Author’s note: To write this article, I signed up for a 30-day free trial of the QuickBooks Online Simple Start plan. Please note that if you have a different plan, your setup experience may be more complex. Additionally, I created a fictional freelance business for testing purposes. Therefore, while I can provide guidance, I cannot give you an exact example of connecting a bank account or invoicing an existing business without forming a legal entity.
QuickBooks Online is a widely used and user-friendly accounting software option for small businesses. Setting it up is relatively simple, especially with a step-by-step guide. This article will guide you through the process of setting up QuickBooks Online for the first time.
Step 1: Enter basic business information
When you log into your QuickBooks Online account for the first time, the setup wizard will prompt you to provide basic business information. This includes your business’s name, whether you want to import financial data from another service or software, and questions about your business’s income source, length of ownership, business structure, industry, and your role within the company. You can also sync any apps you use for your business during the setup process. QuickBooks gives you the option to skip any steps and complete them later.
Step 2: Familiarize yourself with your QuickBooks Online dashboard
Once you’ve answered the initial questions or skipped them to complete later, you’ll be taken to your account dashboard. You’ll see a setup checklist with guidelines, setup videos, and step-by-step instructions. It’s recommended to watch the tutorial video to get a quick tour of the dashboard. Click through the different tabs on the dashboard to familiarize yourself with the interface and explore the “Reports” and “My accountant” tabs.
Step 3: Complete the QuickBooks Online setup checklist
After getting familiar with the dashboard, you can start going through the setup checklist. Each task in the checklist includes steps to follow and videos to guide you. One of the tasks is to create an invoice. You can customize one of QuickBooks’ invoice templates with your business details, color scheme, and logo. The invoice setup process includes steps such as personalizing the invoice, adding customer information, providing details about your products and services, and exploring additional customizations such as setting up payment instructions and invoice reminders.
Another task is setting up online payment acceptance with QuickBooks Payments. To use this feature, you’ll need to verify your business information and personal contact details. QuickBooks Payments charges transaction fees for various payment methods.
Additionally, you have the option to connect your own bank account or apply for a QuickBooks Checking account to accept payments. If you choose to apply for a QuickBooks Checking account, QuickBooks will verify your information and send you a debit card within seven business days.
You should also organize your expenses. This involves connecting your bank accounts and credit cards to QuickBooks, confirming the software’s auto-categorization of your expenses, and exploring the overview of your finances.
Lastly, you can download the QuickBooks Online mobile app to access your account on the go. The app provides a similar financial overview and offers additional features like receipt scanning, mobile invoicing, and mileage tracking.
Step 4: Configure your chart of accounts
A chart of accounts is essential for accurate bookkeeping. QuickBooks provides a comprehensive chart of accounts with optional accounts available. Depending on the complexity of your business’s finances, you may choose to use the maximum number of accounts or stick to the basics. If you’re unsure about which accounts to use, consult with your accountant or consider signing up for QuickBooks Live Bookkeeping.
Step 5: Customize your QuickBooks account
QuickBooks allows for extensive customization of your account, from the dashboards to the bookmarks. You can drag and drop elements to personalize your dashboard and menu. If you prefer the default setup, you can always reset it to the built-in settings.
In addition to this guide, there are other resources available to help you make the most of your QuickBooks Online account. QuickBooks offers an online setup guide, one-time free setup assistance, customer service support, and YouTube tutorials. Utilize these resources for further guidance and support.
Remember, if you have multiple companies, you can manage them under the same QuickBooks Online account. Each company will require its own subscription.
Setting up a QuickBooks Online account is a multi-step process, but with the right guidance, you can complete it successfully and efficiently.
