Prepare your QuickBooks Desktop file for migration to QuickBooks Online

Learn how to import your QuickBooks Desktop company file to QuickBooks Online.

No need to start over again—just move your desktop file to a QuickBooks Online company. For more details, check out Moving from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online.

Need help finding the right solutions for your unique business needs, call our sales consultants at 800-730-0605

Step 1: Get your desktop file ready

Note: You have 60 days from the time you create your QuickBooks Online account to move your data.

1. Make sure QuickBooks is up-to-date.
2. To make sure your Total Targets is less than 500,000, press Ctrl + 1 on your keyboard. If it exceeds, enter your customer opening balances in a new QuickBooks Online file.
3. Print a copy of your Sales Tax Liability report. You'll need it to enter adjustment entries after your move.
   1. Go to the Reports menu, then select Suppliers & Payables. Select Sales Tax Liability.
   2. From the Dates▼ dropdown, select All.
   3. At the top, from the Print▼ dropdown, select Save as PDF.
   4. Choose the folder you want to save it in, name the file, and select Save.
4. If you use QuickBooks Desktop Payroll:
   1. Make sure to terminate or deactivate any employees that are no longer working for you and haven't been paid in the current year.
   2. Make sure to wait 2-3 days after you've run payroll to move your data. This will insure all your payroll payment info transfers over to QuickBooks Online. Then make sure to move your data before your next payroll.

Step 3: Get ready to use QuickBooks Online

With your company all set up, let's get you started with QuickBooks Online.