QuickBooks Desktop Is Ending: How to Prepare Your Business for the Switch to QuickBooks Online

If your or veterinary practice is still running on QuickBooks Desktop, now is the time to pay attention.

Intuit has officially stopped releasing new versions of the Desktop product and is steering users toward QuickBooks Online (QBO). For many practices, this marks the beginning of the end for a platform that has been a reliable workhorse for years.

Intuit has said it will continue supporting the 2024 Desktop version “for an indefinite period,” but that phrasing offers little certainty. Historically, once product development stops, support features begin to fall off over time, whether that’s payroll, bank connections, or the ability to integrate with other tools your practice relies on.

That’s why the timing of your transition matters. Moving too late can create avoidable problems, while planning ahead allows you to make the switch on your terms.

(Download Video Transcript)

Why This Shift Matters

A transition away from QuickBooks Desktop isn’t just a technical upgrade. It affects how your financial information flows through your business. Practices that wait too long often face challenges such as data inconsistencies, payroll disruptions, or conversion deadlines dictated by Intuit rather than by their own schedules.

Some users have already experienced Intuit proactively reaching out and scheduling their conversions with only a narrow window to prepare. Planning early helps you avoid being forced into a rushed transition.

Key Risks of Delaying

While every business is different, practices that postpone their transition tend to face a few common issues:

• Unexpected payroll or historical data errors during a rushed conversion
• Temporary loss of bank feeds or reporting functionality
• Limited time to validate or clean up the file before moving it online

These problems are preventable, but only if the move is planned rather than reactive.

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Choosing the Right Time to Convert

The timing of your conversion can influence how smoothly things go. Many practices prefer to make the switch at a natural breakpoint, such as the start of a calendar year or month. This isn’t a requirement, but it can simplify reconciliation and reporting.

More importantly, choose a time when your internal team and your advisor are available to support the transition. Even though the conversion process is fairly straightforward, having the right people involved can prevent small issues from becoming major setbacks.

What QuickBooks Online Offers Today

QuickBooks Online has evolved substantially over the past several years. While some Desktop users were hesitant to migrate in the past, the current version offers meaningful advantages:

• Cloud-based access that supports collaboration and eliminates the need to send files
• More frequent updates and improvements compared to Desktop’s annual releases
• Better visibility into financial data through modern dashboards and reporting tools

Many practices find that QBO supports more consistent communication with their accountant or advisor, which can ultimately improve tax planning, budgeting, and overall financial management.

That said, QBO isn’t automatically the perfect fit for everyone. Some practices may need additional tools or even an alternative accounting system, depending on their workflow and reporting requirements.

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Start the Conversation Now

Whether you choose QuickBooks Online or explore other options, the key is to begin planning your transition before support for Desktop becomes too limited or Intuit initiates the move for you. Giving yourself time allows you to evaluate your needs, clean up your files if necessary, and ensure a smooth experience.

If you’re unsure where to start or want guidance on what software is best for your practice, our team is ready to help.