Which QuickBooks Platform Is Right for You?
Which QuickBooks platform is the best for your business?
The answer, unfortunately, is IT DEPENDS. Here are three important factors to consider when choosing if QuickBooks Desktop or QuickBooks Online (QBO) is right for your bookkeeping needs.
- When and how you can access your information – This is one of the biggest differences between the two products. If your file only needs to be accessed from one office by computer only, QuickBooks Desktop might serve you well. If you have employees in different locations, like those that are working from home, or if you want to be able to access your file on the go – even from your phone – then QBO might be the best choice.
- Price – QuickBooks Desktop is purchased annually while QBO is paid through a monthly subscription. Depending on which version of QuickBooks you require, one option may be more cost effective. If you are considering QBO, you can take advantage of significant subscription discounts by starting your file with an accounting firm like Davis & Hodgdon.
- Payroll provider – If you outsource your payroll to a third-party provider, this might not apply, but if you use (or plan to use) QuickBooks for your payroll service, you’ll need to understand the functionality of each program. QuickBooks Desktop allows you to have more control over your payroll items and allows payroll to be split by customer or job. QBO is limited on payroll items and cost allocation but offers other attractive functions like tax form filing and automatic payments.
Choosing which QuickBooks platform to use can be extremely tricky and requires careful consideration.
Our Remote Accounting Department (RAD) would be happy to help you decide which platform is right for your business and help with set-up and ongoing bookkeeping services. Please reach out to our team in Williston (802-308-4293) or Rutland (802-775-7132), and one of our expert QuickBooks Online Certified ProAdvisors can help you decide which platform best suits you.
Written by Ashlie Hall, Bookkeeper, RAD