Thinking of getting your finances in order? Want to keep better track of your business earnings and expenses? Then QuickBooks might be the perfect accounting buddy for you. Even better? You can try it totally free for 30 days. Let’s break it down step by step — fast, easy, and with a few laughs along the way!
TL;DR (Too Long, Didn’t Read)
Signing up for a 30-day free QuickBooks trial is super simple. Go to the QuickBooks website, choose whether you want the trial with or without payroll features, and create an Intuit account. You won’t be charged during the free trial, but remember to cancel before 30 days if you don’t want to keep using it. The process is beginner-friendly and only takes a few minutes.
What Is QuickBooks, Anyway?
QuickBooks is like that super-organized friend who keeps track of everything you earn and spend. It helps you:
- Send slick-looking invoices
- Track income and expenses
- Pay employees (if you have them)
- Run cool reports that show how your business is doing
It’s made by the brilliant folks at Intuit — they also created TurboTax, if that rings a bell.
Step 1: Go to the QuickBooks Website
Open your browser, do a little typing dance, and head over to https://quickbooks.intuit.com. This is the official site. No shady clicks!
Right at the top, you’ll see a green button that says “Free 30-Day Trial”. Click it like you mean it.
Step 2: Choose Your Flavor
QuickBooks comes in different varieties, kind of like ice cream:
- Simple Start – Best for solo entrepreneurs who want the basics.
- Essentials – Adds bill pay and supports multiple users.
- Plus – Great for tracking inventory or managing projects.
- Advanced – Includes reporting tools for growth-focused businesses.
You can also pick QuickBooks with Payroll included, which is great if you’ve got a team that likes getting paid (who doesn’t?).
Step 3: Decide on the Free Trial vs Discount
Alright, here’s where you need to make a choice. QuickBooks offers one of two things when you sign up:
- 30-Day Free Trial – Access everything for free, no payment upfront.
- Discount Option – Pay now and get 50% off for 3 months, but no free trial.
Pro tip: If you’re just testing the waters, the free trial is perfect. To pick the trial, scroll down and click “Try it free” under your preferred plan.
Step 4: Create an Intuit Account
If you’re new to QuickBooks, you’ll need to create a free Intuit account. Here’s what you’ll be asked:
- Name
- Email address
- Phone number (for security)
- A strong password (use symbols, people!)
Already used Intuit for TurboTax or Mint? You can log in with that info — no need to repeat yourself.
Step 5: No Credit Card Required (Yay!)
One of the coolest things about this 30-day trial? You don’t need to enter credit card info to sign up. That means no surprises on your bank statement. Just try it risk-free.
Now relax. Breathe. You’re officially in.
Step 6: Explore Your New Dashboard
QuickBooks gives you a tour when you log in. Don’t skip this part. It helps you learn what’s what:
- Link your bank account (if you want to auto-track expenses)
- Create and send your first invoice (yes, you can try that)
- Run reports to see how your business is doing
It’s all very click-and-go. No accounting degree required.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Trial
Here’s how to squeeze every drop of goodness out of your 30 days:
- Set up your company – Add your business name, logo, and contact info.
- Test everything – Send sample invoices, import data, and try reports.
- Connect bank accounts – This lets QuickBooks auto-track your spending.
- Check the mobile app – Stay on top of things when you’re out and about.
Need Help? QuickBooks Has Your Back
If you’re stuck on anything, just click the “Help” button. QuickBooks offers:
- Live chat
- Helpful articles
- Step-by-step tutorials
No 20-minute elevator music sessions required. Just answers.
What Happens After 30 Days?
Your 30-day trial ends with a choice. You can continue using QuickBooks by picking a paid plan. If not? No worries — your trial will expire on its own. Here’s the breakdown:
- No auto-charge
- Your information is saved for a little while (just in case you come back)
- You can export your data before leaving
REMEMBER: If you want to keep everything in place, activate your subscription before the trial ends!
Can You Extend the Trial?
Unfortunately, no. It’s a firm 30 days. But hey, that’s a whole month!
Need more time? Try creating a trial for a different version of QuickBooks (e.g., Online vs Self-Employed) just to get a slightly different feel.
Special Note: QuickBooks Self-Employed
Are you a freelancer, gig worker, or side hustler? You may want to try QuickBooks Self-Employed instead. It also comes with a 30-day trial and is tailor-made for solo earners. You’ll get tax estimates, mileage tracking, and more.
Final Thoughts
Starting a QuickBooks 30-day free trial is like opening a new chapter in your business story. It’s easy. It’s quick. And it just might make accounting… dare we say it… fun?
Try it out. Explore the features. And decide if it’s the solution your business has needed all along.
So go ahead. Hit that green “Start Free Trial” button. Your future (and your wallet) may thank you!