By Jeremy Kauffman, AS Manager
[email protected]
Key Points
- QuickBooks Desktop support is ending, and most businesses must now decide whether to migrate to QuickBooks Online or upgrade to Enterprise.
- Payroll and other critical features have already stopped working for many versions, with more losing functionality soon.
- Business owners should urgently evaluate their accounting setup to avoid disruptions and ensure compliance.
Why Is Intuit Phasing Out QuickBooks Desktop?
Intuit, the maker of QuickBooks, has been phasing out its Desktop products in favor of QuickBooks Online (QBO), marking a significant shift for businesses that relied on traditional desktop software.
As of September 30, 2024, Intuit stopped selling new subscriptions for:
- QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus
- QuickBooks Desktop Premier Plus
- QuickBooks Desktop Mac Plus
- QuickBooks Desktop Enhanced Payroll
While existing subscribers have been able to renew, Intuit’s focus is clearly on QBO’s cloud-based solution, which provides automation, tax filing capabilities, and remote access—features increasingly in demand.
When Will Support for QuickBooks Desktop Officially End?
As of October 2025, support has already ended or is nearing expiration for most versions:
- QuickBooks Desktop 2021: Support ended May 31, 2024
- QuickBooks Desktop 2022: Support ended May 31, 2025
- QuickBooks Desktop 2023: Support ends May 31, 2026, but payroll functionality already ceased in May 2025
- QuickBooks Desktop 2024: Support ends May 31, 2027, though payroll features ended in May 2025
QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise remains available and supported beyond 2027—for now—but future changes are possible.
What Does This Mean for Your Business?
If you’re using versions from 2022 or earlier, some critical features have expired:
- Payroll calculations
- Tax table updates
- E-filing and W-2 processing
- Bank feeds and credit card processing
- Access to security updates and customer support
Continuing with unsupported software poses compliance, security, and operational risks. Even users of newer versions (2023 or 2024) have already lost payroll functionality, with more disruptions ahead.
If you haven’t yet acted, it’s critical to create a transition plan.
What Are Your Options for Moving Forward?
Here are the three primary options for businesses still using QuickBooks Desktop:
- Upgrade to QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise
This version remains supported and offers robust functionality, but it may not be a long-term solution if Intuit eventually phases it out. - Transition to QuickBooks Online
QBO is Intuit’s preferred platform, featuring built-in payroll, automatic updates, and remote access, making it ideal for today’s hybrid and multi-location businesses. - Switch to a Non-Intuit Alternative
For some businesses, other accounting platforms may offer a better fit depending on industry needs, reporting requirements, or integration preferences. Sponsel CPA Group can help you assess your options and guide you to the best solution.
What Steps Should You Take to Protect Your Accounting Operations?
If your business is still relying on unsupported or soon-to-expire QuickBooks Desktop versions, now is the time to act.
Sponsel CPA Group can help you:
- Evaluate your current accounting platform
- Plan a smooth transition that protects your data
- Ensure compliance with payroll and reporting requirements
- Choose the best-fit system for your business’s future
Our Accounting Services team specializes in providing clarity and confidence through transitions like these.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I still buy a desktop version of QuickBooks?
As of October 2025, only QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise remains available for new purchases. All other Desktop versions were removed from sale in September 2024.
Can I still use payroll in QuickBooks Desktop?
No—payroll functionality ended for all Desktop versions (except Enterprise) as of May 31, 2025, and continuing to process payroll without updated tax tables poses serious risks.
What happens if I don’t upgrade QuickBooks Desktop?
You risk operating on outdated software that lacks critical features like security updates, tax compliance, and payroll functionality—potentially exposing your business to errors and regulatory issues.
Is QuickBooks Online better than Desktop?
QuickBooks Online is more flexible, collaborative, and cloud-accessible—but whether it’s “better” depends on your business. We can help determine the best solution for your needs.
Have Questions? Ready to Plan Your Next Steps?
Contact Jeremy Kauffman at [email protected] to begin evaluating your best course of action. Let’s make this transition seamless and strategic—for your finances and your future.