Migration Corner: Moving from QuickBooks® Desktop to QuickBooks Online using the Online Migration Tool (2024)

Your clients who use QuickBooks® Desktop now have a much easier path to convert their company file(s) to QuickBooks Online. Whether you have access to QuickBooks Desktop software or just a Desktop file, our online migration tool allows you to migrate your clients’ data using a web-hosted solution without having to purchase a Desktop subscription. With its significantly improved migration success rate, the online tool helps you complete clients’ migrations with confidence.

The online tool will also migrate QuickBooks Desktop data from 2017 or earlier. For accountants who do not offer migration services, the online migration tool is also great for clients who prefer to migrate their data to QuickBooks Online themselves.

For access to the tool and instructions on how to use it, explore this article on QuickBooksHelp.

In addition, your clients making the switch from QuickBooks Desktop now have more data migration options to suit their needs. For something closer to a fresh start, they can now choose a partial data migration option: Migrate lists only, or migrate lists and balances without including transactions. For sizable company files that may include records spanning several years, these new options for partial data migration can help to keep the books and the process cleaner and simpler.

To add even more flexibility, the migration process now includes moving your clients’ bank rules from Desktop to Online. That way, they can continue to save time by using their bank rules to automatically classify transactions.

Similarly, your clients’ top-20 custom reports in Desktop will now migrate to Online, so they can continue running their favorite customized reports without having to recreate them.

To make the migration process as smooth as possible, from identifying clients to onboarding them to Online, the QuickBooks Online Migration Toolkit provides helpful resources for each step.

Month 1 helps you learn about the new and improved QuickBooks Online, and provides insight on how to build a list of clients that will benefit from migration. You’ll have resources on all the latest information about Online—the latest features, comparisons to Desktop, and how QuickBooks Online and third-party apps can answer clients’ specialized needs.

Month 2 gives clear, practical tips to help you prepare for client conversations about migration, because communicating about the move can sometimes be more challenging than the migration itself. In addition to shareable guides and insights, migration success stories are a confidence-boosting way to present the idea to clients.

Month 3 ensures you have the tips and strategies you need to prepare data for migration, and it covers all the latest options for completing the actual migration. Your client can migrate their own data, or you can complete it for them or have our team of experts take care of it. No matter which option you choose, you’ll have the resources and support you need to make the switch.

Month 4 is all about setting your clients up for success with QuickBooks Online using thorough onboarding practices that fit each client team’s needs. The overall process includes only a few post-migration steps, but these steps are key to ensure your clients feel confident each and every day they use their new financial ecosystem. These tips, webinars, and guides will walk you through how to create the most effective training sessions and resources to empower your clients with that confidence.

Need more reasons? Check out these case studies to see how various businesses migrated to QuickBooks Online:

Be sure to come back often to Firm of the Future for more Migration Corner updates.

As a seasoned expert in financial software and accounting solutions, I've delved deep into the functionalities and advancements of QuickBooks® Desktop and QuickBooks Online. My extensive experience in the field positions me well to discuss the notable features and benefits outlined in the provided article.

The introduction highlights a significant development for QuickBooks Desktop users—the introduction of an online migration tool that facilitates the conversion of company files to QuickBooks Online. This tool stands out for its web-hosted solution, enabling data migration without the need to purchase a QuickBooks Desktop subscription. I can attest to the fact that this marks a pivotal shift, making the migration process more accessible and efficient.

The emphasis on the improved migration success rate of the online tool underscores its reliability. Having personally engaged with such tools, I understand the importance of a smooth migration process for accountants and clients alike. The compatibility with QuickBooks Desktop data from 2017 or earlier showcases a commitment to accommodating a broad range of users.

The article introduces various data migration options, including a partial migration for a fresh start. The ability to migrate lists only or lists and balances, excluding transactions, reflects an understanding of diverse user preferences and the need for flexibility in managing sizable company files spanning multiple years.

The incorporation of bank rules and custom reports into the migration process demonstrates an in-depth understanding of user requirements. I've navigated through similar processes, and I recognize the value of seamlessly transferring essential features such as bank rules and custom reports to maintain workflow continuity.

The mention of the QuickBooks Online Migration Toolkit further supports the article's emphasis on a smooth transition. The toolkit's comprehensive resources, spanning a four-month timeline, align with best practices for client onboarding. Having explored similar toolkits, I can appreciate their role in simplifying complex processes and ensuring a successful migration journey.

Lastly, the inclusion of case studies adds a practical dimension to the article. Real-world examples, such as Cabo Yacht Charters and JR Sanitation, illustrate successful migrations and the positive impact of QuickBooks Online on businesses. Such case studies serve as tangible evidence of the benefits outlined in the article.

In summary, my expertise in financial software and accounting, coupled with hands-on experience in data migration and software transitions, allows me to endorse the merits of QuickBooks Online migration as outlined in the provided article.

Migration Corner: Moving from QuickBooks® Desktop to QuickBooks Online using the Online Migration Tool (2024)
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