Frequently asked questions

Getting Started

	How do I start?
	We're glad you asked! Once you choose your solution you will begin a short startup interview which will customize QuickBooks Online for your business. With QuickBooks Online Plus or Online Essentials you can import your data from another version of QuickBooks (most current versions will convert and upload) or start from scratch. Either way, you are ready to go in no time at all.
	Can I add optional features later?
	Yes, you can add any features to your QuickBooks Online service at any time such as QuickBooks Online Payroll and Merchant Services (additional fees apply).
	Can I convert my existing QuickBooks desktop data?
	Yes. You can import your QuickBooks Basic, Pro or Premier Edition file into Online Plus or Online Essentials. You'll have the opportunity to import your desktop data as many times as you wish within the first 30 days of signing up. Your existing QuickBooks desktop data will convert to comparable features in QuickBooks Online where applicable. When comparable features do not exist (such as customer or vendor types), the data will not be converted. Currently, QuickBooks Online does not support imports directly from third-party applications. It is possible through a multi-step process. Please contact us for more information.
	Can I import Quicken data?
	Not at this time. Sign up to be notified when this feature becomes available. In the meantime, there is a multi-step workaround that our support team can explain and help you get started with QuickBooks Online.
	Does it have all the same features as other QuickBooks software?
	QuickBooks Online does not have an identical set of features to other QuickBooks desktop products. We designed it specifically for businesses that need to access their books remotely and/or allow multiple people to work simultaneously. Some of its features are unique while many are the same or similar to other QuickBooks products. See the comparison chart for the side-by-side comparison.
	Can I import data from Peachtree or another non-Intuit application?
	If you would like to convert data from another accounting system like Peachtree, then Contact Us.
	How much accounting do I need to know?
	We designed QuickBooks Online to be as easy to use as possible. You don't need to know accounting. If you know how to write checks, create and send invoices, and file your bills, you'll know how to use QuickBooks Online. To help, we offer easy instructions and simple, recognizable forms so you can quickly and confidently be up and running.
	How much does it cost?
	Online Simple Start costs $12.95/month for basic accounting with one user (plus a free accountant user). Online Essentials costs $26.95/month for up to three users plus an accountant. Plus costs $39.95/month for up to five users plus an accountant. You can add more users for an additional cost.
	What is included in the subscription?
	QuickBooks Online includes: Full use of the features of the particular version of QuickBooks Online, automatic upgrades to your selected version at no extra cost, secure storage of your data, and product support¹ at no extra cost. You can add optional features at any time for an additional monthly fee.
	What are the system requirements for QuickBooks Online?
	We recommend a high-speed Internet connection, such as DSL or cable modem. You are welcome to try a slower connection, but it will take you a lot longer to get things done. Here are the minimum system requirements: IBM-compatible 450 MHz computer with 128MB RAM Windows XP or MacOS X 1024x768 screen resolution Internet connection For Windows users: Adobe Reader 6.0 or higher is required for printing invoices, checks, and other forms (Adobe Reader is available for free download). Supported browsers: Internet Explorer 8 or later for Windows Firefox 5 or later for Windows or Mac Safari 5 or later for Windows Safari 4 or later for Mac Chrome for Windows or Mac

Evaluating QuickBooks Online

	Can I contact a current customer?
	You can post questions to be answered by current customers on the QuickBooks Online Message Board.
	Can I pay annually instead?
	Yes, you can choose to pay for a full year of the service. And you'll even get a 10% discount.
	How does your price compare to other QuickBooks software?
	QuickBooks Online charges a monthly subscription price, whereas other QuickBooks products are a one-time purchase. The main differences between the two models are that QuickBooks Online is always updated, and includes automatic upgrades and product support at no extra charge.

How to Try QuickBooks Online Before You Buy

	As a trial user, do I have complete access to QuickBooks Online or just a portion?
	Yes, try it ALL! The 30-day Trial is a full working version.
	Can I try it before I switch?
	Yes. We recommend you first test drive QuickBooks Online using sample data. If you are ready to manage your own data you can start a trial for 30 days to make sure it's right for you.
	How does the 30-day trial work?
	It's really easy. Click "Try" on the website and fill out a short startup interview. In about 10 minutes you'll have access to the full QuickBooks Online service. You can cancel anytime-it's risk-free!
	What happens to my trial data if I decide to sign up?
	If you subscribe to QuickBooks Online during the 30-day trial, you will continue using the same company file you created. If you do not subscribe, you can access your data in a read-only format for 90 days after the expiration of the 30-day trial period. After 90 days it is deleted. Note: Once you begin a Free Trial with Plus, you cannot convert your data from the Plus Trial to Essentials or Simple Start. If you switch to a lower tier you will have to input your data manually.

