Critical Year-End QuickBooks Tasks for 2025

As we watch the seasons change and set our sights on 2026, accountants and small business owners understand that properly closing out the year is crucial for a smooth transition into the next one. With evolving tax regulations and the latest QuickBooks® Online (QBO) features coming into play, here’s your guide to ensuring your 2025 wraps up without a hitch.

1. Reconcile Financial Accounts Thoroughly

Avoid discrepancies by heading to Settings > Chart of Accounts > Reconcile and matching each account to its corresponding financial statements. Confirm all ending balances and meticulously review Undeposited Funds or Uncategorized transactions. Utilize QBO's advanced reconciliation alerts to catch unbalanced entries early.

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2. Scrutinize Customer and Vendor Statements

Deploy aging reports like Accounts Receivable Aging and Accounts Payable Aging, dispatch statements to clients with due invoices, and make judgment calls on writing off bad debts. Review vendor balances to ensure there are no omitted transactions.

3. Conclude Year-End Financial Reports

Generate comprehensive Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, and Trial Balance reports for the year. Vigilantly look for anomalies such as negative balances or unexpected large figures, using class or location filters to detect unusual variances.

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4. Manage 1099 and Contractor Details

Ensure contractors are correctly labeled for 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC reporting. Navigate to Expenses → Vendors → Prepare 1099s in QBO to verify addresses, W-9 forms, and payments, mitigating IRS complications in the new year.

5. Execute Final Adjustments and Secure the Books

Cover all remaining adjustments such as depreciation, amortization, and bad debt allocations. Verify fiscal year settings under Settings→ Advanced. After making necessary adjustments, “close your books” to secure them against accidental modifications.

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6. Verify Payroll and Employee Details

For QuickBooks® Online Payroll users, it's critical to:

  • Issue the final payroll of the year, including any bonuses or commissions

  • Assure all benefits and retirement contributions are precisely logged

  • Update employee data (addresses, SSNs, changes to W-4 forms)

  • Examine and correct W-2 forms prior to submission

7. Utilize New QuickBooks Features

QuickBooks® has introduced upgrades across automation, rule categorization, and UI enhancements. Embrace these new tools, crucial for those employing QuickBooks® Online Accountant to streamline client management.

Bonus tip:

Take advantage of QBO’s cash-flow forecasting tools or implement a “budget vs. actual” analysis to identify potential gaps. If your year involved unexpected expenses or downturns, consider preparing reserves or adjusting estimated tax payments accordingly.

Avoid the year-end rush by proactively reconciling accounts, validating balances, completing tax forms, reviewing payroll, and embracing QuickBooks®’s cutting-edge features, ensuring a seamless start to 2026.

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