Let me clarify things for you, @gscott121.

Signing in with your Intuit account is mandated only with the following scenarios:

• A new QuickBooks Company file is created.
• If you have the following connected services: Payments, Payroll direct deposit, TSheets time tracking, Payroll Workforce, and Receipt Management (new for QuickBooks 2021).
• When an existing QuickBooks Desktop Company file is opened using the Admin credentials, and no Intuit account is associated. QuickBooks users will be prompted to log in or create an Intuit account. 

For further insights, proceed to the Intuit account section of this resource: QuickBooks Desktop Intuit account. 

Additionally, if your RealmID (company identifier) is not saved in your company file, QuickBooks will require an Intuit login each time you try to open it. To avoid this, please go to this link for detailed steps: Intuit login is required every time the company file is opened.

Moreover, here's how to manage your data safely and easily with QuickBooks Desktop. 

Let me know if you need clarifications. I'll be happy to help you out. Have a nice day.