As QuickBooks Pro Advisors,we would like to inform you about the different QuickBooks file types and how each one works. We would also like to share our best practice for transmitting the proper file type through our web portal to help simplify the process.

The most common file types are:

1. Regular backup (.QBB)
2. Portable company file (.QBM)
3. Accountants copy (.QBA)
4. Full working copy (.QBW)

It is best that you provide a "portable company file" because it contains all the data we need and not all of the extra indexing info. The result is a smaller file that is easier to transmit. It is also quicker to restore which allows staff to quickly begin working on your project.

A "regular backup" is also fine. Like the portable, it contains all the financial data but also includes indexing info. It is a great file to have when working on QuickBooks accounting engagements but it is more than we need to pull financial data for year-end. Some regular backups are too big to transmit via the portal so you may need to send it on a portable device.

An "accountant's copy" is needed on occasions when our accountants have to make changes and need to return the file so you can continue working. This file is harder to work with because we need to restore it in the same version of QuickBooks that was used to create it. Most times having the right version of QuickBooks is not an issue, but please remember that Intuit only supports four versions of QuickBooks at a time so older versions of the software may encounter problems. This file may also have trouble being transmitted through the portal.

The "full working copy" is not recommended because it can be corrupted when being moved. It is also a much larger file type so it will likely have to be sent on a portable device instead of through the portal. We do not recommend sending a full working copy.

We are now able to receive credit card payments on our website. All transactions are performed securely using data encryption!

Please visit the following link to access our user friendly form:

http://www.dh-cpa.com/secure-payment-form.html

This link is also located on the Home Page of our website below "Contact Us" in the bottom corner.