Questions & Answers
What You Want and Need to Know
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Getting Started
Evaluating QuickBooks Online How to Try QuickBooks Online Before You Buy |
Info for QuickBooks Users
Payroll Safety and Security |
It's easy to get started with QuickBooks Online. You may already have everything you need.
- How do I start?
- Can I add optional features later?
- Can I import data from Peachtree or another non-Intuit application?
- How much accounting do I need to know?
- How much does it cost?
- What is included in the subscription?
- What is the startup interview?
- What type of Internet connection do I need?
QuickBooks Online puts the power of the Internet to work for you.
- Can I contact a current customer?
- Can I pay annually instead?
- How does your price compare to other QuickBooks software?
- What if I don't see a business like mine?
Sign up for a free trial using your own data.
- As a trial user do I have complete access to QuickBooks Online or just a portion?
- Can I try it before I switch?
- Can I try it without signing up for the trial?
- How does the 30-day trial work?
- What happens to my trial data if I decide to sign up?
- Can I convert my existing QuickBooks desktop data?
- Can I import Quicken data?
- Does it have all the same features as other QuickBooks software?
- Can I manage payroll?
- How do I add Online Payroll?
- Are you using another QuickBooks payroll solution?
- Can I import payroll data from another QuickBooks version?
- Can I use direct deposit?
- How does Direct Deposit work?
- How do I start using direct deposit?
From firewall-protected servers to 24-hour monitoring and automatic daily back-ups, we take care of the technical details so you don't have to.
- Can I get a copy of my data on my hard drive?
- Do you backup my data?
- How safe is it to send my data over the Internet?
- What happens if my Internet access is down?
How do I start?
We're glad you asked! Click here to begin. Once you choose your solution you will begin a short startup interview which will customize QuickBooks Online for your business. With QuickBooks Online Plus 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. Ready to start?
Can I add optional features later?
Yes, you can add any features to your QuickBooks Online service at any time such as Payroll and Merchant Services (additional fees apply). With QuickBooks Online Plus we'll give you 30 days free and after that charge your credit card the amount in addition to your monthly subscription price.
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.
Online Basic starts at $9.95/month for basic accounting with one user (plus a free accountant user).
Online Plus is $34.95/month with three users plus an accountant and all optional features. Click here for details.
What is included in the subscription?
QuickBooks Online includes: Full use of the features of the particular version of QuickBooks Online, automatic upgrades at no extra cost, secure storage of your data, and product support* at no extra cost. You can add optional features at any time for an additional monthly fee.
What is the startup interview?
The startup interview is a series of questions about your business and how you operate it. Your answers allow us to personalize QuickBooks Online for the way you work. For instance, you can choose whether you want to refer to your customers as clients, donors, guests, or other words. It takes about 5-10 minutes to complete the interview and get started entering your data. Ready to start?
What type of Internet connection do I need?
We recommend a high-speed 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. See complete system requirements.
Can I contact a current customer?
Yes! You can contact a current customer via email. Or you can post questions to be answered by current customers on the QuickBooks Online Message Board. Finally, you can learn more about how our current customers use QuickBooks Online.
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 is that QuickBooks Online is always updated, includes automatic upgrades and provides call back and email support at no extra charge.
What if I don't see a business like mine?
QuickBooks Online is right for many types of businesses. What they all have in common is that they need to keep on top of their finances regardless of where they are and how many people are involved. We feature certain businesses because they best highlight the potential uses of QuickBooks Online.
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. Try it now.
Can I try it without signing up for the trial?
Yes, with Online Plus you can! If you don't want to enter your own data you can see how a fictitious company uses Online Plus to manage its finances. You will be able to enter data, run reports, and try the complete service using data that's in place and ready to go. Test drive Online Plus using the fictional company.
How does the 30-day trial work?
It's really easy. Click "Try" on the website and fill out a short startup interview. We won't ask for a credit card or send you a bill. In about 10 minutes you'll have access to the full QuickBooks Online service. If you like what you see, just enter your payment information and just keep working on the same file.
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 QuickBooks Online Plus you cannot convert your data from the Online Plus Trial to Online Basic.
Can I convert my existing QuickBooks desktop data?
Yes. You can import your QuickBooks Basic, Pro or Premier Edition file into Online Plus only. Just select the option to 'import data' when you go through Online Plus Startup interview. (We can only import data during that startup interview, so be sure to check that box.) Online Plus handles data slightly differently than other QuickBooks products so data will not transfer identically in every case. Read more specifics on data import.
Can I import Quicken data?
Not at this time.
Does it have all the same features as other QuickBooks software?
QuickBooks Online Plus 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.
Please note: Online Plus currently does not include Inventory, Purchase Orders, or Online Bill Pay functionality.
Can I manage payroll?
Yes. Payroll is an optional feature available for an additional fee. Click here for more information.
How do I add Online Payroll?
1. Log into QuickBooks Online.
2. From the Employees menu, select "Payroll Options."
3. Click "Get Started."
Are you using another QuickBooks payroll solution?
Can I import payroll data from another QuickBooks desktop 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 subscription. 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 our Online Payroll service (for QuickBooks Online). 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.
Note: we only support W-2 employees and US bank accounts at this time.
How do I start using direct deposit?
You'll find 'Setup Direct Deposit' in your Employees menu. Or you'll find Direct Deposit integrated into the Payroll Setup Interview, or 'Setup Payroll' in your Employees menu.
If you have any questions, please use the support link in the product. Our team is ready to answer your Direct Deposit questions.
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. Read more about how it works and the limitations of local copy.
Do you backup 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. See complete system requirements.
*For QuickBooks Online Basic Email Support available within 24 hours between the hours of 6 AM and 6 PM Pacific time, Monday through Friday. For QuickBooks Online Plus Chat and Call Back Support available, usually within 30 minutes 6 AM - 6 PM Pacific time, Monday through Friday.

