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Essential Year-End Tasks for QuickBooks®: Prep for 2026

As the autumn leaves start to fall and the anticipation for 2026 builds, business owners and accountants know that effectively closing the fiscal year is crucial for setting a solid foundation for the year ahead. With tax regulations constantly evolving and QuickBooks® Online (QBO) introducing new features, prioritizing these essential tasks by December 31st is vital for a streamlined 2025 tax season.

1. Reconcile All Financial Accounts

Ensure there are no loose ends by reconciling all bank and credit card accounts in Settings > Chart of Accounts > Reconcile. Match all accounts with their respective statements, verify ending balances, and address any transactions sitting in the Undeposited Funds or Uncategorized accounts. Leverage QBO’s enhanced tools that highlight unreconciled items to minimize any surprises down the line.

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2. Audit Customer and Vendor Accounts

Utilize aging reports: Accounts Receivable Aging and Accounts Payable Aging. Issue statements to customers with outstanding invoices. If any bills appear overdue or uncollectible, consider writing them off correctly. Additionally, review vendor balances for any missed entries to avoid errors in your financial records.

3. Generate Year-End Financial Reports

Create and assess your Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, and Trial Balance reports for the complete fiscal year. Pay attention to anomalies such as negative balances or abnormally large entries. Filtering by class or location can help identify unusual variances that may require further investigation.

4. Manage 1099 and Contractor Documentation

Verify that all contractors are accurately flagged for 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC. Navigate to Expenses → Vendors → Prepare 1099s in QBO and check all contractor addresses, W-9s, and payment information. Missing details now can result in IRS complications later.

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5. Conduct Final Adjustments and Close the Books

Implement final adjustments for depreciation, amortization, bad debts, owner draws, and retained earnings. Ensure your fiscal year settings are accurate under Settings→ Advanced to reflect the closing period. After all necessary adjustments, "close your books" to protect against accidental modifications.

6. Review Payroll and Employee Records

This is particularly important if utilizing QuickBooks® Online Payroll. Before 2025 ends:

  • Complete your final payroll, incorporating bonuses and commissions.

  • Verify all benefits, fringe payments, and retirement contributions are accurately documented.

  • Update employee details like addresses, SSNs, and W-4 forms.

  • Ensure the accuracy of W-2 forms prior to filing.

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7. Utilize New QuickBooks® Features & Automations

In 2025, QuickBooks® introduced enhancements in automation, categorization rules, and improved interface. Ensure these features are enabled, particularly for firms managing numerous clients using QuickBooks® Online Accountant.

Bonus Tip:

Employ QBO’s cash-flow projection tools or run a “budget vs. actual” analysis to identify potential gaps. If 2025 saw unexpected costs or decreased revenue, consider establishing reserves or adjusting estimated tax payments earlier.

Approach year-end preparations with strategy rather than panic. By systematically reconciling accounts, verifying balances, finalizing tax documentation, updating payroll, and leveraging the latest QuickBooks® functionalities, your business is better positioned to thrive in 2026. Thoughtful year-end diligence yields long-term rewards.

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