QuickBooks, a leading accounting software, periodically discontinues certain products and features to streamline its offerings and focus on core solutions. If you’re a small business owner, accountant, or bookkeeper relying on QuickBooks, understanding which products are no longer supported is essential for maintaining smooth financial operations. This list covers the key discontinued QuickBooks products, providing detailed insights into each, so you can make informed decisions about your accounting needs and explore suitable alternatives.
QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus 2019
QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus 2019 was a popular accounting solution for small businesses, offering features like invoicing, expense tracking, and basic reporting. Intuit announced its discontinuation in early 2023, encouraging users to upgrade to newer versions like 2022 or switch to QuickBooks Online. Despite its discontinuation, many businesses still used it for its familiarity and one-time purchase model, making understanding its status crucial for transitioning smoothly.
QuickBooks Desktop Premier 2018
QuickBooks Desktop Premier 2018 was tailored for industries such as manufacturing, retail, and nonprofits, providing industry-specific reports and tools. Intuit phased out this version in favor of newer editions, emphasizing cloud-based solutions. Businesses relying on the 2018 version need to plan upgrades, as support and updates for this version are no longer available, risking security vulnerabilities and compliance issues.
QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise 2017
QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise 2017 was designed for larger organizations needing advanced inventory, payroll, and reporting features. Its discontinuation in 2022 means users must transition to later Enterprise versions or consider QuickBooks Online Advanced. The older version no longer receives updates, which can impact data security and compatibility with new operating systems.
QuickBooks Self-Employed 2017
QuickBooks Self-Employed 2017 served freelancers and sole proprietors with basic expense tracking, estimated taxes, and invoicing. Intuit discontinued this version to unify its offerings under newer, more integrated platforms. Users should migrate to QuickBooks Self-Employed 2022 or switch to QuickBooks Online, which offers better features and ongoing support.
QuickBooks Point of Sale 2016
QuickBooks Point of Sale 2016 was a retail POS solution integrated with QuickBooks accounting software. Discontinued in 2021, it was replaced by newer versions and cloud-based POS systems. Retailers using the 2016 version need to upgrade to stay compliant with PCI standards and benefit from enhanced features like mobile payments and inventory management.
QuickBooks Mac 2015
QuickBooks for Mac 2015 was a desktop version tailored for Mac users, offering features comparable to Windows versions but optimized for Mac OS. Intuit discontinued support for this version in 2020, encouraging users to upgrade to newer Mac-compatible versions or transition to QuickBooks Online for better cloud integration and updates.
QuickBooks Online Simple Start 2019
QuickBooks Online Simple Start 2019 was an entry-level subscription designed for basic bookkeeping, invoicing, and expense tracking. As Intuit moved toward subscription-based models, support for older plans like 2019 was phased out, urging users to upgrade to current plans with enhanced features and security.
QuickBooks Payroll Basic 2018
QuickBooks Payroll Basic 2018 provided essential payroll processing for small businesses, including tax calculations and direct deposit. With payroll regulations changing and technology evolving, Intuit discontinued this version in favor of newer payroll solutions integrated directly into QuickBooks Online. Businesses must upgrade to modern payroll services to ensure compliance and efficiency.
QuickBooks Online Advanced 2018
QuickBooks Online Advanced 2018 was an early version of Intuit’s premium cloud accounting platform, offering custom user permissions and advanced reporting. As the product evolved, support for this specific version was phased out by 2020, with users encouraged to migrate to the latest Online Advanced platform for ongoing updates and features.
QuickBooks Mobile App 2017
The QuickBooks Mobile App 2017 allowed users to manage invoices, expenses, and payments on the go. Since then, Intuit has released updated mobile apps with improved interfaces and features, rendering the 2017 version obsolete. Users should download the latest app versions to benefit from enhanced security and functionality.
How to Choose
When selecting a QuickBooks product after discontinuation, consider your business size, industry, and specific needs. Cloud-based solutions like QuickBooks Online offer flexibility, automatic updates, and remote access, making them ideal for most small to medium businesses. On the other hand, if you prefer desktop software, ensure you choose the latest supported version to avoid security risks and compatibility issues. Evaluate your budget, required features, and whether you need industry-specific tools or integrations with other software to find the best fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why does QuickBooks discontinue products? Intuit discontinues products to focus on newer, more efficient solutions, improve security, and streamline support.
- Can I still use discontinued QuickBooks products? Yes, but support and updates are no longer available, which can pose security and compliance risks.
- How do I migrate from a discontinued product? You should upgrade to a supported version or switch to QuickBooks Online, following data migration procedures provided by Intuit.
- Will my data be safe after discontinuation? If you continue using unsupported versions, your data may be vulnerable. Upgrading ensures ongoing support and security.
- Is QuickBooks Online better than desktop versions? For most users, yes—especially for remote access, automatic updates, and scalability. However, desktop versions may suit those with specific offline needs.
- How often does QuickBooks release new versions? Typically, QuickBooks updates its desktop versions annually and continuously enhances its online platform.
Final Thoughts
Discontinuing products is a natural part of software evolution, and while it may require adjustments, it ultimately benefits users with improved features, security, and support. If you rely on a discontinued QuickBooks product, proactive planning for migration is essential to avoid disruptions. Exploring the latest supported versions or cloud-based options will ensure your business stays compliant, secure, and efficient in managing its finances. Staying informed about product lifecycle changes helps you make smarter decisions, leveraging the most current technology for your accounting needs.
Related
- Discontinued Made in USA Products Worth Hunting Down
- Discontinued Products Made in China You Might Still Love
- Discontinued Recycled Products Worth Knowing About