Can I import my QuickBooks Self-Employed CSV directly into NorthOS?

You can import your bank CSV files into NorthOS to backfill transactions. However, directly importing the categorized QBSE CSV is not recommended because QBSE categories map to US Schedule C tax forms, while NorthOS uses Canadian CRA Form T2125 categories. Keeping your QBSE export as an archive is the cleanest path.

How many years of records do I need to keep for the CRA?

The CRA requires sole proprietors to keep supporting tax documents, transaction logs, and receipts for at least six years from the end of the tax year they relate to. Your downloaded QBSE CSVs and PDFs satisfy this requirement.

Will I lose my historical bookkeeping data when QBSE closes?

Only if you do not export it. Once Intuit terminates access to your QBSE account, your data will be permanently deleted from their servers. Exporting your transactions and tax summaries before the closure is essential.

Is it hard to set up my bank account in NorthOS?

No. Setting up NorthOS is simple. You can easily import your standard CSV or Excel bank statements directly into the app. The process takes less than two minutes, and NorthOS immediately organizes your transactions by T2125 line numbers.

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Migration Guides

Step-by-Step QuickBooks Self-Employed to NorthOS Migration Guide

As QuickBooks Self-Employed winds down in Canada, many sole proprietors are worried about losing their past bookkeeping data and starting from scratch. Fortunately, moving to a modern, Canadian-first platform like NorthOS is a smooth process. If you are debating which product to upgrade to, make sure to read our head-to-head QuickBooks Online vs. NorthOS Comparison. This guide walks you through exporting your history, archiving your files for the CRA, and setting up NorthOS.

Migration Checklist

There are three main phases: exporting your historical data, archiving it safely for CRA compliance, and initiating your new books in NorthOS. Here is exactly how to do it.

Phase 1: Exporting Your QBSE Data

Before your subscription ends and Intuit deletes your records, you must download your entire transaction history. You need these files for tax audit protection:

1. Export Transaction Logs (CSV)

Log in to the web version of QBSE. Go to the **Transactions** tab. Adjust your date range to include everything (or export year-by-year) and click the **Export icon** (usually an arrow pointing up or a download symbol) to download your transaction log as a CSV spreadsheet.

2. Download Tax Summary Reports (PDF)

Navigate to the **Reports** menu. Download your **Tax Summary** and **Profit and Loss** statements for each calendar year. These summarize your high-level income and deductions in a readable layout.

3. Retrieve Attached Receipts

If you uploaded receipts directly to QBSE, you should download them individually. Spreadsheet exports do not carry images. Make sure you keep copies of your raw bank or credit card receipts in a safe folder on your computer.

Phase 2: Archiving for CRA Audit Compliance

The Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) requires sole proprietors to preserve business financial logs for six years. You do not need to upload your old transactions into your new accounting platform.

In fact, trying to force a QBSE CSV file into another app is highly discouraged. QBSE categorizes your transactions based on US IRS Schedule C structures. Importing those direct mappings into a Canadian tool will create a mess of incorrect tax lines.

Best Practice

Create a folder on your computer (or secure cloud storage) labeled **“QuickBooks Self-Employed Historical Archives”**. Drop all of your exported CSV logs and PDF reports there. If the CRA ever contacts you regarding a past filing year, those files are your perfect audit-trail shield.

Phase 3: Setting Up NorthOS

With your old records secure, you can set up NorthOS in a few quick steps. We suggest treating the migration as a clean break for the current fiscal year:

Create Your NorthOS Account: Go to the onboarding portal and select your billing frequency.
Set Up Your Business Profile: NorthOS will ask you basic details about your sole proprietorship, including your primary industry, your province of operation (to set correct tax jurisdictions), and whether you are registered for GST/HST.
Import Your Bank Statements: Export your transaction history from your bank or credit card portal as a standard CSV or Excel file. Importing it into NorthOS takes seconds.
Backfill Your Current Tax Year: If you are switching mid-year, you can easily import your raw transaction statements for each month. Go back to January 1st of the current year so your final tax report is complete.
Start Categorizing: Click through your current-year transactions. When you categorize in NorthOS, you will notice categories are mapped straight to Form T2125 tax lines automatically.

Need Help Moving Your Data?

If you have complex transaction files or historical statements that you need help formatting or importing, our Canadian support team can assist you. You can connect with us directly inside your NorthOS account interface.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Record-keeping obligations remain the responsibility of the business owner under CRA rules. Verify your specific compliance position with a CPA.

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