QuickBooks Desktop 2021 will have its services discontinued by Intuit on May 31, 2024. While ongoing support for the later versions will continue, the discontinuation of support for QuickBooks Desktop 2021 and earlier versions echoes the typical yearly pattern for older versions. The company has also announced that it will stop selling several QuickBooks Desktop products to new subscribers in the U.S after July 31, 2024.
The implication is clear: the desktop products are going the way of the dodo as app developers steer users towards a more cloud-centric platform. To ensure you don’t experience any service interruptions, we recommend switching to QuickBooks Online or Xero.
What does a QuickBooks service discontinuation mean?
Discontinued services for older versions
When Intuit discontinues service for QuickBooks Desktop 2021, you’ll lose access to several features and add-on services, and you won’t be able to subscribe to live technical support or any other Intuit services that can be integrated with QuickBooks Desktop. Discontinued versions will also stop receiving the latest security patches and updates.
Customers who aren’t using the add-on services can still use QuickBooks Desktop, but they won’t have access to technical support or updates. Security updates, in particular, are a crucial component of any business’ fraud prevention strategy. That’s why we recommend that you stop using older QuickBooks Desktop versions, even if you aren’t using the add-on services.
QuickBooks Desktop is going away, slowly
After July 31, 2024, Intuit will no longer sell new subscriptions to the following products:
- QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus
- QuickBooks Desktop Premier Plus
- QuickBooks Desktop Mac Plus
- QuickBooks Desktop Enhanced Payroll
Remember, this is a stop-sell for new purchases, not a discontinuation of this product line.
What about existing Desktop subscribers?
Existing QuickBooks Desktop Plus and Desktop Payroll subscribers can continue to renew their subscriptions after July 31, 2024. Intuit will continue to provide security updates, product updates, and support for existing subscribers. QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise customers can also continue to purchase Enterprise subscriptions after July 31, 2024.
What are your options for alternative bookkeeping software?
Users are advised to either:
- Upgrade to a newer version of QuickBooks Desktop
- Switch to QuickBooks Online
- Choose another cloud-based bookkeeping platform
We strongly recommend moving to the cloud. Here are your options:
1. Upgrade QuickBooks Desktop
If you want to stick with QuickBooks Desktop, you’ll need to upgrade to a newer version. Upgrading will ensure you continue receiving support and access to the latest features and updates. To upgrade to a newer version of QuickBooks Desktop, you can simply purchase a new license and download the software.
However, we encourage customers on standalone QuickBooks Desktop Pro, Premier, or Mac versions 2021 and older to consider moving to QuickBooks Online or other cloud-based accounting software for more efficient workflows and the flexibility to work from anywhere.
2. Switch to QuickBooks Online
Alternatively, you can switch to QuickBooks Online, which we recommend as the best option if you’re looking for a more future-fit and affordable solution. QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based solution that offers anytime, anywhere access. It provides automatic bank feeds and access to your books from any location with an internet connection.
With QuickBooks Online, you’ll have access to all the features you love in QuickBooks Desktop, as well as new and improved features, including customized reports and a clear view of your projects or products.
Additionally, all of Intuit’s future innovation will happen in QuickBooks Online.
Further reading: QuickBooks Online Pros and Cons
How will the move go?
Migration from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online is easier than ever. Intuit now has an improved migration process to help discover the flexibility of QuickBooks Online faster. There’s no need to start over again; if you decide to switch to QuickBooks Online, you can move your data from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online.
There are plenty of resources available to help you make the transition. We recommend a strategic approach, taking into consideration what data needs to be migrated. Your QuickBooks Desktop file remains unchanged if you migrate to the cloud and will continue to offer details for historical data.
3. Migrate to another platform, like Xero
While we support clients on QuickBooks, Xero is our top recommendation for easy-to-use, flexible, and secure cloud accounting software. It offers many of the same benefits as QuickBooks Online, plus intuitive navigation and a robust library of apps to add the industry-specific features your business needs.
Check out the features Xero offers to small businesses.
Ready to embrace the benefits of cloud accounting?
If you are ready to migrate and still have questions, or if you’re ready to hand off your bookkeeping and focus on your business, get in touch with our team. We offer a variety of packages to meet your needs and can also help you migrate your books to the cloud. Reach out to the FSA team today to schedule a consultation.