FAQ
Questions people ask before they buy
The short answers. The help centre has the long ones.
01
Buying and the trial
Is there a free trial?
Yes: 15 days with every feature, no card and no account. The trial starts the first time you open the program.
How much does it cost?
$399.99 once for AcboBooks Pro: one business, two computers, 12 months of updates and email support. After 12 months the software keeps working; renewing updates is optional, though payroll users need it for each year's new tax tables.
Is it a subscription?
No. You buy it once and keep it. There is no monthly or yearly fee to keep using it.
What happens when the trial ends?
Your file opens read-only: you can view, print and export everything. Activate a licence and it is editable again, with everything you entered.
Can I get a refund?
Yes, within 30 days of purchase. See the refund policy.
02
Installing
What does it run on?
Windows 10 and 11, 64-bit. A Mac version is coming soon; there is no phone app.
Where do I get it?
From the Microsoft Store, which installs it signed by Microsoft and keeps it updated. If the Store app is blocked on your PC, download the same signed package from the download page.
Does it need the internet?
Not for daily work: it runs offline. When a connection is available it checks the licence about once a day and looks for updates. A licensed computer that stays offline for more than 400 days must go online once to keep editing.
03
Your data
Where are my books stored?
In a company file on your computer, wherever you save it. Nothing is stored on our servers.
Is the file secure?
Each company file is encrypted with your password (AES-256). A copied or stolen file can't be read without it. A recovery key is shown once when you set the password.
How do I back up?
Copy the file like any other, or let AcboBooks back up automatically each time it closes. Keep a copy off the PC.
04
Switching from QuickBooks
Can it import my QuickBooks Desktop file?
Yes: lists and opening balances from QuickBooks' IIF export, or lists plus open invoices, bills and credit memos through Intuit's SDK on the same PC. See Move from QuickBooks.
Can someone help me move from QuickBooks?
Yes, free. Send us your company and we'll check your import with you on a free 30-minute call: lists, open invoices and bills, and balances, with the trial balance compared in both programs. Email [email protected] with the subject “Migration help”, your company name and your QuickBooks version. We reply within one business day. See Move from QuickBooks.
Will it feel familiar?
It uses a traditional desktop layout: menus, lists, registers, recurring transactions and a closing date with a password.
05
Features
Does it include payroll?
Yes, in the price: US federal withholding, Social Security and Medicare, W-2 and 1099-NEC; Canadian CPP, EI, provincial tax, T4 and T4A. State withholding is entered from your state's tables.
Can several people use it?
Yes. One computer hosts the file and others on the office network connect, with record locking. Two computers are included, and each additional computer is $149.99, once, on the same key.
Does it connect to my bank?
It imports your bank's OFX, QFX or CSV statement file and matches it. If your bank offers OFX Direct Connect, AcboBooks can also download transactions straight from the bank when you ask; it does not keep an always-on feed.
Does it work for Canada?
Yes. Choose Canada when you create the company: CAD, GST/HST, PST and QST, input tax credits, and Canadian payroll.
06
Support
How do I get help?
Email [email protected]; we answer within one business day. The help centre covers setup, daily work, banking and year-end.
Can my accountant use it?
Yes, without a seat: give them a copy of the file, add them as a user, or exchange adjusting entries.
Get started
Your books, on your desk, this afternoon.
Download, open the sample company or import your own, and watch the ledger balance.
No card. No account. Nothing to cancel.