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Essential 2025 QuickBooks® Year-End Checklist for Small Business Owners

As 2025 draws to a close and we turn our gaze towards the new year, small business owners and accountants realize the importance of finishing strong. Efficiently closing the books not only ensures compliance but also sets the stage for a smooth entry into 2026. With updates in tax legislation and new QuickBooks® Online (QBO) features, these are the essential year-end tasks to prioritize before the calendar flips to January.

Calculating taxes and savings

1. Reconcile All Financial Accounts

Unresolved discrepancies are the bane of year-end accounting, and leaving loose ends can lead to more significant issues down the road. Head over to Settings > Chart of Accounts > Reconcile in QBO to match every account to its statement. Verify ending balances and clear any transactions lurking in the Undeposited Funds or Uncategorized categories. Utilize QBO’s enhanced functionality to flag any unreconciled items, avoiding unplanned surprises that could derail your financials.

2. Analyze Customer and Vendor Balances

Running aging reports, such as Accounts Receivable Aging and Accounts Payable Aging, should be second nature. Issue statements to clients with pending invoices. For debts that prove unrecoverable, write them off judiciously while complying with accounting standards. Simultaneously, scrutinize vendor balances to catch overlooked transactions.

Managing accounts

3. Finalize and Review Year-End Reports

Examine your Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, and Trial Balance reports for the full fiscal year. Hunt for unusual entries or disparities, such as negative balances or exceptionally large figures. Utilize class or location filters to identify discrepancies and variances that need attention.

4. Comprehensive 1099 and Contractor Oversight

Ensure all contractors are correctly flagged for 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC issuance. Within QBO, navigate to Expenses → Vendors → Prepare 1099s to verify the accuracy of W-9 information, contractor addresses, and payment records. Early attention to these details mitigates potential IRS issues come January.

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5. Execute Final Adjustments and Secure the Books

To maintain financial rigor, address adjustments including depreciation, amortization, bad debt, owner draws, and retained earnings. Validate your fiscal year settings under Settings→ Advanced to ensure accurate period closure. Once adjustments are complete, lock your books to prevent accidental alterations.

6. Update Payroll and Employee Data

If QuickBooks® Online Payroll is your tool of choice, ensure a comprehensive year-end process:

  • Execute the year’s final payroll, encompassing bonuses and commissions.

  • Record all benefits, fringe payments, and retirement contributions.

  • Revise and verify employee details, including addresses, SSNs, and W-4 changes.

  • Preliminary review and correction of W-2 forms before filing.

Back to school essentials

7. Harness New QuickBooks® Features and Automation

The latest 2025 updates ushered in enhanced automation, rule-based categorization, and interface improvements. For businesses managing multiple clients through QuickBooks® Online Accountant, embracing these advancements now can significantly elevate efficiency and client satisfaction.

As a supplementary tip, employ QBO’s cash-flow projection tools or conduct a “budget vs. actual” analysis to anticipate financial gaps. If 2025 threw unforeseen expenses your way or dampened revenues, proactively reserve funds or modify estimated tax payments to avoid repeat issues in the coming year.

Embrace diligence this year-end, and enjoy a seamless transition into 2026. By refining your financials, leveraging intuitive QuickBooks® features, and ensuring compliance, you lay the groundwork for continued business success. Meticulous year-end preparation today saves stress and contributes to a prosperous future.

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