QuickBooks 2010 is on its way, and previews promise some exciting new changes. I'm looking forward to receiving my copy any day now, and the anticipation is overwhelming! (Some of us are more easily amused than others.)
New Features in 2010
One that I'm looking forward to is the Client Data Review, which will allow me to easily identify errors and make mass corrections. This is only in the Accountant's version, but it will also allow me to fix and send back files from QB Pro and Premier 2009 to clients easily. This is huge, since I'll be able to fix things from 2009 and send it back to you using the Accountant's Copy. No upgrading necessary from 2009!
A totally new feature in 2010 for Pro, Premier, and Enterprise is the Document Management system which will store documents in the Internet cloud. Know how you collect all those pesky receipts and documents that have to be filed? With 2010, we can scan the documents directly into QB, and attach them to transactions, accounts, vendors, employees, and customers. This keeps your documents as well as your QB file backed up, and will simplify collecting and matching documents to specific transactions.
A TWAIN compliant scanner is required for this, so if you're thinking of getting a new scanner, you'll want to make sure it's TWAIN.
Also in Pro, Premier, and Enterprise will be the ability to copy and paste lists from Excel directly into QB lists. And instead of editing each list entry individually, we'll be able to copy the changes to many.
Do You Need to Upgrade?
I'm often asked if upgrading is necessary, and the answer is certainly not. Depending on the features you use, upgrading is entirely optional. QuickBooks does support only the previous three versions, so this year 2006 was sunsetted, which means payroll subscriptions no longer work, as well as online banking. If, however, you're not using those and want to continue with an older version, go right ahead. I would advise that you make regular backups after every use and keep them in a secure location because if there is a problem, there's nothing Intuit support can do to help you. Next year 2007 will be sunsetted, so if you have a payroll subscription or use online banking, you'll want to upgrade.
However, there are always good deals to be found on the current software, especially if you don't have to run out and buy it on a moment's notice. If you'd like to be notified of these sales, let me know and I'll add you to my email list that I send out when I become aware of them. Sometimes they only last a day.
