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S
SundoElliott415
March 19, 2022
Question

Opening a 2022 client QB file in 2021 Accountant Desktop version?

  • March 19, 2022
  • 3 replies
  • 0 views

I have 2021 QuickBooks Accountant Desktop and I use the file transfer service for clients to send me their year end QB to do tax returns.

 

When a client sent me a file today, it would not open because the file was a "newer version of QuickBooks". So I am assuming my client has 2022.

 

Am I able to open the file without upgrading my QB to 2022?

 

Thank you!

3 replies

J
JamaicaA
March 19, 2022

I'm here to share details as to how you can open a 2022 file using QuickBooks Desktop 2021 version, @SundoElliott415.


The client and accountant should use the same version or year of QuickBooks Desktop. This is to ensure the accountant’s version is compatible with the client.


Since your client is using a newer version of QuickBooks, you can no longer open the file using your version. This is because different QuickBooks versions utilize a dissimilar process of compressing backup files. You’ll need to use the same version with your client to work on their files and send back to them.


For an instance, if you make any modifications to your client's file, some features won’t be available. Thus, the changes won't be imported.


If you want to download the QuickBooks Desktop 2022 directly, you can click this link. If you’re also interested to use its trial version, you can check out this article. Then, you'll need to upgrade your company files after you switch to a new version of QuickBooks Desktop.


I'm adding an article for additional reference about the company file compatibility with QuickBooks Desktop when upgrading. It’s important to know about this to avoid issues and errors upon the upgrade.


Please don't hesitate to reply below if you need additional assistance with handling your QuickBooks Desktop file. I’ll be around to help you. Take care.

T
TEXAS_CPA
April 17, 2023

What everyone is really saying:

a) No, you can't work on last year's QB file with this year's QB software (you must upgrade the last year file to be this year's file before this year's QB will open it).

b) No, you can't work on this year's QB file and give it back to the client who uses last year's QB software. They will not be able to use it.

 

NOTE: QB wants everyone to upgrade frequently. This limitation means the bookkeeper needs to keep several year's of QB software installed so they can open, use, and return the QB file back to the client. If you make a mistake and upgrade a file (e.g. 2021 to 2022) you must either get the client to upgrade their software, or re-do all your work in QB software that is the same year as your client.

 

    Fiat Lux - ASIA
    Fiat Lux - ASIA
    March 20, 2022

    @SundoElliott415 

    You can only use QBD 2021 Accountant edition to manage clients with QBD 2020 and 2021. Consider to purchase a one time license for QBD 2022 Accountant edition to manage your clients with QBD 2022 or QBD 2021.

    S
    SundoElliott415Author
    March 20, 2022

    Thank you for your responses! Is there any way for my client who has the 2022 version to send me a 2021 version for me to open on my end if the client had 2021 previously?

    JenoP
    JenoP
    March 20, 2022

    Joining the conversation to help with your question about opening accountant's copy, SundoElliott415.

     

    As you may have read from the previous answers, changes that are made by the accountant will not import to the client's file if they're not compatible. Ideally, the client and accountant using the Accountant's Copy feature should use the same version or year of QuickBooks Desktop.

     

    With regards to your question, you'll want to ask the client if they still have a backup copy of their company file prior to upgrading to the 2022 version. Otherwise, you'll want to upgrade your QuickBooks so you can open the client's file.

     

    You can follow the steps in this article on how to do it: Upgrade QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus, Premier Plus, or Enterprise.

     

    I'd also like to share these articles with you for more references about this feature:

     

     

    Don't hesitate to always ask questions if you need more information or clarifications. We're always here to answer them for you. 

     

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