Payroll

	Can I manage payroll?
	Yes. Payroll is an optional feature available for an additional fee.
	How do I add QuickBooks Online Payroll?
	You can add Online Payroll during the start-up interview. Or, once you've started using QuickBooks Online, just follow these 3 easy steps: Log into QuickBooks Online. From the Employees menu, select "Try Payroll Free". Click "Get Started."
	How does QuickBooks Online Payroll work?
	Run payroll in just a few clicks. Each payday, enter employees' hours in QuickBooks Online, and QuickBooks Online Payroll automatically calculates paychecks. Easily print paychecks or use free and convenient Direct Deposit. Since QuickBooks Online Payroll is on the web, you'll have access to the latest federal and state payroll tax rates and forms. Intuit Payroll's team of compliance professionals works with tax authorities to help keep your payroll tax rates accurate and up-to-date. With QuickBooks Online Payroll, it's easy to pay payroll taxes and file tax forms. QuickBooks Online Payroll instantly calculates your federal and many state payroll taxes for you and reminds you when and how much you have to pay. You can write a check or conveniently pay your federal and select state taxes electronically with E-Pay for no extra charge. Also, QuickBooks Online Payroll automatically fills in the latest federal and many state tax forms for you -just print, sign and mail them. Plus, receive helpful email reminders so your taxes and forms are always on time. If you need help, you'll have free callback support from our payroll specialists, so you won't need to waste time on hold. Submit your question online and a support specialist will call you back usually within 30 minutes. Callback support is available weekdays from 6AM to 6PM Pacific Time.
	Can I import payroll data from another QuickBooks version?
	You can convert your balances, accounts and employee lists, but not your transaction details and payroll settings. A new setup interview in QuickBooks Online Payroll will guide you through creating payroll items, setting up employee deductions, and if you are switching mid-year, entering year-to-date amounts. Paychecks and liability payments are converted as checks. Liability refunds, adjustment transactions, and opening balance transactions that affect accounts are converted to journal entries. Employee contact information is converted, but their payroll information is not.
	Can I use Direct Deposit?
	Yes, direct deposit is included in your QuickBooks Online Payroll. Enjoy hassle-free paydays—no checks to sign. You can deposit your employees' pay directly into their accounts even if you're away from the office on payday or if they work remotely.
	How does Direct Deposit work?
	Direct Deposit is fully integrated with QuickBooks Online Payroll. You'll be able to setup your company bank account and your employees. Then, just Create Paychecks as you normally would and, with a click, send the Direct Deposit information to be processed. You can always know the status of your Direct Deposit transactions by checking the Direct Deposit Status page.
	How many employees can I pay?
	With QuickBooks Online Payroll, performance may slow significantly if you have more than 100 employees or need to prepare W-2's for more than 100 employees. You can add or delete employees from QuickBooks Online Payroll at any time, with no fees.

Safety and Security

	Can I get a copy of my data on my hard drive?
	Yes. You have the option to download a copy of your data and keep it on your own computer (known as a local copy). This gives you the added comfort and control of storing the data yourself as well as having us back it up.
	Do you back up my data?
	Yes. In addition to always maintaining two copies of your data, we automatically back up your updated data every day. It's stored on firewall protected, redundant servers so your data is safe from hardware and software failures, hackers and viruses. Because we update your records with every change, we cannot restore your file to a previous point in time.
	How safe is it to send my data over the Internet?
	QuickBooks Online uses the same technology used by online banks and brokerages to transmit your private data over the Internet. Our parent company, Intuit, Inc., trusts the same system to submit millions of TurboTax returns every year. Learn more.
	What happens if my Internet access is down?
	If your Internet connection at your current location is down you won't be able to access QuickBooks Online. But, you can still access your books from any computer with an Internet connection. It may be a hassle, but you can go to the local coffee or copy shop that has Internet access available.

¹ For QuickBooks Online Simple Start, email support is available 6am - 6pm PST, M - F; please allow up to 24 hours for a reply. For QuickBooks Online Essentials and Plus, call-back and chat support are available 6am - 6pm PST, M - F; you are usually contacted within 30 minutes.