we are transitioning from desktop contractor's edition to online quickbooks...can anyone refer us to the correct version of online for contractor's use?

Hello,

For the most flexibility, I would recommend using QuickBooks Online Plus.  It will give you the most reporting options as well as features you probably will get great use out of such as Class Tracking, Location Tracking, and Projects.

If you try the Plus version and find you don't need or use these features, you can always downgrade to Essentials or SimpleStart

You'll want Plus, because you use two sided Items.

You won't want QB Online if your payroll needs to be part of job costing. QB Online still won't report it by job from payroll.