You must be using the exact same version as your client in order to open their file and maintain the ability to move the file between you and your client so both can do data entry. 2015 cannot open a file from the future, but 2017 could open the 2015 file. Once opened and converted to 2017, it cannot be opened again in 2015.

If you are planning on doing bookkeeping for multiple clients and build your business, your best bet is to contact Sage and talk to them about the Sage Accountant's Network program. For people running bookkeeping businesses, they have a special program that helps you be compatible with all possible clients with or without payroll while only having to maintain one version of the program per year on your computer.

You must be using the exact same version as your client in order to open their file and maintain the ability to move the file between you and your client so both can do data entry. 2015 cannot open a file from the future, but 2017 could open the 2015 file. Once opened and converted to 2017, it cannot be opened again in 2015.

If you are planning on doing bookkeeping for multiple clients and build your business, your best bet is to contact Sage and talk to them about the Sage Accountant's Network program. For people running bookkeeping businesses, they have a special program that helps you be compatible with all possible clients with or without payroll while only having to maintain one version of the program per year on your computer.