find that it's relevant. I cannot wait for them to get their asse$ handed to them in court. I'm sure they will just raise their prices even more to pay the settlement that will no doubt be in the hundreds of millions of dollars, but that will just lose even more customers for them.

I don't know how a class action hasn't been started yet, but bookmark this thread if you're interested, because one will likely be started in the next few years. I have 10-12 clients who are also all more than willing to jump on one.

Intuit started the subscription model for the Enterprise version in 2017. I had a client who had 2014 Enterprise and needed to upgrade to keep using payroll, but when they called Intuit Sales, the sales person actually lied to them and sold them the subscription product instead of the licensed product (which was still available at the time). My client was used to paying about $2300 every 3 years for the newest version of QB Enterprise, plus $400/yr for payroll. Once they found out they were on an annual subscription product, and they'd have to pay (AT LEAST) $2500/year instead of every 3 years, we called Intuit trying to get onto the product license instead of the subscription product, and they said there was nothing they could do. The support person even admitted that they knew that sales was lying to existing and potential clients! They also told my client that if they ever stopped paying, not only would they not be able to make any changes to their company file (like when Office 365 subscriptions expire, your documents become read-only), but Intuit went one step further into extortion and said that you can't even OPEN your company file without an active subscription. One of my clients closed their business, but they still have to maintain access to their company records for 7 more years for legal reasons. Intuit told them they if they ever want to open their company file, they have to pay for at least one month of a subscription, JUST TO OPEN IT. They have had to access their old company records 3 times in the last 4 years, so Intuit extorted at least another $600 out of a business that was already out of business!

By 2020, Intuit eliminated the licensed product and switched to subscription-only for Enterprise, but the Pro & Premier products could still be purchased with a license that would work for 3 years, instead of a subscription that had to be purchased every year. However, they have consistently increased the price of the subscription EVERY. SINGLE. YEAR. My clients have gone from paying $2300/year to over $5000/year because of Intuit's greed! Payroll has also increased from $385/year to $585/year - in addition to increased per user monthly fees.

I have 7 clients on Enterprise who all went through the same problem. Some of them are medium sized businesses, and they can technically afford the prices that keep increasing every year, but I also have some small business clients who have been using the Pro and Premier versions, and they just found out that they are now being forced into an annual subscription. I have already warned them that the prices have not only increased 2-3 times as much since the last time they purchased the software, but also that the price will probably continue to increase around 15% every year like it has the last 6 years for the Enterprise version. I also told them that if they ever stop paying, they can't even open their company data file to access their own data. All of them said the same thing: "How is that not illegal?" Three of them are already looking at moving to an alternative accounting software. They are too small to be able to afford Sage or other enterprise level software, but they are looking at moving to another online subscription software like Zoho, Xero, or Freshbooks. I've also been telling them about products like Wave that are significantly cheaper, but can still handle payroll.

Long story short, Intuit's greed will eventually be their own demise. Of course, there will still be medium sized business who will keep paying $5000, then $6000, then $7000/year as Intuit keeps raising their prices, but only because they feel like they are locked into software they've been using for 10-15 years. But when new alternatives come out, and more consultants are able to move all of their QB data to another service, Intuit will see a large drop in their customer base.

I will continue to urge all of my clients to look into legal representation for Intuit's deceptive, predatory, and extortion practices, and as soon as I hear about a class-action suit against them, I will be post it here, and anywhere else I can find that it's relevant. I cannot wait for them to get their a$ses handed to them in court. I'm sure they will just raise their prices even more to pay the settlement that will no doubt be in the hundreds of millions of dollars, but that will just lose even more customers for them.

Ironic note, the CEO, Sasan Goodarzi, is on CNBC right now as I'm writing this trying to explain why his stock is down 7% after decreased earnings. Sasan, I think I know what the problem is... your greed!

I don't know how a class action hasn't been started yet, but bookmark this thread if you're interested, because one will likely be started in the next few years. I have 10-12 clients who are also all more than willing to jump on one.

Intuit started the subscription model for the Enterprise version in 2017. I had a client who had 2014 Enterprise and needed to upgrade to keep using payroll, but when they called Intuit Sales, the sales person actually lied to them and sold them the subscription product instead of the licensed product (which was still available at the time). My client was used to paying about $2300 every 3 years for the newest version of QB Enterprise, plus $400/yr for payroll. Once they found out they were on an annual subscription product, and they'd have to pay (AT LEAST) $2500/year instead of every 3 years, we called Intuit trying to get onto the product license instead of the subscription product, and they said there was nothing they could do. The support person even admitted that they knew that sales was lying to existing and potential clients! They also told my client that if they ever stopped paying, not only would they not be able to make any changes to their company file (like when Office 365 subscriptions expire, your documents become read-only), but Intuit went one step further into extortion and said that you can't even OPEN your company file without an active subscription. One of my clients closed their business, but they still have to maintain access to their company records for 7 more years for legal reasons. Intuit told them they if they ever want to open their company file, they have to pay for at least one month of a subscription, JUST TO OPEN IT. They have had to access their old company records 3 times in the last 4 years, so Intuit extorted at least another $600 out of a business that was already out of business!

