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Essential Year-End Tasks in QuickBooks® for 2025

As the year winds down and we set our sights on 2026, business owners and accountants recognize the importance of closing the fiscal year on a strong note. The synergy between evolving tax regulations and new QuickBooks® Online (QBO) functionalities can streamline this process. Here are pivotal tasks to tackle by December 31 to ensure a seamless tax season in 2025.

1. Reconcile Financial Accounts

Start by tying up any loose ends. Navigate to Settings > Chart of Accounts > Reconcile to align each account with its statement. Confirm ending balances and address any transactions in the Undeposited Funds or Uncategorized categories. QBO's enhanced tools highlight unreconciled items, helping you avert unwelcome surprises later.

2. Analyze Customer and Vendor Balances

Generate aging reports like Accounts Receivable Aging and Accounts Payable Aging. Send customer statements for outstanding invoices. If some invoices are overdue or deemed uncollectible, consider writing them off using proper judgment. Similarly, review vendor balances for any overlooked entries.

Year-end financial review

3. Finalize Year-End Reports

Compile your Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, and Trial Balance reports for the entire year. Scrutinize them for inconsistencies, such as negative balances or disproportionate entries. Deploy filters by class or location to detect unusual variances.

4. Handle 1099 and Contractor Details

Double-check that all contractors are correctly marked for 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC. Within QBO, visit Expenses → Vendors → Prepare 1099s to verify addresses, W-9s, and payments. Addressing incomplete data now minimizes IRS issues in January.

Financial contractor tracking

5. Final Adjustments and Closing the Books

Consider adjustments for depreciation, amortization, bad debts, owner draws, and retained earnings transfers. Verify your fiscal year settings under Settings→ Advanced so QBO aligns with your closing period. Closing the books will shield you from accidental alterations.

6. Update Payroll and Employee Information

Particularly crucial for those using QuickBooks® Online Payroll. Before the year concludes:

  • Conduct your final payroll, accounting for bonuses and commissions
  • Verify recording of all benefits, fringe payments, and retirement contributions
  • Revise and update employee details (addresses, SSNs, W-4 changes)
  • Preview and amend W-2 forms before filing

7. Maximize New QuickBooks® Features

In 2025, QuickBooks® introduced valuable features such as increased automation, improved categorization rules, and interface upgrades. Consider enabling these features for firms using QuickBooks® Online Accountant to manage client portfolios.

As a bonus, apply QBO's cash-flow projection tools or run a "budget vs. actual" analysis to identify potential discrepancies. If you experienced unforeseen expenses or lower revenue in 2025, planning early for reserves or adjusting estimated tax payments is wise.

A structured year-end approach—reconciling accounts, verifying balances, completing tax documentation, updating payroll, and leveraging QuickBooks® tools—positions your business for a smoother year ahead. Thorough diligence now ensures future dividends.

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