If you’re asking which QBO subscription includes classes, the answer is QuickBooks Online Plus and QuickBooks Online Advanced. These subscriptions provide class tracking, a feature that allows businesses to organize income and expenses into meaningful categories such as departments, product lines, business divisions, or service types. QuickBooks Online class tracking is especially useful for companies that want to analyze profitability beyond their standard chart of accounts. For example, a business operating several departments can assign transactions to individual classes and generate reports showing how each department performs financially. However, not every QuickBooks Online subscription includes this functionality. QuickBooks Online Simple Start and Essentials generally do not support class tracking. Understanding the differences between QuickBooks Online Plus vs. Advanced, class tracking, location tracking, and subscription features can help you choose the right accounting software without paying for unnecessary upgrades.
Which QuickBooks Online Plans Support Class Tracking?
QuickBooks Online offers several subscription tiers, but class tracking is available only in certain plans.
| QBO Subscription | Class Tracking Available |
|---|---|
| QuickBooks Online Simple Start | No |
| QuickBooks Online Essentials | No |
| QuickBooks Online Plus | Yes |
| QuickBooks Online Advanced | Yes |
These are the standard US QuickBooks Online subscription tiers. Features and availability can differ by country and product version.
QuickBooks Online Simple Start
Simple Start is designed for businesses with relatively straightforward bookkeeping requirements.
It supports essential accounting activities such as recording income, tracking expenses, and preparing financial reports.
However, it does not include class tracking.
QuickBooks Online Essentials
Essentials adds features for businesses that need more accounting functionality, including bill management and additional user access.
Despite these improvements, class tracking is not generally included.
Businesses needing department-level income and expense reporting should consider a higher subscription.
QuickBooks Online Plus
QuickBooks Online Plus is generally the most affordable standard QBO subscription that includes class tracking.
Businesses can use classes to separate transactions by department, service line, or another internal reporting category.
Plus is often suitable for small and medium-sized businesses that want detailed profitability reports without requiring the additional capabilities of Advanced.
QuickBooks Online Advanced
QuickBooks Online Advanced also includes class tracking.
It is designed for businesses that need more extensive accounting capabilities, additional users, and advanced reporting or workflow features.
If class tracking is your primary requirement, Plus may be sufficient. Advanced becomes more attractive when your business also needs its additional features.