Intuit Inc. is providing a free conversion tool to small businesses affected by the discontinuation of Microsoft Office Accounting.

The QuickBooks maker will help former Microsoft users transfer their small-business accounting data to QuickBooks products.

The QuickBooks Conversion Tool imports business data, balances and transactions so customers can continue running their businesses without missing a beat. It converts data from Microsoft Small Business Accounting and Office Accounting products through the 2009 versions into QuickBooks Pro, Premier and Enterprise Solutions editions.

It can also convert Microsoft Office Accounting Express information to QuickBooks Simple Start 2010. The tool includes a short set-up process, moving all data into a newly created QuickBooks file and leaving existing data untouched, Intuit stated.

“We know that many Microsoft customers will soon be looking for new accounting software so they can keep on top of their finances,” said Kiran Patel, executive vice president and general manager of Intuit’s Small Business Group, in a statement. “The QuickBooks team will take them through the transition and help them streamline critical accounting tasks and connect to new online services.”

For more information, visit http://quickbooks.intuit.com/product/about-quickbooks/switch.jsp.