I used the desktop version of QB for many years and switched to the online version a handful of years back on the recommendation of my CPA. There are many things that it does very, very, very easily (e.g., W2s, 1099s, reconciliation, invoicing, state/federal tax reporting) that essentially saved me 1-2 hours per month and money not paid to an accountant.
I started using the Merchant Services option for sending out invoices about 18 months ago and loved that some people paid me within minutes or 1-2 days of receiving the invoice because they could pay me through ACH, credit card, etc., although the majority of payors are (unfortunately) still sending paper checks. I also like that I could set up an automated system to remind payors that the invoice is almost due and it sends them another notice 14 days out (you can set any timeline) to let them know that the invoice is past due and will start accumulating late fees.
Another neat feature is that it tells me when the invoice was sent out, when it was opened, and how often it was viewed. That was rather helpful recently when I emailed an attorney's office (twice) with the PDF copy of the invoice that was several months past due. He had his accountant get ahold of me to say they never got the original invoice. I sent them a screen shot of the activity on the invoice (it had been and then viewed 18 times). I had payment within days.
What I DON'T like about QBO is that when you apply a received check to an invoice, you have to do a variety of additional steps (19 to be exact) to match the two systems. I literally spent THREE hours with the customer service line last week trying to figure out if there was an easier way to do it. There isn't.
My CPA told me earlier this week that they have to do the same thing for their accounting as I do, as do other clients of theirs using the online version. We both agreed that QBO will need to change this glitch soon as they're going to end up losing a lot of customers.
With the pluses and minuses, I'll like stick with QBO long term and the pros outnumber the cons.
Best,
M
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Mary Barros-Bailey, PhD, CRC
Bilingual Rehabilitation Counselor, Vocational Expert, Life Care Planner
Intermountain Vocational Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 7511
Boise, ID 83707-1511
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-24-2023 11:43
From: Barbara K. Nelson
Subject: Business Question
I have been using Quickbooks for my accounting software for almost 25 years. My desktop version is ending very soon, and I have been trying to upgrade it. I ended up having to talk to a couple of reps at Intuit (both of whom had strong Indian accents). Upon my computer tech's recommendation, I tried to purchase another Desktop version. The first rep told me that it would cost $550 to use it for a year. Since I only use Quickbooks to do invoices, receive payments, and keep track of expenses, that cost seemed outlandish. He then got me to a small business rep. He told me there are only online versions now; no more desktop. Because I don't use payroll, invoice tracking, and other features of Quickbooks, he said that I could use the Online Simple Start version. The cost is $320 annually, but he could give me the first year for $160. I then talked to my CPA , and she also cautioned against the online version. I asked about other accounting software packages, and she could give me no recommendations (not sure what I pay her for?!!). My computer guy also did not have any recommendations. So I am turning to my Listmates for any potential advice/guidance. Thanks in advance.
"Boise Barb"
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Barbara Nelson
Forensic Vocational Consultant
barbnelsonimarc1@gmail.com
Boise, ID United States
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