For decades, accountants around the world have enjoyed the convenience of QuickBooks Desktop products like QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus and QuickBooks Desktop Enhanced Payroll. “QBD” runs on your PC or Mac but not in the cloud. Since the beginning, these programs have allowed users to pay a flat fee, or later, a subscription fee, for the convenience of a desktop client.
And since 2001 users also have had access to an online client, QuickBooks Online. “QBO” was one of the first cloud-based accounting software programs in the world. QBO is now the dominant small-business accounting system and is ubiquitous in the English-speaking world.
But times are finally catching up with the rumors in the QB ecosphere. In a major announcement, the company has indicated that Intuit will no longer accept new subscribers for four of its desktop-based services. How will these changes affect current users, and what will the QuickBooks experience look like going forward?
What Services are Impacted by These QuickBooks Subscription Changes?
In its announcement, Intuit indicated that it will no longer sell subscriptions for the following QBD (QB Desktop) products in the United States:
- QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus
- QuickBooks Desktop Premier Plus
- QuickBooks Desktop Mac Plus
- QuickBooks Desktop Enhanced Payroll
These changes will go into effect on September 30th, 2024. However, existing customers with active subscriptions won’t see their access canceled, and the company isn’t retiring all of its desktop products immediately.
Rather, Intuit has indicated that they will continue to provide security updates and product support for these accounting software offerings to all existing subscribers.
Further, new users may still purchase subscriptions to QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise at the Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Diamond levels, after the September cutoff date. All but the silver level of these subscriptions includes integrated payroll.
Additionally, accountants interested in purchasing QuickBooks Accountant Desktop Solutions can call Intuit’s accountant sales team or QB ProAdvisors (like us) directly for assistance, as well as to purchase access to ProAdvisor bundles. These products will not be offered online or through third-party sellers or retailers after the September deadline.
These Aren’t the First Changes at Intuit QuickBooks
Intuit QuickBooks routinely publishes updates to its software offerings, and changes like these aren’t unexpected or unusual. Rather, they reflect Intuit’s drive to keep its products modernized and in the forefront of the market, while adding additional features too. For example, in 2022, as reported by Accounting Today, Intuit moved to a subscription-only model for several of its other desktop products.
Another change came in 2023 when Intuit ended program support for QuickBooks for Desktop for users who had a perpetual license. As reported by The Register, the change did cause some “consternation” within the QuickBooks user community.
When utilizing a dynamic program like QuickBooks, whether the primary usage is the desktop program or the online client, users should always expect changes, updates – and new features – over time. Working with a QuickBooks Online advisor such as us can help make these transitions easier.
What Recommendations Does Intuit Make for Current Users?
Intuit makes three recommendations to current subscribers and users of its products:
1. Non-subscribers may want to subscribe: Intuit recommends that users of non-subscription-based versions of QuickBooks Desktop Pro, Premier, or Mac should subscribe before the September 30th deadline to ensure continued delivery of critical security updates. Ask your Quickbooks Proadvisor for recommendations and migration assistance.
2. QB Pro Plus and Premier Plus users should upgrade their subscriptions: Intuit recommends that those who have a Pro Plus or Premier Plus account purchase a QuickBooks Enhanced Payroll subscription. Alternatively, an upgrade to an option with integrated payroll may be optimal.
3. QuickBooks Desktop clients should update to the latest version: All current users of QuickBooks Desktop software should update to the latest version by the September 30th deadline; after that these final versions will likely not be available! The latest version offers all of the latest features, patches and necessary security updates.
Intuit QuickBooks Desktop Isn’t Going Away
Despite these significant changes, Intuit insists that it is fully committed to supporting the Desktop platform. However, the company indicates that users may find the best experience using QuickBooks Online rather than the desktop client. This is especially true for smaller businesses.
It may help to realize that none of the Intuit QuickBooks offerings have ever been completely static products. The company routinely refreshes and updates their programs, and keeping on top of these changes and updates allows users to operate the software to its maximum efficiency.
Need Assistance with the Changes at Intuit QuickBooks?
Worried about the impending changes to the QuickBooks desktop world? Want to know how to upgrade, migrate and the best way to utilize Intuit QuickBooks? Connect with a QuickBooks Desktop advisor at QB-LA via email or call 310-281-6161.
