Migrate QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online — with every balance reconciled
We move Pro, Premier, Accountant and Enterprise files to QuickBooks Online for businesses and NGOs in Kenya and East Africa — including US Desktop editions, which Intuit's own tool cannot convert to the QuickBooks Online edition used here.
Desktop versions now expire on a schedule
Intuit retires each QuickBooks Desktop version's connected services on 31 May, three years after its release year. QuickBooks Desktop 2023 reached that date on 31 May 2026, and 2024 follows on 31 May 2027. After that, bank feeds, payroll updates, online backup, live support and security patches stop — even though the software still opens.
For finance teams that also want remote access, several users without a server, and no upgrade cycle, the move to QuickBooks Online solves both problems at once.
What moves — and what we rebuild
No migration tool moves everything. We tell you up front what transfers, what is rebuilt, and what stays archived in Desktop for reference.
- Chart of accounts, customers, suppliers, items
- Open invoices, bills and credit notes
- Opening balances, banks and VAT position
- Transaction history — full detail or monthly summary, your choice
- Classes, locations and jobs (to Plus / Advanced)
- Memorised and customised reportsRebuilt or documented in QuickBooks Online; originals stay archived
- Reconciliation reports and audit trailRebuilt or documented in QuickBooks Online; originals stay archived
- Desktop payroll history in full detailRebuilt or documented in QuickBooks Online; originals stay archived
Is your QuickBooks Desktop still supported?
Pick the year on your QuickBooks Desktop (Help → About).
| Version | Connected services end |
|---|---|
| QuickBooks Desktop 2020 | 31 May 2023 |
| QuickBooks Desktop 2021 | 31 May 2024 |
| QuickBooks Desktop 2022 | 31 May 2025 |
| QuickBooks Desktop 2023 | 31 May 2026 |
| QuickBooks Desktop 2024 | 31 May 2027 |
When a version reaches its end date, Intuit stops bank feeds, payroll, online backup, live support and security updates for it. The software may still open, but it is no longer protected or connected. Dates follow Intuit's three-year discontinuation policy for US editions; regional editions can differ, so ask us to confirm yours.
From KES 25,000, fixed in writing
Tell us your Desktop version, roughly how many years of data you have, and when you'd like to switch. We'll review the file and send a written scope, timeline and fixed price.
- Typical timeline: one to three weeks to go-live
- Cut-over at month-end, with no lost working days
- Trial balance, banks, debtors, creditors and VAT reconciled
- Role-based training before you go live
Request a free file assessment
We reply within one working day. Prefer email? info@remotixregional.com
Can I convert QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online myself?
Intuit's built-in export works between matching regions — for example US Desktop to US QuickBooks Online, into a company created within the last 60 days. Many Desktop files in East Africa are US editions, while QuickBooks Online here is the Global edition, and Intuit states that direct region-to-region migration isn't possible. In that case the data has to be moved through a structured import, which is the work we do.
What doesn't come across automatically?
Items such as memorised reports, reconciliation reports, report customisations, some payroll history and certain inventory settings do not transfer as they are. We document them and rebuild what you still need in QuickBooks Online.
Should we move or upgrade Desktop instead?
If you depend on Desktop-only features or work largely offline, upgrading to a supported Desktop version can be the right call — we sell and support Desktop licences too. If you want remote access, bank feeds, multiple users without a server and no version upgrades, QuickBooks Online is the better long-term home.
How much does it cost to migrate from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online?
From KES 25,000, fixed after a free assessment of your company file. The main cost drivers are the years of detailed history you want and how much clean-up the file needs.
Which QuickBooks Online plan do we need after migrating?
If you used classes, locations, inventory or job costing in Desktop, you will need QuickBooks Online Plus or Advanced. We confirm this during the assessment so you don't pay for more than you need.
Rather stay on Desktop for now?
We also sell and support current QuickBooks Desktop licences. We'll give you an honest view of which option fits your team.