Essential Year-End QuickBooks® Tasks for a Smooth 2026

As the seasons change and we anticipate the year 2026, small business owners and accountants are keenly aware that closing the books efficiently on 2025 is crucial for paving a successful path forward. With evolving tax regulations and newly introduced QuickBooks® Online (QBO) functionalities, consider prioritizing these essential tasks by December 31 to ensure a streamlined transition into the new tax season.

1. Reconcile Banking and Credit Card Accounts

Don’t leave unresolved issues hanging. Access Settings > Chart of Accounts > Reconcile to align every account with its respective statement, verify ending balances, and rectify transactions in the Undeposited Funds or Uncategorized categories. Now equipped with tools that highlight unreconciled items, QBO aids in preventing future discrepancies.

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2. Assess Customer and Vendor Balances

Generate aging reports: Accounts Receivable Aging and Accounts Payable Aging. Notify clients with pending invoices. In cases of overdue or unlikely-to-collect accounts, consider executing write-offs (employing appropriate financial judgment). Also, scrutinize vendor balances for overlooked entries.

3. Finalize Year-End Financial Reports

Produce and review comprehensive Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, and Trial Balance reports that encompass the entire annual period. Be on the lookout for irregularities such as negative balances or abnormally large figures. Utilize class or location filters to detect curious discrepancies.

4. Ensure Accurate 1099 and Contractor Management

Confirm all contractors are correctly categorized for 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC. In QBO, navigate to Expenses → Vendors → Prepare 1099s and validate addresses, W-9s, and payment data. Incomplete information now can pose issues with the IRS in January.

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5. Execute Final Adjustments and Close Books

This encompasses tasks such as calculating depreciation, amortization, adjustments for bad debts, owner withdrawals, and transfers in retained earnings. Validate your fiscal year settings in Settings→ Advanced, helping QBO recognize the closing period. Post-adjustments, "close your books" to avert accidental alterations.

6. Update Payroll and Employee Records

This task holds significant importance if using QuickBooks® Online Payroll. Pre-year-end tasks include:

  • Processing the final payroll of the year, incorporating bonuses and commissions

  • Ensuring all benefits, fringe payments, and retirement contributions are precisely documented

  • Reviewing and updating employee data (addresses, Social Security Numbers, W-4 updates)

  • Previewing and correcting W-2 forms before filing

7. Utilize Enhanced QuickBooks® Features and Automations

In 2025, QuickBooks® introduced enhancements in automation, categorization protocols, and interfaces. If you haven't yet adopted these features, doing so now can significantly benefit firms employing QuickBooks® Online Accountant for managing diverse clients.

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Bonus tip:

Utilize QBO’s cash-flow forecasting tools or conduct a "budget vs. actual" analysis to identify potential shortfalls. If unexpected expenses or reduced revenue characterized 2025, consider establishing reserves or adjusting projected tax payments in advance.

Avoid viewing year-end as a frantic race. By aligning accounts, verifying outstanding amounts, completing essential tax documentation, updating payroll, and leveraging QuickBooks®'s latest functionalities, you're setting your business up for a more seamless 2026. A little diligence now can result in significant future benefits.

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