By 2020, Intuit eliminated the licensed product and switched to subscription-only for Enterprise, but the Pro & Premier products could still be purchased with a license that would work for 3 years, instead of a subscription that had to be purchased every year. However, they have consistently increased the price of the subscription EVERY. SINGLE. YEAR. My clients have gone from paying $2300/year to over $5000/year because of Intuit's greed! Payroll has also increased from $385/year to $585/year - in addition to increased per user monthly fees.

I have 7 clients on Enterprise who all went through the same problem. Some of them are medium sized businesses, and they can technically afford the prices that keep increasing every year, but I also have some small business clients who have been using the Pro and Premier versions, and they just found out that they are now being forced into an annual subscription. I have already warned them that the prices have not only increased 2-3 times as much since the last time they purchased the software, but also that the price will probably continue to increase around 15% every year like it has the last 6 years for the Enterprise version. I also told them that if they ever stop paying, they can't even open their company data file to access their own data. All of them said the same thing: "How is that not illegal?" Three of them are already looking at moving to an alternative accounting software. They are too small to be able to afford Sage or other enterprise level software, but they are looking at moving to another online subscription software like Zoho, Xero, or Freshbooks. I've also been telling them about products like Wave that are significantly cheaper, but can still handle payroll.

Long story short, Intuit's greed will eventually be their own demise. Of course, there will still be medium sized business who will keep paying $5000, then $6000, then $7000/year as Intuit keeps raising their prices, but only because they feel like they are locked into software they've been using for 10-15 years. But when new alternatives come out, and more consultants are able to move all of their QB data to another service, Intuit will see a large drop in their customer base.

I will continue to urge all of my clients to look into legal representation for Intuit's deceptive, predatory, and extortion practices, and as soon as I hear about a class-action suit against them, I will be post it here, and anywhere else I can find that it's relevant. I cannot wait for them to get their rear handed to them in court. I'm sure they will just raise their prices even more to pay the settlement that will no doubt be in the hundreds of millions of dollars, but that will just lose even more customers for them.

@Key03 

I'm not sure why you posted 3 identical posts. You may have 3 options to consider

1. If your client is using QB Desktop 2020 Enterprise, consider to downgrade your file. Then purchase a one time license for QB Desktop 2020.

2. If your client is using QB Desktop 2021-2023 Enterprise, consider to downgrade your file. Then purchase a new license for QB Desktop 2023 Pro Plus or Premier Plus to lower their expense.

3. Zoho, Freshbooks, and Xero are good options to explore. You can purchase a 3rd party conversion service if required.

@Fiat Lux - ASIA , you can thank Intuit's stellar message board for the triple post. They don't even have an option to edit or a delete a post, which should be a bare minimum feature for a message board. But that's Intuit's programming for you...

Also, I appreciate your suggestions, but unfortunately they won't help. The clients who use online services like payroll, downloading bank transactions, etc do not have the option for using a perpetual license for 2020 or older anymore because intuit disables those services in the desktop version when they are 3 years old. The 2020 version drops support for those services on May 31st.

I've also never heard of downgrading an enterprise company file so that you can open it in Premier, but Intuit's site says

You can upgrade Pro and Premier company files to Enterprise Solutions (ES), but you cannot open ES company files in Pro or Premier.

Also, starting with 2021, QB Premier is a subscription-only software, so you can't purchase a 2021 or 2022 version that would still work with online services. And my clients already have 2020 licenses, so purchasing another one wouldn't help, and starting next week, their online services will stop working. 

TL;DR Quickbooks Desktop is now a subscription-only software, and any non-subscription version (2020 and older) can no longer access online services like payroll. The biggest problem is that Intuit's greed has the current version of QB Desktop at 2-3 times more expensive than it was just a few years ago, and they keep raising the price every year by 10-15%. They'll keep doing it as long as companies think feel like they're locked into Quickbooks and have no other options. But the biggest problem is that Intuit won't even let companies who stop paying for a subscription even access their data without paying again. Microsoft, AutoDesk, Sage, and every other desktop software company in the world will still let users view their previously-created data when their subscriptions run out. They can't make changes, but they can still at least view their data. Intuit says, "No, if you even want to view your data, you have to pay us.", and that's extortion. 

