What are the initial steps to convert from self-employed to Essentials?

Hello, @skiffnbuck-aol-c. 

I'm here to  add additional information on how you can upgrade  your subscription from QuickBooks Self-Employed (QBSE) to QuickBooks Online (QBO).

First, let's  make sure to download all of your QBSE data or work.

1. Sign in to your QBSE report.
2. Go to the Reports menu.
3. In the Tax details section, select a tax year.
4. Select Download to get a Tax Details report.
5. Download a report for each tax year you have in QuickBooks.
6. Repeat the following actions above for your Profit and Loss, Mileage Log, and Receipts.

Once done, double-check if you can automatically move your data into QBO.

1. Go to the profile or gear icon.
2. Select Billing info.
3. If you see the Explore QuickBooks Online plans, select it to start the upgrade.

You can choose the different QBO plan that's best for you and your business.

1. Tap on Switch plan or Choose plan for the QBO plan you want.
2. Follow the on-screen steps. If you want to save a copy of your reports before you move everything, select the Download your reports link.
3. Select Bring my data if you want to choose which data you move over. If you don't want to move any data and start fresh, select Start fresh.
4. Once you're ready to move your data to QBO, select To QuickBooks Online. If you see a billing info review screen, select Change plan to start.

The process can take some time. When completed, you're ready to start your new accounting experience in QBO.

However, if you don't see the Explore QuickBooks option, you have to move your data to QBO manually.

1. Download your QBSE data.
2. Sign up for QuickBooks Online.
3. Move your transaction to QBO.
4. Cancel your QBSE account (optional).

You can also open this link for more tips about the process: Switch from QuickBooks Self-Employed to QuickBooks Online.

When everything is in place, you're now ready to get started with QBO.

Feel free to reach back out to me if I can be of more help in upgrading QBO. I'll make sure to get back to you as soon as I can.