Can I update an accountant's copy from 2017 to 2020 before i send it back to the client?

Hello there, @fraidenburgm. 

Thanks for reaching out to the Community. I'm here to provide clarification on upgrading your accountant's copy. 

If an accountant makes changes using features that aren't available in the client's version of QuickBooks Desktop, changes will not import to the client's file. This is why you'll need to upgrade your file when you open an Accountant's Copy in a newer version of QBDT.

However, you can still work on the Accountant's Copy using a different version as long as the gap between the versions is just one year, and the accountant has a more recent version. For more information about using the accountant's copy, you can check out this detailed article: Use the Accountant's Copy. 

Feel free to comment below if you have any more questions. I'm always here to lend a hand and help. Take care!

@fraidenburgm 

If your client is using QBD 2017, you may have two options:

1. Purchase a license of QBD Accountant 2018

2. Ask your client upgrading their license