Why This Matters

The accounting software landscape is changing rapidly. Major vendors like Intuit (QuickBooks), Sage, and FCC (AgExpert) are shifting their focus to cloud-based platforms. While desktop versions remain available for now, support and updates are gradually winding down — meaning Canadian businesses need to start planning for this transition today.

QuickBooks Desktop: Approaching Its Final Chapter

Intuit Canada has announced that sales of new QuickBooks Desktop subscriptions will end in April 2025, and support for QuickBooks Desktop 2022 (Pro, Premier, Enterprise 22.0) will end on May 31, 2025. After that date, users will lose access to critical security updates, payroll, and banking integrations.

What this means for you:

• You can continue using your current version, but without support or updates.
• Banking, payroll, and connected services will stop working after discontinuation.
• Migrating early to QuickBooks Online ensures data continuity, security, and compliance.

Action step:
Plan your migration to QuickBooks Online before mid-2025. This will minimize disruption and ensure you stay compliant with CRA requirements and payroll services.

Sage: Gradual Shift to the Cloud

Sage continues to support several desktop products in Canada, including Sage 50 and Sage 300, but the company’s roadmap is clearly moving toward cloud and hosted versions. Legacy systems such as Sage 1000 and Sage Line 500 have reached end-of-life as of December 31, 2024, with only limited extended support available beyond that date.

What this means for you:

• If you’re using Sage 1000 or Line 500, migration is urgent — support and updates are ending.
• Sage 50 and Sage 300 users still have time but should begin exploring Sage’s cloud or hosted options.
• Moving early can prevent costly downtime or data-conversion challenges later.

Action step:
Schedule a software review with your advisor or IT team to determine which Sage platform (e.g., Sage Intacct or Sage 50 Cloud) best fits your needs and budget.

AgExpert: Desktop Still Supported, but the Future Is Web-Based

For Canadian farmers and agribusinesses, AgExpert Analyst (desktop) and AgExpert Accounting (web/cloud) remain supported. However, FCC’s development focus is firmly on the cloud version, offering improved data sharing, mobility, and security through Microsoft Azure hosting.

What this means for you:

• The desktop version remains an option for offline use.
• The web version provides continuous updates and better integration with modern devices.
• Moving to the cloud future-proofs your accounting workflow.

Action step:
Evaluate AgExpert Accounting to see if it meets your current and future needs. A gradual migration plan allows you to adopt the cloud solution at your own pace.

The Bottom Line: Start Planning Now

Across all major platforms, the message is clear: the cloud is the future of accounting software. While you may not need to switch immediately, it’s important to prepare now. Waiting until your desktop product is unsupported could leave your business vulnerable to data loss, integration failures, or compliance issues.

Next steps for clients:

1. Confirm which software and version you’re using.
2. Check your vendor’s official discontinuation timeline.
3. Plan your migration and training strategy early.
4. Consult with your advisor or accountant to ensure your data transitions smoothly and securely.

How We Can Help

At Stark & Marsh, we work closely with clients across industries to plan and implement smooth software transitions. Whether you’re migrating from QuickBooks Desktop, Sage, or AgExpert, our team can help assess your readiness, guide you through data conversion, and ensure your accounting systems continue to support your business goals.

Contact us today to discuss your migration plan or to schedule a software review with one of our advisors.