QuickBooks 2012 has made it easier than ever for new users to create a new company file for their business(s).

Follow the on screen directions to proceed through the Company file creation process. You can fill in as much or as little info as you want. You will be able to make changes to your information in the Company File after it is created. Follow the steps below to create the company file.

After QuickBooks 2012 is installed, you'll be able to begin creating your Company File. This step is important because you will be able to immediately start tracking your business income, expenses, customers, and tax obligations. It's really easy!

STEP 1: Express Start or Advanced Setup?

For this article, we will be using the Express Start option.

• If you are new to QuickBooks, click Express Start. The software will present some screens asking for some of your company information. This is an easy and accurate way to begin using QuickBooks.
• If you have used QuickBooks before, Advanced Setup will allow you to choose custom setup options for your company file. This is the setup interview format that was used in previous versions of QuickBooks. This option is not recommended for new QuickBooks 2012 users.
  

Step 2: Tell us about your business:

1. In this screen, enter your Company Information as best possible.
2. In the Industry field, Start typing your Industry and QuickBooks will automatically populate a dropdown with pre-defined industries. The selected industry will be used by QuickBooks to start setting up your file. This is a new feature in QuickBooks
3. If you don't have a CRA # or PST/QST #, don't worry, You can leave it blank until the time comes to get one. That could be years!
4. If you need help on this screen, click Help me Choose or the Blue question marks.
5. Click Continue to advance to the next screen.

Step 3: Enter Business Contact Information:

1. In this screen, QuickBooks is looking for the information you want listed as your company's contact information. Legal name, address, email, etc will all be entered here.
2. Make sure and be thorough with entering the information here. It will save you time when you are trying to print or email invoices and forms to vendors and customers.
3. If you would like to view the information entered before you finish, click  Preview Your Settings.
4. Click Create Company File when you are finished and ready to start working.

From this screen, you can add Business contacts; Products and services your company offers; and bank account information for tracking your spending. Click one of  the links below for more detailed information about each step available on this screen.

• Learn more: Add the people you do business with
   
• Learn More: Add the Products and Services you sell
   
• Learn More: Add your bank accounts

If this solution does not resolve the issue, you can read discussions and post messages and questions relating to your issue on the Intuit QuickBooks Community site for free or you can contact a technical support agent for additional guidance. Fees may apply.