QuickBooks Desktop Is Being Phased Out:
What Business Owners Need to Know
The End of an Era
Intuit has officially announced that support for QuickBooks Desktop 2022 will end on May 31, 2025
This includes all versions such as Pro, Premier, Mac, and Enterprise v22. After this date, users will lose access to critical services including:
While you can still use the software in a limited capacity, the lack of updates and support poses serious risks—especially regarding data security and compliance
Why Is Intuit Making This Move?
Intuit is shifting its focus to cloud-based solutions, particularly QuickBooks Online (QBO). This transition aligns with broader industry trends favoring remote access, real-time collaboration, and automated workflows. Intuit states that this move allows them to prioritize innovation and deliver more flexible, scalable solutions for modern businesses
Transitioning to QuickBooks Online: What to Expect
Moving to QuickBooks Online offers several advantages:
However, there is a learning curve. Some features are renamed or relocated, and certain advanced functionalities (like inventory tracking) may require upgrading to higher-tier plans
| Feature | QuickBooks Desktop | QuickBooks Online |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud Access | Limited (extra fee per user) | Yes (included) |
| Mobile App Functionality | Limited (receipt upload only) | Full functionality |
| App Integrations | 200+ apps | 650+ apps |
| Real-Time Collaboration | No | Yes |
| Automatic Bank Sync | Yes (bank fees may apply) | Yes |
| Payroll Integration | $50 + $2/employee/month | $45/month payroll |
| Pricing | Manual updates | Automatic updates |
| Security Updates | Advanced | Basic |
| Inventory Tracking | Extra fee per user | Up to 25 users (included) |
| User Access Flexibility | Up to 40 users (extra fee) | Up to 25 users (included) |
Final Thoughts for Business Owners
If you’re still using QuickBooks Desktop, now is the time to plan your transition. While the desktop version may offer robust features for complex accounting needs, the lack of future support and security updates makes it a risky long-term solution.
QuickBooks Online is not just a replacement—it’s an upgrade for most small to mid-sized businesses. With enhanced mobility, automation, and collaboration, it’s designed to meet the demands of modern business operations.
Need help with the transition? Reach out to our CFO Support Services Group. They will be happy to assist you with migration services to ensure your data is safely and accurately transferred.
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The information presented here should not be construed as legal, tax, accounting, or valuation advice. No one should act on such information without appropriate professional advice and after a thorough examination of the particular situation.