Please help make me understand this, Those who do Bookkeeping for clients using QBO do you buy the subscription or the client buys it and invite you to work on it?

Navigating QuickBooks Online: Who Should Purchase the Subscription?

As a professional bookkeeper considering the transition from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online (QBO), many wonder about the logistics of subscription ownership. Specifically, when working with clients, should you purchase a subscription yourself, or is it the client’s responsibility to buy it and invite you to collaborate?

Having previously worked with a company that used QuickBooks Desktop—where I owned the software license and merely received files for Bookkeeping tasks—this transition raises several questions about how QBO operates, particularly given its various subscription tiers.

In the realm of QuickBooks Online, the general practice is for the client to hold the subscription. They can set up their account and, if they wish, invite you to access the system as a user with the appropriate permissions. This arrangement not only simplifies billing for the client, but it also ensures that they maintain control over their account, including sensitive financial information.

However, as a service provider, you may also find it advantageous to subscribe to QBO, especially if you have multiple clients. This allows for greater flexibility in managing client accounts, and it can streamline your workflow by allowing you to access their financial data directly without waiting for file transfers.

In summary, while clients typically purchase the subscription and grant access to their bookkeepers, you may choose to acquire your own subscription for added convenience and efficiency. Understanding the nuances of QBO’s structure and its different products will definitely help you in making the best decision for your Bookkeeping practice.