QuickBooks Desktop is Ending. What Now?
In 2021, Intuit announced the official cancellation of their QuickBooks Desktop 2018 software. As of June 1, 2021, Intuit will also discontinue critical security updates for its software. If you haven’t had the chance yet, now is the time to switch to the newer cloud-based version of QuickBooks Online (QBO) and install any security updates that are currently available.
During the upgrade process, Intuit will support each QuickBooks software user by making sure that their data is protected and able to function well with the latest version of QuickBooks Desktop. Continue reading to learn more about what this means for users and your business.
What Does It Mean?
After May 31st, Intuit plans to discontinue services including Online Banking, Desktop Payroll Services, Live Support, Online Backup, and other products and services through QuickBooks Desktop 2018. This action applies to both PC and Mac versions of the software.
This means that users without the updated software can no longer access these features of their original desktop software. In addition, you’ll no longer receive any new, critical security updates. This will leave your outdated version of QuickBooks vulnerable to data breaches.
Do I Need to Buy New Software?
In order to increase your productivity and protect your data, you will need to switch to a newer version of QuickBooks like QuickBooks Online, instead of QuickBooks Desktop. As a result of the discontinuation, you’ll be unable to access support to help troubleshoot issues on the QuickBooks Desktop 2018 software. When upgrading to the latest QuickBooks software, your data will still transfer over to the new software once you convert it to work with the newest version of QuickBooks.
Should I Switch to QuickBooks Online?
QuickBooks Online, unlike the Desktop software, doesn’t need to be installed. It’s a completely online platform, so you can access it from a browser. This makes it easier to retrieve your business’ data. QuickBooks Online also integrates with other platforms and apps to give you more robust functionality for your business.
The Stax Platform integrates with QuickBooks Online to sync customers, invoices, debit or credit card payments, and more between the two platforms. This integration completely eliminates the need to manually reconcile your payments and QuickBooks bookkeeping.
The bottom line with this discontinuation is that Intuit will no longer support QuickBooks Desktop 2018 software. In order to track your invoices, make payments, and manage all your bookkeeping needs, you’ll need to upgrade to the newest version of QuickBooks software. Once you’ve switched to the newer software, you’ll have access to more features with better, current security measures.
Learn MoreIs QuickBooks Online Better Than QuickBooks Desktop?
There are a number of reasons that switching to QuickBooks Online will make your life easier. QuickBooks Online promotes increased functionality, efficiency, and convenience through its one-of-a-kind features. Continue reading to explore some favorite features:
Access Your Business Anytime
With QuickBooks Online, you can check on your customers, invoices, and more from any smartphone device. This is great for business owners on the go or with multiple business locations.
Upload Receipts From Your Phone
With this QuickBooks Online feature, you no longer have to worry about the time-consuming process of working with scanners. Taking photos of receipts on your phone will enable you to upload data to your QuickBooks account expeditiously.
Faster Reconciliation
QuickBooks’ credit card processing features tightly integrate with QuickBooks Online to eliminate manual data entry.
Related Content: Stax vs QuickBooks Online (QBO) Payments
Can I Still Use QuickBooks Credit Card Processing Features with QuickBooks Online?
While it may seem easier to use their QuickBooks credit card processing features to process payments online, at its core this is simply just that – an add-on feature. As a result, this means there are limits in what credit card processing functions you do and do not have access to.
Not only does your business need a fully integrated payment processing experience that gives you the flexibility you need to accept payments, but you also deserve transparent pricing. Through Stax, you will have access to best-in-class, 24/7 business support, in-depth data analytics reporting, as well as our bi-directional Quickbooks Online sync which allows you to automatically reconcile your accounts.
In addition, you’ll also benefit from Stax’ innovative subscription-style pricing with no hidden fees, extra markups, no contracts, and direct cost of interchange.
Quick FAQs about QuickBooks Desktop Ending
Q: What is happening to QuickBooks Desktop 2018?
Intuit has officially cancelled the QuickBooks Desktop 2018 software in 2021, and will discontinue critical security updates for the software starting from June 1, 2021. Intuit also plans to stop providing support services such as Online Banking, Desktop Payroll Services, Live Support, and Online Backup.
Q: How can users ensure their data is protected after the discontinuation of QuickBooks Desktop 2018?
To protect their data and maintain access to essential features, users will need to switch to a newer version of QuickBooks like QuickBooks Online. As part of the upgrade process, Intuit will help users protect their data by ensuring a smooth transition between the software versions.
Q: Should users switch to QuickBooks Online, and what advantages does it offer?
Yes, users should consider switching to QuickBooks Online since it provides increased functionality, efficiency, and convenience compared to QuickBooks Desktop. QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based platform accessible through a web browser, integrates with platforms like Stax, and offers unique features like smartphone access, uploading receipts through a phone, and faster reconciliation.
Q: Can users still use QuickBooks Credit Card Processing features with QuickBooks Online?
Yes, users can utilize QuickBooks Credit Card Processing features with QuickBooks Online. However, it’s recommended to choose a more integrated solution like Stax’ integrated payment processing platform, which offers transparent pricing, in-depth data analytics reporting, and better integration with QuickBooks Online to ensure efficient account management and processing.
Q: How does Stax differ from QuickBooks’ credit card processing features?
Stax is a fully integrated payment processing solution that offers best-in-class 24/7 business support, bi-directional QuickBooks Online sync, and innovative subscription-style pricing with no hidden fees, extra markups, or contracts. This platform enables comprehensive account management, transparent pricing, and better efficiency compared to QuickBooks’ credit card processing feature
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Request a custom quote today to see how Stax’ integrated payment processing platform and features work for you.