@Fiat Lux - ASIA , You can thank Intuit's stellar message board for the triple post. They don't even have an option to edit or a delete a post, which should be a bare minimum feature for a message board. But that's Intuit's programming for you...

Also, I appreciate your suggestions, but unfortunately they won't help. The clients who use online services like payroll, downloading bank transactions, etc do not have the option for using a perpetual license for 2020 or older anymore because intuit disables those services in the desktop version when they are 3 years old. The 2020 version drops support for those services on May 31st.

I've also never heard of downgrading an enterprise company file so that you can open it in Premier, but Intuit's site says

You can upgrade Pro and Premier company files to Enterprise Solutions (ES), but you cannot open ES company files in Pro or Premier.

Also, starting with 2021, QB Premier is a subscription-only software, so you can't purchase a 2021 or 2022 version that would still work with online services. And my clients already have 2020 licenses, so purchasing another one wouldn't help, and starting next week, their online services will stop working. 

TL;DR Quickbooks Desktop is now a subscription-only software, and any non-subscription version (2020 and older) can no longer access online services like payroll. The biggest problem is that Intuit's greed has the current version of QB Desktop at 2-3 times more expensive than it was just a few years ago, and they keep raising the price every year by 10-15%. They'll keep doing it as long as companies think feel like they're locked into Quickbooks and have no other options. But the biggest problem is that Intuit won't even let companies who stop paying for a subscription even access their data without paying again. Microsoft, AutoDesk, Sage, and every other desktop software company in the world will still let users view their previously-created data when their subscriptions run out. They can't make changes, but they can still at least view their data. Intuit says, "No, if you even want to view your data, you have to pay us.", and that's extortion. 

@Key03 

1. You have to purchase a 3rd party service to downgrade a QBD Enterprise file format to QBD Pro/Premier file format. We are used to helping our clients with this issue.

2. If you decide to use QBD 2020 Pro/Premier, you have to use a 3rd party solution to manage payroll separately or import bank/CC transactions after this month.

Which would be fine if the cost was reasonable.. I have a small business, do not have employees, so do need payroll assistance, and basically just use quickbooks to track expenses.  $550 is too expensive for a souped spreadsheet.  I wouldn'y mind paying for a subscription for a reasonalble fee - but $550 is way too much for a small business.

@jmfar 

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 it 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.

I am really, really disappointed in this company. I had no idea when I purchased the 2022 version that I would be forced to pay over $500 a year when I don't even use the online services at all. I guess that is just free money they are putting in their pockets from a lot of small business owners trying to make their way in life. Pretty sad Quickbooks.

Which is BS… I was even told by agent two weeks ago to ignore the pop ups asking me to re new my “subscription” because I don’t need any of the support and other money grab services Intuit is trying to shove down our throats. Myself and I’m sure 95% of other small businesses purchased the program for $300 to be able to make invoices and estimates for customers. Then having you guys try and charge my credit card $570 for giving in and clicking the renew tab was a surprise. I was lied to and manipulated, now sitting here with all my information locked up hostage until I pay. Very disappointed in Intuit for doing business like this and I will be going elsewhere and bringing all my fellow business owners with me!

Absolutely… I’m dealing with this currently. Spoke with agent from Intuit a week ago after they tried charging my credit card almost $600 for the “annual fee” which was confusing because I was told I owned the basic software and that’s all I need. Now my company is locked down until they can extort more money from me. I will be looking into a class action lawsuit with whomever would like to join. 

I totally agree with you! I just got charged $589 for an annual subscription, which I had NO IDEA I would have to pay each year to have the desktop version.  It's bad enought to have to pay almost $400 for the payroll service and then to pay $1000/yr just to be able to use the program that I already purchased is absolutley ridiculous!!  I called and spoke to customer service which basically just told me that, yes they charged me for the annual subscription and could not answer any other questions I had. Really wish they would get people that can answer your questions as well as answer the phones. Very frustrating!! I will definitely be looking for another option very soon! This company is greed and extortion at its best!!

absolutely disgusted with intuit. forcing us to spend hundreds a year to be allowed to use something we actually bought? been using quickbooks for 20 years... no more! 

