I am migrating from desktop to online, should i do this once i have completed my last payroll?

What QB Desktop year version? 2024 or older?

Hi there, Filomena.

Yes, you can proceed with the migration once you've completed your last payroll. Let me provide some guidance before migrating to QuickBooks Online.

When you move from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online, most payroll data won't transfer. With this, please complete your 2025 payroll tasks like filing forms and paying taxes in QuickBooks Desktop to ensure a clean transfer of data for 2026 to QuickBooks Online.

Consider the following information when transferring your payroll data:

• Paychecks from QuickBooks Desktop become regular checks in QuickBooks Online.
• You'll get a lump-sum import for the current year's paycheck info.

When switching, you'll learn which features and data that move and which do not. Please see in the Features section and go to Payroll - with QuickBooks Online.

Please note that you have only 90 days to migrate your data from the time you create your QuickBooks Online account. The time needed to move your data to QBO varies depending on the size of your company file. Make sure to keep QuickBooks Desktop running until the move is done.

For more information on what you'll need to get started with your migration, check out this helpful article: Move your QuickBooks Desktop file to QuickBooks Online.

To streamline your payroll process as a new user of QuickBooks Online, Explore QuickBooks Payroll. From setting up employee information to preparing tax forms, our experts cover everything you need to know to optimize your payroll management.

You are always welcome to return to the Community whenever you need assistance.

Hi there, Filomena.

I wanted to follow up and confirm if the guidance provided helped you move forward successfully with your migration to QuickBooks Online.

Please let us know if everything is working as expected or if you’re facing any challenges with your payroll tasks or data transfer.

We’re here to assist you further and ensure everything runs smoothly. Feel free to reach out anytime.