QuickBooks Desktop versions come with three-year software support from Intuit that entitles its users to live technical assistance, security patches, software updates, and many other benefits. Every year at the end of May, Intuit implements a service discontinuation policy that translates to the expiration of a QuickBooks product version. With the launch of QuickBooks Desktop 2021, the sun seems real low for QuickBooks Desktop 2018, which will be set officially on May 31, 2021. It means that the plug of entitlements that the QB Desktop 2018 users have got until now will be pulled back by Intuit, and they will be asked to upgrade their QuickBooks versions. So the million-dollar question needs to be raised- “Do you really have to upgrade?” or “Even after the QuickBooks 2018 discontinued, can you still use it?”. In the blog below, we will answer general questions that the readers must have about software discontinuation.
With the QuickBooks 2018 discontinued, you must upgrade to a newer QB version to keep the accounting work on track. However, from installation to setup, you will need assistance from an expert for a quick and successful transition to the new product. Get one immediately by dialing the toll-free number 1.800.579.9430
Which QuickBooks Versions are Affected by the QuickBooks 2018 Sunset?
Once QuickBooks 2018 Discontinued enters the end of life, the below-mentioned versions of QuickBooks will be rendered without software support.
- QuickBooks Desktop Pro 2018
- All editions of the QuickBooks Desktop Premier 2018 (General Business, Contractor, Manufacturing & Wholesale, Nonprofit, Professional Services, and Retail)
- QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions 18
- QB Premier Accountant Edition 2018
- QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale 12.0 payments service (from April 27, 2021)
Which Additional Services will be Affected from QuickBooks Desktop 2018 Service Discontinuation?
Below is given the list that will not work once the QuickBooks 2018 is expired.
- All versions of the Intuit Payroll (Basic, Standard, Enhanced, or Assisted) cannot be accessed by the users.
- Worker’s comp payments cannot be processed through QB 2018.
- QuickBooks Workforce, formerly known as ViewMyPaycheck, will not be available to the user or the employees.
- The user cannot access the live feed of their business payments.
- QuickBooks Merchant Service Deposit will not store credit card, check, or other types of payment info.
- Recurring Payments and e-Invoice mailing for them will also be discontinued.
- Technical support for QuickBooks software will no longer be available for users, and those with an active QB Care Protection Plan will not be able to renew it after the end of their current subscription.
- The users will not be able to send an accountant’s copy of their company file via the Accountant’s Copy File Transfer service (ACFT).
- Cloud-based services like online backup and online banking will show unrecoverable errors.
- Reports under the Contributed tab can no longer be accessible.
- Intuit Data Protect will no longer back up QuickBooks files and folders.
- QuickBooks Time will be not available to QB 2018 users.
- The users won’t be able to launch the QuickBooks 1099 wizard for filing the tax forms.
- QuickBooks email service for emailing invoices will not be available after the discontinuation.
- No exchange rate info and multi-currency options will be available to the user.
- Third-party add-ons like TSheets, Fishbowl, Avalara Avatax, Bill.com, etc., will no longer connect to QuickBooks 2018.
Read more :- Troubleshooting the Unsettling QuickBooks Error 1712
What to do if the QuickBooks desktop discontinued?
Firstly, QuickBooks 2018 will continue to perform all other major functions needed to sustain the daily business operation. So, one option is to run it without upgrading to the higher version if you don’t need the additional services mentioned above that will stop working effectively on May 31. The other and final option is to upgrade your software to either of these three QuickBooks versions:
- QuickBooks Desktop Pro and Premier (2019, 2020, and 2021)
- QB Enterprise Solutions (19, 20, and 21)
- QuickBooks Desktop Accountant (2019, 2020, and 2021)
Things to Consider While Upgrading to Higher Versions of the QuickBooks
- It is highly unlikely that the computer system running QuickBooks 2018 would be able to efficiently run the higher versions of the QuickBooks with the same specifications. So, make sure to check the system requirements in advance for the QuickBooks version you want to upgrade. check whether your system is meeting the minimum criteria or not.
- The upgrade process is short and can be completed within an hour. After downloading the upgraded version, the installation part is a bit tricky, and you may need some support from an expert to install the new QuickBooks Desktop correctly. Call on the helpline number (855)-526-5749 anytime to get immediate on-the-call assistance on the installation process.
- To work with the new QB software, you would be prompted to convert your company file data. Make sure to verify the company to check for any discrepancies or data corruption that could raise problems during the conversion. After verifying the data, if no anomalies are found in the company file, create a backup.
FAQs
Why Does the Intuit Discontinue Its Older Products?
As Intuit continues to develop newer versions for its users, it also has to provide support for its older versions. It would take enormous resources from Intuit to continue the support for older versions, which are also adding up with every passing year. So, to balance productivity and technology, every software company discontinues the support for its older products.
How to Check if my QuickBooks desktop discontinued?
You can check the year version of your QuickBooks by opening the Product Information window through the given steps.
- Go to QuickBooks Desktop and press the F2 key or CTRL + 1 on your keyboard.
- At the top of the Product Information window, check your QuickBooks year version.
At the end of our post on the relevant information about the “QuickBooks 2018 Discontinued” circular by Intuit, we hope that the content is easy to understand and helps the readers to reach a decisive conclusion. However, if you are still confused on whether to upgrade or not, speak to a QB ProAdvisor on the query by calling at 1.800.579.9430.