How do I transfer my existing company from quickbooks 2016 to quickbooks essentials?

I'm here to take care of your data transfer concern, @usertom4.

Moving your files from QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) to QuickBooks Online (QBO) is easy. I know how to achieve this to get you going.

Before we proceed, here are a few things to remember:

• You can only move a company file within 60 days after signing up to QuickBooks Online.
• Move your lists instead of your company file if you already set up payroll in QuickBooks Online.
• You can only convert some of your lists and reports because of feature differences.
• Ensure to update your QuickBooks Desktop.
• If your files are too big for export, you can condense them instead.

Since your QBDT (2016) version is older than 2018, you need to use a trial version first. This way, you can convert your file successfully.

When you're all set, it's time to import your data to QBO. 

For QBDT Pro and Premier:

1. Log in as an admin to the company file you need to import.
2. Go to the Company menu, and then select Export Company File to QuickBooks Online.
   
3. Select Get Started, and then click Start export when prompted.
   
4. Make sure to sign in as an admin to your QBO company.
5. If you track inventory in QBDT:

               >Select Yes to bring them over, then specify the as of date.

               >Select No if you want to set up new items later in QuickBooks Online. (Note: Only QBO Plus and Advanced can track inventory. Both plans use the FIFO method.)

      6.Go to the Choose online company▼ dropdown, and choose the QBO company you want to be replaced by your company file.

     7. Click Continue, and then enter “Agree” in the text field. 

     8. Choose Replace, and then select Yes, go ahead and replace the data.

     9. Click Replace.

If you're using QBDT Enterprise, you can refer to this article for the detailed steps: Move your QBDT file to QBO.

In case you have QBDT for Mac, you can use this article as your guide: Convert QBDT for Mac to QBO.

To ensure your books match, you can run Profit and Loss reports (accrual basis) both in QBO and QBDT. If they do, you can review this article for the next steps to do in QBO: What to do after converting from QBDT to QBO.

I'm still around to help if you have more file management concerns. I'm always here to assist you.

Thank You

@usertom4 

Utilize the trial license of QBD 2021 to convert your old file and migrate to QB Online. Make sure your Total Target are less than 350K prior to proceed.

https:// quickbooks.grsm.io/US

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Thank You