The QuickBooks 2018 Discontinuation is near! For many seasoned users, we know it is that time of the year. For those of you who have just started using QuickBooks Desktop, you may be wondering what this means to you, especially if you are using version 18 or earlier. Put simply: anyone who is still using version 18 or earlier will lose access to important add-ons, or “connection-required” features, at the end of May 2021. Also, any live support for any inquiries or troubleshooting involving QuickBooks Desktop 2018 or earlier will no longer be available. What does this entail exactly? Read on to learn precisely what services and apps are affected; and how the discontinuation itself affects your support experience. Update* QuickBooks Desktop 2019 Discontinuation.
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What is Affected by the QuickBooks 2018 Discontinuation?
Software products, add-ons, and the services they perform. Wve put together a few lists of the QuickBooks products and services that will no longer be receiving support or functionality.
Affected Editions of QuickBooks Desktop 2018
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- QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise 2018
- QuickBooks Desktop Pro 2018
- QuickBooks Desktop Premier 2018
- QuickBooks Desktop Accountant 2018
Affected QuickBooks Add-ons
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- QuickBooks Payroll: Assisted, Basic/Enhanced, Full Service
- QuickBooks Payments
- Online Banking/Bank Feeds
- ACH Processing
- QuickBooks Accountans Copy File Transfer
- Multi-currency (exchange rates)
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Affected Third-Party Add-Ons
While there is not a comprehensive list of third-party apps available, we have listed several that may be relevant to your business. What can be noted, though, is Intuit guidelines have third-party developers only developing and testing for supported versions of QuickBooks; after End of Life kicks in, they’ll be developing and testing for versions 2019, 2020, 2021 and the upcoming version, 2022 – likely being released this fall. For those unfamiliar, popular apps include:
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- TSheets by QuickBooks for time tracking automation
- Fishbowl Inventory for inventory management automation
- Avalara Avatax for sales tax automation
- All cloud hosting platforms
- Bill.com / any other AP/AR addons for invoicing and collections automation
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If you are seeking to add more functionality to QuickBooks, but you are not sure where to start, get in touch with our products specialists. They’ll do all that they can to pair you and your business with the right apps to help you achieve your business goals.
Why Should I Upgrade My QuickBooks Desktop Before Discontinuation?
If you continue using QuickBooks 2018 past the End of Life date, May 31st, and you experience any issues related to performance, reliability, or just need some general usage guidance, Intuit wot be able to extend any support.
Examples include:
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- How to delete elements in a given list: chart of accounts, item list, customer list, vendor list etc.
- 2017 exhibiting unexpected behavior, after a series of Windows updates done on a workstation
- Reports not showing figures as expected, or Balance Sheet is Out of Balance.
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If support is given, however, it is almost certain that the extent will be no further than an emailed support document containing steps to self-troubleshoot or answer inquiries. Basically, support will be very limited, if any is given.
Why Does QuickBooks Do Discontinuations Regularly?
The evolution of technological tools for business are essential to continued innovation, growth, and efficiency. Intuit continues to pursue improved software and tools for its customers based on this premise. Here is what Intuit says about the discontinuation cycle: “We are committed to developing easy, straightforward financial tools that help you today and grow with you tomorrow. But is a balancing act – making QuickBooks Desktop better and easier to use while still supporting older versions.”
Regularly scheduled Windows updates are quickly changing the landscape in which everyday programs need to keep pace – with respect to compatibility, thereby affecting reliability and performance. When cyber security is thrown into the mix, new measures developed to tackle new and aggressive threats require dedicated attention to ensure top tier security – along with usability.
Do I Have to Upgrade to the Latest Version of QuickBooks?
The answer is no, although it is recommended. We understand that not everyone wants to remain on the cutting edge of innovation and constantly work with the latest and greatest technological advances. However, naturally, newer versions of software typically provide increased capabilities for higher functionality, efficiency, and growth.
QuickBooks Desktop 2021, more or less, grandfathers many of the features found in 2018, 2019, and 2020:
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- Multiple Display Support
- Mobile Barcode Scanning
- Print, Pack & Ship
- Order Fulfillment
- Check to Bill Pay
- One-Click Upgrade
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*****If you need help choosing a new product or version, check out our QuickBooks Desktop Comparison blog.*****
How Do I Know What QuickBooks Desktop Version m Currently Using?
First, open your QuickBooks software to the main page. Next, press the F2 key or simultaneously press the “Ctrl” and “1” keys. This will open up your Product Information window. Search for your product name, product number, and license number in the Product Information window. In the Usage Information section, you will see the “Date First Used”. Search for your release at the end of the product name. Your version year will be listed right in front of the word “Release” on the “Product” line.
Official QuickBooks 2018 Discontinuation messaging from Intuit
After May 31, 2021, access to add-on services will be discontinued for QuickBooks Desktop for Windows 2018. This includes all versions of QuickBooks Desktop Pro, Premier, and Enterprise Solutions v18 .
If you dot use any of the add-on services in QuickBooks Desktop 2018, your product will continue to work for you. You will not be able to subscribe to live technical support or any of the other Intuit services that can be integrated with QuickBooks Desktop.
In addition to QuickBooks Desktop for Windows 2018, there are a few other Intuit products that are affected by the discontinuation of add-on services.
Your access to QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Services, Payment Processing, Live Support, Online Backup, Online Banking, Technical Support and other services through QuickBooks Desktop 2018 software will be discontinued after May 31, 2021. This also means yoll no longer receive critical security updates starting June 1, 2021.