Support: 855-749-2321
Are you currently using QuickBooks Self-Employed (QBSE) and realizing you need more advanced features like payroll, inventory tracking, or multi-user access? If so, it’s time to consider upgrading to QuickBooks Online (QBO)—a more powerful platform designed to grow with your business.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to upgrade from QuickBooks Self-Employed to QuickBooks Online, what’s involved, what changes, and how to get expert support if you need it.
Why Upgrade from QuickBooks Self-Employed?
QuickBooks Self-Employed is ideal for freelancers, gig workers, and sole proprietors—but it has limitations. You may want to upgrade if:
- You’re growing your business or forming an LLC or S-Corp
- You need invoicing, payroll, and bill management
- You want multi-user access
- You need to track inventory or manage employees
- You’re outgrowing the basic tax tracking and mileage features
QuickBooks Online offers robust tools to manage a growing business more effectively.
Can You Transfer Data from QBSE to QBO?
QuickBooks Self-Employed and QuickBooks Online are separate platforms, so unfortunately, Intuit does not support a direct data transfer from QBSE to QBO. This means your transactions, mileage logs, and reports do not automatically migrate.
What You Can Transfer:
- You can manually export reports like Profit & Loss, Transactions, and Mileage.
- You can then set up your new QuickBooks Online account and import data as needed.
🔧 If this process feels too technical, our team can help. Call 855-749-2321 for assistance with exporting and setting up your new account.
How to Upgrade to QuickBooks Online (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Export Data from QuickBooks Self-Employed
- Log in to QuickBooks Self-Employed.
- Go to Reports from the left-hand menu.
- Download key reports:
- Profit & Loss
- Transactions
- Mileage (if needed)
- Save them to your computer in CSV or PDF format.
Step 2: Sign Up for QuickBooks Online
- Visit the QuickBooks Online website.
- Choose the plan that fits your business:
- Simple Start (basic accounting)
- Essentials (multi-user and bill management)
- Plus (inventory, projects, and time tracking)
- Advanced (scalable for larger businesses)
- Sign up using your Intuit credentials (same email/password as QBSE).
Step 3: Set Up QuickBooks Online
- Log in to QuickBooks Online.
- Follow the guided setup process:
- Enter business details
- Connect your bank accounts
- Customize your chart of accounts
- Manually import or re-enter key financial data from your exported QBSE reports.
Step 4: Cancel QuickBooks Self-Employed (Optional)
Once you’re fully set up in QBO:
- Log in to your QBSE account.
- Go to Settings > Billing & Subscription.
- Cancel your subscription to avoid double billing.
⚠️ Make sure to download and back up all QBSE data before cancellation, as access will end.
Need Help with the Transition?
Switching from QuickBooks Self-Employed to QuickBooks Online isn’t automatic—but it can be smooth with the right support. We help business owners every day with:
- Exporting data from QBSE
- Setting up QuickBooks Online
- Customizing accounts and reports
- Training and ongoing support
📞 Call 855-749-2321 for expert help with upgrading today.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading from QuickBooks Self-Employed to QuickBooks Online is a smart move if your business is expanding beyond the basics. While it involves some manual setup, the benefits of more control, scalability, and powerful accounting tools are worth it.
Let your accounting software grow with your business. Make the switch today—or reach out for guided support.
📞 QuickBooks Upgrade Support: 855-749-2321