Table of Contents

Introduction: Why QuickBooks Dominates the Market 

If you’ve been Googling phrases like “what is QuickBooks,” “QuickBooks accounting software,” or even mistyped it as “quick books” “quicbooks” or “quikbook”—you’re not alone. Small businesses, freelancers, and even mid-sized firms use it globally. Why? Because QuickBooks offers a robust, user-friendly system for managing finances, payroll, inventory, invoicing, and taxes. 

Whether you’re exploring your first accounting tool or switching from spreadsheets, QuickBooks delivers unmatched value.

Are you currently managing your bookkeeping in-house?

What is QuickBooks? (and What It Isn’t) 

At its core, QuickBooks is cloud-based accounting software. Think of it as your financial Swiss Army knife. It handles income tracking, expense categorization, invoicing, inventory, payroll, bank reconciliation, and even tax prep. 

It isn’t just one app. QuickBooks offers various editions: Simple Start, Essentials, Plus, and Advanced. Each plan is tailored to specific business sizes and needs. 

Still wondering what is QuickBooks? It’s an all-in-one solution, not just an expense tracker.

The Core Features That Make QuickBooks Irreplaceable 

Here’s what most QuickBooks users rely on daily: 

Feature  What It Does 
Invoicing  Create & send professional invoices 
Expense Tracking  Syncs bank feeds & categorizes expenses 
Payroll  Automates salary, tax, and benefit calculations 
Inventory  Tracks quantities, values, and alerts for reorders 
Reports  Generates balance sheets, P&Ls, cash flow statements 

QuickBooks also supports multi-user access, so teams can collaborate while keeping financials secure.

 

QuickBooks Subscription Pricing: Breaking Down the Fine Print 

You’ll notice terms like monthly billing period and subscription price excludes HST on their pricing pages. Here’s what that actually means: 

  • Plans start at around $22 CAD/month (Simple Start) 
  • Price excludes HST/GST — keep that in mind 
  • You’re billed monthly unless you choose annual 
  • Pro rated refund may be available if you cancel mid-cycle 
  • You can add or remove services anytime, and access will continue until the end of the billing period 

Always review the terms conditions pricing special features section to avoid surprises.

Benefits of Using QuickBooks for Small Businesses 

  • Centralized Financial Management: No more Excel juggling 
  • Real-Time Dashboard: Know your cash flow at a glance 
  • GST/HST Ready: File sales tax returns directly 
  • Mobile App Access: On-the-go bookkeeping 
  • Customizable Reports: Tailor dashboards to your industry 

All these subscription benefits will continue even if you change plans mid-way. That’s the beauty of flexible software.

How to Choose the Right QuickBooks Plan 

Here’s a quick guide: 

Need to remove services your service fees? You can do that easily within the admin panel.

Special Features and Service Support 

What makes QuickBooks a game-changer are its special features and service layers: 

  • 24/7 Chat & Call Support: Included in most plans 
  • Third-party App Integration: Shopify, PayPal, HubSpot 
  • Sales Tax Automation: Yes, it calculates and applies sales tax where applicable 
  • Offers Valid: QuickBooks offers change frequently, so check the promotions page often 

And yes, sales tax may be applied where applicable—so always read the fine print.

FAQs About QuickBooks 

Is QuickBooks hard to learn? 

No. It’s built for non-accountants. The interface is intuitive, and they offer tutorials. 

Can I cancel anytime? 

Yes. You can cancel your plan. A pro rated refund of your access will be processed, and your subscription benefits will continue until the end of that billing period. 

Does it support Canadian taxes like HST and GST? 

Absolutely. QuickBooks Canada plans are tailored for CRA compliance, including tax reporting and return filing. 

Can I switch plans later? 

Yes, you can upgrade/downgrade at any time. You’ll just receive a pro rated charge or refund depending on usage. 

Does QuickBooks support multiple currencies? 

Only in higher-tier plans (Plus and Advanced), great for businesses working globally. 

What kind of service and support options do I get with QuickBooks? 

Each QuickBooks plan includes different service and support options—from 24/7 live chat to priority call assistance and onboarding resources. If you’re unsure, try starting with the help center or tutorials, and scale support as your needs grow. 

What happens to my access and subscription benefits if I cancel? 

When you cancel your plan, your access and subscription benefits won’t end instantly. You’ll still have full use of your tools until the end of your monthly billing period. Your features remain selected until you cancel, after which your account switches to view-only mode.

Final Thoughts: Is QuickBooks Right for You? 

If your goal is simplicity, efficiency, and staying compliant, QuickBooks hits all the right notes. From freelancers using “quikbook” on mobile to CPAs leveraging the Advanced dashboard, there’s a plan for everyone. 

Make sure to read all conditions pricing special features, especially if you’re looking for a rated refund, or need to add or remove services. 

Still unsure? Start with a free trial and take it for a spin.

Fast and Accurate Bookkeeping to Get You Back on Track

Orbit Accountants helps you quickly catch up on your bookkeeping, ensuring accuracy and efficiency so your financials are always in order.

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