Multiple businesses in one Quicken file vs multiple Quicken files?

Hello,
I need some suggestions here before going down the wrong path.
I am currently using Quicken Deluxe Subscription to track one LLC business. I just need to perform bookkeeping and reporting only (eg P&L). It's working fine for many years now. I file 1040 with one Schedule C.

I am planning to add another LLC business. I think now I will have 2 Schedule Cs.
Here are my questions:
- What is the best way to manage 2 businesses? Single file using "Tagging" for each business or Single Quicken file for each business?
- If individual file, how do you combine for high level view?
- I have never used the Quicken Business version. Is this version more effective for multiple businesses or I can do most thing as is with Deluxe?
- Does Quicken Business separate the multiple businesses using the same "Tagging" as in Deluxe version?
- Which version do you recommend and which version is easier for data entry separating for each business?

I appreciate any feedback based on your own experience as it will help me a lot down the road. Thank you!!!
Tom

Best Answers

  • Frankx
    Frankx SuperUser ✭✭✭✭✭
    Answer ✓
    Hi @thomastham,

    Based on your description of things going forward - that is two (2) businesses with each filing their own Schedule C, you will be able to manage them both in Quicken fairly easily in a single file - using Tags. 

    I would strongly suggest that you use Quicken Home & Business, because its features are more robust than Deluxe and I believe that it will make recording transactions for each business easier and the reporting on separate results of each will be easier to produce and H&B provides more report options.

    While I have never used Quicken Deluxe for 2 businesses using tags, it is true that in H&B you will be using tags to distinguish transactions for each business.

    And to answer your last question - I believe that because H&B is designed for tracking small business activity, including tax reporting, and separate business reporting as well.

    If you have any followup questions, just ask.

    Frankx

                            Quicken Home, Business & Rental Property - Windows 10-Home Version

                                             - - - - Quicken User since 1984 - - - 
      -  If you find this reply helpful, please click "Helpful" (below), so others will know! Thank you.  -

Answers

  • Frankx
    Frankx SuperUser ✭✭✭✭✭
    Answer ✓
    Hi @thomastham,

    Based on your description of things going forward - that is two (2) businesses with each filing their own Schedule C, you will be able to manage them both in Quicken fairly easily in a single file - using Tags. 

    I would strongly suggest that you use Quicken Home & Business, because its features are more robust than Deluxe and I believe that it will make recording transactions for each business easier and the reporting on separate results of each will be easier to produce and H&B provides more report options.

    While I have never used Quicken Deluxe for 2 businesses using tags, it is true that in H&B you will be using tags to distinguish transactions for each business.

    And to answer your last question - I believe that because H&B is designed for tracking small business activity, including tax reporting, and separate business reporting as well.

    If you have any followup questions, just ask.

    Frankx

                            Quicken Home, Business & Rental Property - Windows 10-Home Version

                                             - - - - Quicken User since 1984 - - - 
      -  If you find this reply helpful, please click "Helpful" (below), so others will know! Thank you.  -

  • NotACPA
    NotACPA SuperUser ✭✭✭✭✭
    My late wife had a management consulting business, where I managed the finances in Q.
    I had, before retirement, a systems consulting business where I managed the finances in Q.
    Tags does the trick.  1 copy of Q, 2 Sched C's, 1 Q data file.

    Q user since February, 1990. DOS Version 4
    Now running Quicken Windows Subscription, Business & Personal
    Retired "Certified Information Systems Auditor" & Bank Audit VP

  • thomastham
    thomastham Member ✭✭
    > @Frankx said:
    > I probably should have added that the H&B reporting features do include generating reports by individual business and all businesses.
    >
    > Frankx

    Thank you @Frankx. I have seen with Deluxe version, the different reports preference for are at the report setup and you just toggle on/off the Tags (to include or not in the report). If Business version can do this easier, I will consider this version. What I hear from you is it's more friendlier to switch between the businesses when doing data entry.
    I appreciate you sharing this!
  • thomastham
    thomastham Member ✭✭
    > @NotACPA said:
    > My late wife had a management consulting business, where I managed the finances in Q.I had, before retirement, a systems consulting business where I managed the finances in Q.Tags does the trick.  1 copy of Q, 2 Sched C's, 1 Q data file.

    Thank you @NotACPA ! Were you using the Business version?
  • thomastham
    thomastham Member ✭✭
    > @Frankx said:
    > I probably should have added that the H&B reporting features do include generating reports by individual business and all businesses.
    >
    > Frankx

    @Frankx I forgot to ask if data entry in Business version, you have to type each business name in the Tag section (just like Deluxe) or it's done for you?
    I also wonder if the Deluxe Q file is compatible and conversion is not required to move over to Business version.
  • volvogirl
    volvogirl SuperUser ✭✭✭✭✭
    It's the same data file.  You just are adding the Business features.  

    I'm staying on Quicken 2013 Premier for Windows.

  • NotACPA
    NotACPA SuperUser ✭✭✭✭✭
    I've used H&B, now HB&R, for many years.  See my "signature" lines.

    Q user since February, 1990. DOS Version 4
    Now running Quicken Windows Subscription, Business & Personal
    Retired "Certified Information Systems Auditor" & Bank Audit VP

  • thomastham
    thomastham Member ✭✭
    > @volvogirl said:
    > It's the same data file.  You just are adding the Business features.  

    Ok Thanks! The business version still have a Tag section for each entry? See attached picture from Deluxe.
  • NotACPA
    NotACPA SuperUser ✭✭✭✭✭
    see @volvogirl's reply of 2:11pm

    Q user since February, 1990. DOS Version 4
    Now running Quicken Windows Subscription, Business & Personal
    Retired "Certified Information Systems Auditor" & Bank Audit VP

This discussion has been closed.