I paid a company to export QBS online info, I have IIF files, now how do I import to QBS desktop 2020? Beyond my abilities! Can you help?

Just to clarify, did they only help to export your data from QBO to get the files of IIF? After created a new company file, you have to start importing COA, Lists, and Transactions respectively. Explore the following reference

https://quickbooks.intuit.com/learn-support/en-ca/import-or-export-data-files/export-import-and-edit-iif-files/01/262337

If you encounter any error, there are many root causes. e.g You have to use the IIF format for CA version if you need to import it into QBD CA. As a workaround, you may convert your IIF files to XLS files. Then you may utilize one of these importer tools.

https://transactionpro.grsm.io/qbo

https://partners.saasant.com/affiliate/idevaffiliate.php?id=5051_2

As for the last resort, consider purchasing a 3rd party migration service.

Hi there ljohnson5,

Intuit Interchange Format or .IIF files are files that QuickBooks Desktop uses for importing and exporting lists or transactions in order to simplify the data exchange process between platforms. Importing .IIF files is fairly straightforward and QuickBooks Desktop will format it for you. Let me give you a hand with this.

While Intuit doesn't offer assisted technical support for the creation of or importing .IIF files, we do have a few handy articles and a tool that'll help you with the process. The .IIF import kit is a guide for creating and working with .IIF import files and inclues an Import Manual, Header Help, and Example Files. You can download the kit by following the instructions in this article: IIF Overview: import kit, sample files, and headers. The article also has sample files for a variety of transaction types and explains how to use and understand .IIF files. 

The article shared by @Fiat Lux - ASIA is a handy one as it goes over the steps for importing .IIF files, and I know you'll also find these articles useful as well:

• Improved IIF Import in QuickBooks 2019 and later

• Tasks you can do with IIF files

If I can provide any further clarification on the information in the articles or if you have further QuickBooks-related questions, just give me a shout here in the Community and I'll do my best to assist you. Take care!