The State of Bookkeeping: Shifting from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online (QBO)

Historically, QuickBooks Desktop has been a go-to tool for small business owners. Recently, we've started to see major shifts in the bookkeeping landscape, and Intuit has made it clear: the future is QuickBooks Online (QBO).

As QuickBooks phases out Desktop features and pushes users toward the cloud, we've talked to many small business owners as well as accounting professionals who are wondering if now is the time to switch to QuickBooks Online (QBO). And if so, and perhaps more importantly, how do we make the smooth transition?

What’s Actually Changing?

Intuit is gradually phasing out features of QuickBooks Desktop for many users. According to the QuickBooks team, this means:

• No more updates or security patches

• Loss of payroll and payment processing integrations

• Reduced support from Intuit

Our takeaway is that Desktop isn’t going away overnight, but it’s no longer being prioritized. Eventually, it may not be viable for most businesses.

Why QuickBooks Is Moving to QBO - the cloud-based version of QuickBooks

QuickBooks Online (QBO) offers:

• Real-time access from any device

• Cloud backups (no risk of file loss or hardware failures)

• Easier collaboration with bookkeepers and accountants

• Built-in automation, like bank feeds, rules, and recurring invoices

• A growing app ecosystem and integrations

Having a flexible, remote alternative offering up-to-date information quickly are the benefits and seemingly the underlying goals of the shift.

The Challenge for Small Business Owners

Within our sphere, we're starting to hear more and more how small business owners have grown comfortable with QuickBooks Desktop, and with the transition to QuickBooks Online, they are feeling overwhelmed with thoughts of losing their historical data or messing up their books. Just starting the transition is understandably overwhelming, especially as it takes time away from doing what our clients know best - running their business.

How Palm and Prairie Bookkeeping Can Help

This is exactly where relationship-focused bookkeeping makes all the difference. We work side-by-side with our clients through changes like this, ensuring:

• Your financial bookkeeping data is migrated safely and completely

• QBO is set up properly to reflect the needs of your business

• This is a great opportunity to review your chart of accounts - our team at Palm and Prairie Bookkeeping will review it to ensure it is working best for you and your business.

  
  

Final Thoughts

The future of QuickBooks is undeniably shifting to an online landscape. Whether you’re ready to switch, or just exploring what the change might mean for you, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Have questions about QuickBooks Online? Curious whether it’s time to make the jump? Set up a time to talk directly on our website, or email us at PalmAndPrairie@gmail.com.