I have used QB Desktop version for 25+ years as well.  I use none of the online services and just use it as a simple bookkeeping software.  I am on QB2020 but bought a new PC.  QB tells me I do not have a valid license, which I do from when I bought it. I even sent them the email with install key.  I called 8 different times with the same answer "buy the new online it is so much better".  I do not want the new crap.   I do see online where I can buy an unopened QB2019 copy for one user.  My question is:  Am I able to install that on my laptop and my PC ?   I am the only user, but would prefer to have it on both of my computers in case of failure.   

Hello, @user666.

Thank you for choosing to continue using QuickBooks despite the challenges. It sounds like you spent a lot of time figuring out how to install QuickBooks on your laptop and pc. Rest assured that I'm here to address your questions so you can work efficiently.

The discontinuation of QuickBooks Desktop 2020 affects your connection with the Support. This includes payroll, payments, banking, and security updates. Since you're not using the online services, I'll share a way to help you achieve your goal.

If the data is accessible, we offer customer support for registration and license of earlier versions of QuickBooks Desktop under Intuit's regular terms and conditions. However, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to record previous versions of QuickBooks, give key codes, or support data and password recovery.

You can install QuickBooks on your laptop and pc. Just ensure to input and review the information. Please also turn off the internet so the server won't detect that you're activating a one-time license. To proceed, visit this link: Downloads & Updates.

See this article to learn more about carrying company files to another folder on your computer, on and off your network, or another computer: Move your company files to another computer.

That should do it! Let me know how it goes by leaving a comment on this thread. I'm only a post away if you have any additional questions about the process. Take care.

@PissedOffUser666 

You can't use QBD 2019 to open your QBD 2020. Can you access your CAMPS to find your QBD 2020 license? Otherwise, you will need to purchase QBD 2020 or a newer version. Contact me in private if you need help to obtain it. 

purchased 2021 Desktop Pro Plus-Windows version in January 2022. This was to upgrade what we had been using to the most current version.  our small (local government) business was going to upgrade PC's so decided to upgrade all software.  download was purchased ($349) from a national brand reseller.  August 10, 2022 came to work and Intuit had completely shut us down.  Had to repurchase annual subscription based program (a new license) for another $359.  was charged sales tax.  after 2 whole days of faxing, emailing, etc exempt form finally gave up.  yesterday my supervisor hands me a receipt for annual subscription which was purchased by intuit and charged to company credit card for an additional $200 more than 2022????  we are so furious.  a previous customer was stating that they are a small business who does not use payroll and most certainly do NOT want their info on the web. We also feel the same.  We use Quickbooks only for auditing purposes.  so angry.  why don't people pull together and do something.  We feel like hostages

I moved off QB Desktop earlier this year because of their lack of a clear direction for the product and the fact that I don't want to use an online version. I really have very simple needs and track a couple LLCs that I could honestly just do in Excel. I knew my subscription was ending but didn't really care as I've moved on to another software. However, I DID NOT expect that my subscription ending would lock me out of all my data from the past. This is not how QB has worked in prior versions when supported ended. Now I am unable to look up past clients and vendors, or any historical data from past years. Unbelievable. I would totally be fine if my files were somehow placed in read-only mode but to hold my data hostage? I hope someone at Intuit is reading this but I doubt they care...I've never seen less customer-focused company and will be cancelling my other Intuit products at the end of the year.

I have been a QB customer for approximately 30 years, which included the payroll service. I shut down my contracting business almost 2 years ago. I am trying to access my records in QB (old invoices and purchase orders) so I can assist an former client.  Apparently I can not access my old records, unless I pay for a subscription!  If this is the case, I feel this is outrageous!  Am I missing something here? Is there any way to access my old company records without paying for an expensive subscription?

@elitescapes 

Which QB Desktop year version did you use? 

Greetings, elitescapes! It's a pleasure to have you visit our Community forum. We hear your sentiments and understand how relevant it is for you to access your prior sales transactions in QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT). We would be more than happy to help you with your concern.

If you have an older QBDT that is not subscription-based, you can view your data as long as you have the product license, product number, and login details. All you have to do is install the program and get the company file restored. On the other hand, you'll need to reactivate it by paying a subscription fee if you have a subscription-based account.

Moreover, you can also set up a QBDT trial account and access your data by restoring the backup file on it. Note that once you update your file in the trial account, you'll be unable to put it to your old QBDT.

In case you need to know more about QBDT's cancellation policies and account management processes, please feel free to visit these articles below: 

• QuickBooks Desktop cancelation policies
• Your QuickBooks account

We're delighted to offer our help whenever you require QuickBooks-related assistance, elitescapes. You can always rely on the Community for any information you need, so don't hesitate to let us know by leaving a comment below or posting again in our forum. Take care, and have a prosperous year!