QuickBooks Desktop has been a reliable accounting tool for many Canadian businesses, but the way Intuit supports its Desktop products has changed significantly.
In 2026, many businesses are still using older versions that are no longer supported, even if the software appears to work.
This can create unexpected risks, from lost functionality to security and compliance concerns, making it important to understand where your current version stands.
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The Current State of QuickBooks Desktop in Canada
As of April 2025, Intuit stopped selling QuickBooks Desktop Pro, QuickBooks Desktop Premier, and QuickBooks Desktop Payroll to new Canadian subscribers.
While existing users may still be able to renew or continue using supported versions, this change reflects Intuit’s broader shift away from Desktop products and toward cloud-based solutions such as QuickBooks Online.
In 2026, the key question is no longer whether QuickBooks Desktop opens, but whether it remains supported, secure, and reliable for ongoing business use.
QuickBooks Desktop Versions and Support Status
QuickBooks Desktop follows a rolling support lifecycle. Versions from 2021 and earlier are fully unsupported, meaning payroll updates, bank feeds, online services, security updates, and Intuit technical support have already ended. QuickBooks Desktop 2022 reached its service discontinuation date on May 31, 2025.
QuickBooks Desktop 2023 will reach the same point on May 31, 2026, with security updates ending immediately afterward.
Only newer versions remain supported, and even those will face future discontinuation dates.
If you are using a version older than 2022, the software may still function for basic bookkeeping, but it is already operating outside Intuit’s supported environment.
Risks of Using Unsupported Versions
Using an unsupported version of QuickBooks Desktop can lead to several operational challenges.
Payroll may stop functioning correctly due to outdated tax tables, and automatic bank feeds may no longer connect, forcing manual data entry and increasing the risk of errors.
Integrated services such as online payments, backups, and third-party applications may also fail or stop working altogether.
Security is another major concern. Once a version is unsupported, it no longer receives security updates, increasing exposure to data breaches and cyber risks.
In addition, Intuit does not provide technical support for unsupported versions, which can make resolving issues more time-consuming and costly for business owners.
Why Many Businesses Are Moving Away from QuickBooks Desktop
Rather than continuing to upgrade Desktop versions every few years, many businesses are choosing to move to modern, cloud-based accounting platforms. This approach eliminates the recurring disruption of version sunsets and provides greater stability over time.
For businesses with more complex accounting needs, multiple users, payroll requirements, inventory tracking, or a desire for real-time collaboration with their accountant, QuickBooks Online is often the most practical long-term solution.
As a cloud-based platform, it offers automatic updates, ongoing security enhancements, and access from anywhere.
It also enables more efficient collaboration, and in many cases, firms like ours can offer more competitive pricing and better overall value when clients transition to QuickBooks Online.
Lower-Cost Alternatives for Simpler Businesses
QuickBooks Online is not the right fit for every business.
Smaller businesses, freelancers, and those with straightforward bookkeeping needs may benefit from simpler or lower-cost alternatives.
Xero is a cloud-based accounting platform well suited for small to mid-sized businesses that want full double-entry accounting with unlimited users.
FreshBooks is often a good option for freelancers and service-based businesses that prioritize invoicing, time tracking, and ease of use.
Wave offers a free core accounting solution with basic invoicing and expense tracking, making it attractive for very small businesses with minimal accounting complexity.
In limited cases, Excel can also be sufficient where transaction volumes are low, though it requires greater discipline and manual oversight.
Choosing the Right Solution for Your Business
Larger or growing businesses with more complex requirements are generally best served by robust platforms such as QuickBooks Online or Xero.
Smaller, simpler businesses may find FreshBooks, Wave, or similar tools more cost-effective and easier to manage.
The most important factor is selecting software that aligns with your business size, complexity, and future plans, rather than continuing to rely on unsupported systems that introduce unnecessary risk.
How RMI LLP Can Help
At RMI LLP, we help clients evaluate their current accounting software, understand the risks of outdated systems, and transition to solutions that better support their operations.
In many cases, we can also offer our clients access to discounted pricing on QuickBooks Online Plus or Xero Standard plans.
Whether you are considering a move to QuickBooks Online, exploring alternative platforms, or simply want to confirm whether your current version is still supported, our team is here to answer your questions and help you move forward with confidence.
Contact us today to book a Free consultation or reach us at 403-457-4232 or at info@rmillp.com.
