QuickBooks Desktop 2021 software will be discontinued

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Have/did you received the DREADED email from Intuit stating "Your QuickBooks Desktop 2021 software will be discontinued"?

Ok, so don't panic!  QuickBooks desktop isn't going away right this very minute........ but you do need to keep reading!

If you've been a QuickBooks user for any length of time, then this is Inuit's every 3 year warning that the 2021 versions of Pro and Premier will be "sunset/retired", and you won't be able to:

• run payroll or get payroll updates
• connect your bank or credit card accounts to the 2021 version
• receive support or program updates from Intuit

after May 31, 2024, unless you upgrade to a newer version, like QuickBooks 2024.

Unfortunately, we can't sell QuickBooks Pro or Premier anymore - Intuit did away with that (you'll  need to contact them at the number shown later in this article) - but we can get you discounts on QuickBooks Enterprise if you plan to go that route. 

Here's what we do know, and it's all so very confusing!  Please read this carefully.

• If you don't run payroll or connect your bank or credit card accounts - we've heard that you can continue to run Pro and Premier 2021, but without support or program updates from Intuit.  So be sure to log into your Intuit Account, download and save the program to a safe location - along with your license information. 
• If you did receive the Discontinued Notice and you run payroll or connect your bank and credit card account to QuickBooks Pro or Premier - then you'll need to purchase or renew your existing license by May 31, 2024.
• If you didn't receive a discontinuation notice, but want to upgrade to a newer version of QuickBooks Pro or Premier, you'll need to upgrade by July 31, 2024.  
• New QuickBooks Pro and Premier 2024 version will no longer be available to purchase from anyone, including directly from Intuit after July 31, 2024, however, if you have an existing license you can renew your current Pro/Premier versions.
• We believe that a single user Pro version is around $650 per year ($850 for two users) - we have no additional pricing information other than this.
• We believe that a single user Premier version is around $950 per year ($1,200 for two users) - again we have no additional pricing information other than this.
• The Desktop Enhanced Payroll Subscription has increased to roughly $850 per year with a direct deposit fee of $1.75 per employee/per pay period.  This is all the information we have.
• Since January 1, 2022 Pro & Premier versions have become an Annual Subscription - meaning you pay those amounts on a yearly basis for continued use.
• You'll need to call Intuit (this is a number that I was given) at 844-437-2620.  The sales reps will try to push you into signing up for QuickBooks Online, so you'll need to be insistent that you want the desktop version.  
• When you call this number you'll be purchasing the 2024 versions of Pro and Premier.  These versions were released in September 2023 and our software works with them.

So, what happens after May 31 or July 31, 2024?  This is where it gets REALLY confusing!

• We've heard that Intuit will continue to offer and support QuickBooks Pro & Premier  through their backdoor/call in method (You'll need to call Intuit (this is a number that I was given) at 844-437-2620.  The sales reps will try to push you into signing up for QuickBooks Online, so you'll need to be insistent that you want the desktop version.) until May 2026 at which time they will no longer sell the Pro or Premier versions.  (Who know, they may change their mind by then, we don't know - but probably not). 
• QuickBooks Pro and Premier will NOT be able to be purchased by "New" QuickBooks Users.  
• Here's a link to the Intuit site that will give you a little more info - QuickBooks Desktop to stop selling to new U.S. subscribers.

So, what happens in May 2026?????

• Intuit will no longer sell or support QuickBooks Pro or Premier versions - even through their backdoor/call in method.  
• Intuit will continue to sell the QuickBooks Enterprise versions on an ongoing basis (until they change their mind about that as well).
• We suggest that you look into the Enterprise Gold Subscriptions because that includes payroll for $1,922 per year for a single-user.  We have no other pricing information at this time.  If nothing else, you'll get payroll and U.S. based support included in that price.
• Do NOT let Intuit Sales Reps talk you into "hosting" QuickBooks Enterprise in the cloud through a company called Right Networks as none of our software will run on the Right Networks hosting platform - read this article Can I run your software on Right Networks?
• If you decide to purchase the QuickBooks Enterprise Gold subscription, our software will continue to work and we will continue to provide compatibility updates in the future as necessary.

So, what about QuickBooks Online?   

Oh, please........... let's not get into that!  It's a very sore subject around here and I've tried to answer the question of Why We Aren't Compatible With QuickBooks Online.