Essential Year-End QuickBooks® Steps for 2025

As we transition from the vibrant hues of fall into the promising new year of 2026, the critical task for small businesses and accountants is efficiently closing the books on 2025. This sets the pace for the upcoming fiscal year. With dynamic tax legislation and cutting-edge QuickBooks® Online (QBO) enhancements, here's your guide to key tasks you need to address before December 31 to ensure a seamless tax season.

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1. Reconcile Your Financial Accounts

Leave no stone unturned. Navigate to Settings > Chart of Accounts > Reconcile in QBO, align each account with its corresponding statement, verify ending balances, and manage transactions lingering in Undeposited Funds or Uncategorized categories. Leverage QBO’s reconciliation tools to identify unresolved items early.

2. Assess Customer and Vendor Relationships

Run analytical reports such as Accounts Receivable Aging and Accounts Payable Aging. Issue statements to clients with pending payments and evaluate overdue invoices for write-offs, utilizing your expert judgment. Stay proactive with vendor balances for any unnoticed transactions.

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3. Finalize Comprehensive Year-End Reports

Thoroughly examine your Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, and Trial Balance reports for the annual period. Identify and investigate anomalies like negative or disproportionate entries using class or location filters to detect variances.

4. Optimize 1099 and Contractor Oversight

Verify all contractors are accurately marked for 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC filing. In QBO, navigate to Expenses → Vendors → Prepare 1099s to validate addresses, W-9s, and payments – resolving any discrepancies now averts potential IRS issues in January.

5. Implement Final Adjustments and Secure the Books

Conduct essential year-end adjustments including depreciation, amortization, bad debt corrections, owner distributions, and retained earnings allocations. Verify fiscal year settings in Settings→ Advanced, ensuring QBO recognizes the concluding period. Once adjustments are complete, “close your books” to block unauthorized modifications.

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6. Refresh Payroll and Employee Details

Particularly vital for QuickBooks® Online Payroll users, ensure:

  • Year-end payroll is executed, including bonuses and commissions
  • Benefits, fringe payments, and retirement contributions are correctly logged
  • Employee information (addresses, SSNs, W-4 updates) is current
  • W-2 forms are reviewed and amended prior to submission

7. Embrace New QuickBooks® Innovations

2025 saw significant updates in automation, categorization, and interface within QuickBooks®. If you haven't yet incorporated these tools, now is a strategic time—especially beneficial for firms using QuickBooks® Online Accountant for multi-client management.

Bonus Insight:

Optimize QBO’s cash-flow forecasting tools or conduct a “budget vs. actual” review to identify financial gaps. In the event of unexpected 2025 expenses or reduced income, consider setting reserves or modifying estimated tax contributions in advance.

Preparation beats procrastination. By addressing account reconciliation, verifying balances, completing tax documentation, updating payroll, and utilizing QuickBooks® enhancements, you are positioning your business for a successful 2026. Meticulous attention now ensures future prosperity.

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