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Essential Year-End Steps for QuickBooks® Mastery in 2025

As we prepare for the financial opportunities awaiting in 2026, small businesses and accountants alike understand the importance of effectively closing the books on the prior year. Properly addressing accounting tasks and leveraging the latest QuickBooks® Online (QBO) features can streamline your 2025 tax preparations. Here’s your checklist for ensuring a successful transition into the new year.

1. Reconcile Financial Accounts

Secure your financial accuracy by navigating to Settings > Chart of Accounts > Reconcile. Here, confirm that every account is matched to its statement. Pay special attention to resolving any transactions stuck in Undeposited Funds or Uncategorized sections. QuickBooks® has enhanced its tools to alert you to unreconciled items.

2. Audit Customer and Vendor Entries

Generate aging reports such as Accounts Receivable Aging and Accounts Payable Aging. Proactively send reminders to clients with overdue invoices. Consider resolving uncollectible debts appropriately, and scrutinize vendor accounts for any overlooked entries.

3. Finalize Key Financial Reports

Finalize and review comprehensive reports like Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, and Trial Balance with a full-year overview. Investigate unexpected entries, such as negative balances or disproportionately large figures. Utilize class or location filters for a more focused analysis.

4. Manage Contractor and 1099 Documentation

Verify that all independent contractor payments are correctly categorized for 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC forms. Access Expenses → Vendors → Prepare 1099s to ensure accuracy in addresses, W-9s, and payment records, minimizing potential IRS complications.

5. Implement Final Adjustments and Close Books

Incorporate adjustments for depreciation, amortization, and any owner draws or retained earnings transfers. Check your fiscal year settings under Settings→ Advanced to confirm exit dates. Closing your books post-adjustments protects against inadvertent changes.

6. Refresh Payroll and Employee Data

QuickBooks® Online Payroll users should complete their final payroll cycle, inclusive of any bonuses and commissions. Ensure accurate logging of benefits, fringe payments, and retirement contributions, and update all employee information. Review W-2 forms for accuracy prior to submission.

7. Harness New QuickBooks® Capabilities

2025 introduced significant improvements in QuickBooks® automation, categorization, and interface. If you haven't already opted in, now is the time—particularly beneficial for those managing multiple clients via QuickBooks® Online Accountant.

Pro Tip: Use QuickBooks®’s cash-flow projection tools or conduct a “budget vs. actual” analysis. If 2025 was impacted by unforeseen expenses or reduced revenues, plan accordingly to adjust reserves or estimated tax payments.

With diligent year-end account reconciliation, balance verification, tax compliance, payroll updates, and the maximization of QuickBooks® tools, your business is poised for a smoother 2026. Preparation today ensures easier transitions tomorrow.

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