QuickBooks Online to Discontinue Tags: What You Need to Know Before May 16, 2025
As of March 8, 2025, QuickBooks Online (QBO) will discontinue support for the 'Tags' feature across all subscription levels. This change aims to streamline data tracking and reporting within the platform. To ensure a smooth transition, it's essential to understand the implications of this update and the steps you can take to adapt.
Understanding the Discontinuation of Tags
'Tags' in QBO have allowed users to categorize transactions for more detailed insights. However, starting March 8, 2025, users will no longer be able to create or manage tags. From March 8 to April 30, 2025, existing tags will be accessible in a read-only format, permitting users to view and generate reports for tagged transactions. After April 30, 2025, all tag-related functionalities will be permanently removed from QBO.
Transitioning to Custom Fields
To compensate for the removal of tags, QBO is enhancing its 'Custom Fields' feature, providing users with a versatile alternative for data categorization. Custom fields enable the capture of specific information tailored to your business needs and can be utilized in both sales and expense forms. The number of available custom fields varies by subscription plan:
Simple Start: 1 custom field
Essentials: 4 custom fields
Plus: 4 custom fields
Advanced: 12 custom fields
This adjustment allows for more personalized data tracking, aligning with the unique requirements of your business.
Recommended Actions for Users
March 17, 2025 - Custom fields expanded functionality launches.
March 17, 2025 - May 15, 2025 - Migrate your tags to custom field(s).
May 16, 2025 - Tags become read-only. You cannot create new tags.
May 16, 2025 - May 15, 2028 - You can view tags and generate reports for historical transactions. After May 15, 2028, the ability to view tags and generate reports will no longer be available. Tags will be removed from QuickBooks Online and they will disappear from historical transactions.
Migrate tags to custom fields
Go to Settings ⛭ and select Tags.
On the tags page, select Migrate tags to custom fields.
Up to 100 tags will be auto-imported and all transaction forms will be pre-selected. Review the selections and make any necessary changes.
For any additional tags, you will need to manually add them to a custom field.
Select Save. Your tags are successfully migrated to custom fields and will be visible on all transaction forms.
Conclusion
The discontinuation of the 'Tags' feature in QuickBooks Online marks a significant shift toward enhanced customization through custom fields. I have always advised my clients to never use tags because of the printing and reporting limitations and instead take advantage of the robust custom fields available in QuickBooks Online Advanced. However, I can understand the basic use (not financially) of tags for tracking certain aspects of a business.
By proactively migrating your tags data to custom fields and familiarizing yourself with the new functionalities, you can maintain efficient and tailored financial tracking within QBO. Embracing these changes will ensure that your business continues to operate smoothly, leveraging the improved tools available for data management and reporting.
