Essential QuickBooks® Year-End Tasks for a Smooth Transition into 2026

As autumn unfolds and the end of 2025 approaches, accountants and business owners know the importance of wrapping up the year efficiently to pave the way for a prosperous 2026. With changing tax regulations and new QuickBooks® Online (QBO) features debuting, it’s time to focus on critical year-end tasks that will streamline your tax season. Here’s your comprehensive guide to getting your QuickBooks® in order before January arrives.

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1. Reconcile Your Bank and Credit Card Accounts

Ensure nothing is left unresolved. Use Settings > Chart of Accounts > Reconcile to match each account with its statement, verify ending balances, and address transactions in Undeposited Funds or Uncategorized accounts. QBO's enhanced tools now identify unreconciled items to avoid future surprises.

2. Check Customer and Vendor Balances

Generate aging reports, including Accounts Receivable Aging and Accounts Payable Aging. Send reminders to clients with overdue invoices. For bills that are overdue or uncollectible, consider the option of writing them off judiciously. Review vendor balances to ensure entries haven’t been missed.

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3. Complete Year-End Reporting

Review reports like the Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, and Trial Balance for the full year. Check for red flags such as negative balances or unusual amounts. Utilize filters by class or location to detect discrepancies.

4. Manage 1099s and Contractor Obligations

Verify that all contractors are correctly designated for 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC. In QBO, navigate to Expenses → Vendors → Prepare 1099s and confirm details including addresses, W-9s, and payments. Missing data can convert into IRS complications come January.

5. Final Adjustments and Book Closure

Adjustments might include depreciation, amortization, bad debt, owner draws, and transfer of retained earnings. Verify your fiscal year settings under Settings → Advanced to ensure QBO acknowledges the ending period correctly. Upon final adjustments, "close your books" to prevent accidental changes.

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6. Refresh Payroll and Employee Records

If you utilize QuickBooks® Online Payroll, ensure you:

  • Disburse final payrolls, inclusive of bonuses and commissions
  • Verify that all benefits, fringe payments, and contributions to retirement plans are accurately logged
  • Review and refresh employee data (addresses, SSNs, W-4 adjustments)
  • Preview and rectify W-2 forms pre-filing

7. Implement New QuickBooks® Tools and Automations

In 2025, QuickBooks® introduced new automation features, categorization rules, and interface improvements. Consider opting into these innovations—particularly beneficial for organizations using QuickBooks® Online Accountant for client management.

Bonus Insight: Use QBO’s cash flow forecasting tools or conduct a “budget vs. actual” analysis to identify potential shortfalls. If 2025 was marred by unforeseen expenses or reduced income, consider reserving funds or recalibrating estimated tax payments early on.

Don't let year-end tasks overwhelm you. By reconciling your accounts, scrutinizing balances, preparing tax documents, updating payroll records, and adopting QuickBooks®’s latest features, you'll set your business on a solid footing for a seamless start to 2026. Early diligence pays dividends down the road.

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