How to Approach the Upcoming QuickBooks Desktop 2021 Discontinuation

April 16, 2024

As a business owner, you may have heard the news that QuickBooks Desktop 2021 software will be discontinued after May 31, 2024. This news can be concerning for businesses that utilize this software to manage finances.

Let’s discuss what is being discontinued and what you can do to address the situation.

What Is Being Discontinued?

The following products will be affected by the discontinuation:

QuickBooks Desktop Pro 2021
QuickBooks Desktop Premier 2021 (General Business, Contractor, Manufacturing & Wholesale, Nonprofit, Professional Services, and Retail)
QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions 21
QuickBooks Premier Accountant Edition 2021
QuickBooks Enterprise Accountant 21
QuickBooks Desktop for Mac 2021

Access to various QuickBooks services (including, but not limited to Online Backup, Online Banking, Desktop Payroll, Desktop Payments, and live technical support) will be discontinued after May 31, 2024. Additionally, critical security updates that protect data will not be received starting June 1, 2024.

This could make your business vulnerable to security breaches and other issues that arise with outdated software (such as compatibility issues with other software and hardware as technology advances). If your business uses QuickBooks 2021 Desktop products, you must start thinking about what you need to do to prepare for this discontinuation.

Options to Address the Discontinuation

To address the situation and to minimize disruption to your business, the following options are available:

Upgrade to the latest version of QuickBooks Desktop: Upgrading to the latest version will ensure that your business uses updated software with up-to-date security features. You can sign up for QuickBooks Desktop hosting services, which allow you to run the software on the cloud and provide more flexibility than the desktop version.
Migrate to QuickBooks Online: Another option is migrating to QuickBooks Online, a cloud-based accounting software. This option will provide your business with remote access to your financial records and eliminate the need for on-premise storage. QuickBooks Online is regularly updated, and you can access the latest features and enhancements.
Seek Assistance from Wiss Professionals: If you would like more support in addressing the situation, seek guidance from a Wiss professional. Our team members can assist with determining the best option (which may include implementing an ERP system that is not QuickBooks) for the business and with the migration process. This will help ensure the transition is done correctly and your business operations are not disrupted. Additionally, our Wiss professionals can provide guidance in other areas that will bring efficiency and innovation to the finance process.

The discontinuation of the QuickBooks Desktop 2021 software may seem overwhelming, but it’s essential to take action to protect your business. Upgrading to the latest version or migrating to QuickBooks Online (or another ERP system) are viable options that will enable your business to continue operating efficiently and securely. Seeking professional help will smooth the migration process and minimize any disruption to your business operations. Don’t wait until it’s too late; take action now so your business can continue thriving.