We have payroll and QB Basic. Can we eliminate QB Basic in January and retain only payroll with no adverse consequences?

Hello there. @patsypahayes-aol.
 

Let me chime in and clarify things for you. 

Payroll is an add-on feature to QuickBooks. It'll be deactivated if you unsubscribe from this package. If using payroll alone is your goal, we can subscribe to another QuickBooks product offer which is the stand-alone payroll. Take a look at my screenshot below:

In addition, you can Contact Payroll Support so we can migrate your payroll data to your new subscription. 

You'll one to visit this article to learn about what you and your accountant need to do in QuickBooks Online to close out the previous year and prepare for the new one: Year-end guide for QuickBooks Online.

Feel free to post anytime soon here in the Community. Help is just a poll away. Happy holidays!