Can I create a forecast using the desktop version of QuickBooks ? I can't find the option in the budgeting section, or anywhere else ?

Here's how to create a forecast in QuickBooks Desktop, Franksarcia.

1. Click Reports.
2. Click Budgets & Forecasts.
3. Choose Forecast Overview. Then, click the Create New button.
4. Click Next until Finish.

This lets you create from scratch or from previous year's actual data.  

You can look at this article for more information: Create a budget or forecast in QuickBooks Desktop.

I'll be here if you need help with anything else.

Is the budget feature available in ALL versions of QB Desktop? Even Pro?

@Accurate Books ,

QuickBooks allows you to create a budget. One budget for each business year – that’s it. You can’t have version A and version B of the budget for next year unless you store them outside of QuickBooks in Excel.
The budget tool in QuickBooks acts like a mini-spreadsheet and allows you to copy in numbers from a prior year or post them from scratch. You can then run several budget vs. actual reports to see how the business is doing. However, don’t expect a lot out of the budgeting tool. If you need advanced budgeting features, you will want to explore a budgeting add-on. 

Hello, @Accurate Books.

Yes, the budget feature are available with QuickBooks Desktop Premier, Accountant, Enterprise and Pro. You can set up a budget per fiscal year from scratch, or based on a previous year's data.

Here's how to set-up a budget:

1. Go to Company, then click Planning & Budgeting.
2. Select Set-up Budget.
3. Choose to Create New Budget.
4. Specify the budget year, then pick between Profit and Loss and Balance Sheet.
5. (For Profit and Loss Budget) Specify additional criteria of either Customer: Job or Class (if class tracking is on).
6. Select whether you want to: Create budget from scratch or Create budget from the previous year's actual data.
7. Hit Finish.

Here's an article for more detailed steps and information about budgetting and forecasting in QuickBooks Desktop: Create a budget or forecast in QuickBooks Desktop.

Just in case, you may find this resource page for future reference in case you want to learn more accessing all your forecast reports in QuickBooks Desktop.

I wish you and your business continued success. Please let me know if you have any other questions