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Essential Year-End Steps for QuickBooks Online Users

Prepare for a seamless transition into the new year by tackling your year-end QuickBooks® Online tasks ahead of December. By embracing structured and tax-compliant bookkeeping practices now, businesses can save time and mitigate risks, especially as IRS scrutiny intensifies and new features emerge in QuickBooks® Online.Image 1

1. Reconcile Accounts Thoroughly

Navigate to Settings → Chart of Accounts → Reconcile to align your ending bank and credit-card statements. Review Undeposited Funds and ensure all outstanding items are accounted for. The built-in guidance in QBO spotlights unreconciled transactions, safeguarding you against unpleasant surprises during tax season.

2. Audit Aging Reports

Generate Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable Aging reports. Proactively addressing uncollectible debts and unresolved vendor invoices will ensure that your financial statements portray accurate balances, streamlining the tax preparation process.Image 2

3. Harness Enhanced Reporting

QuickBooks® Online has improved its “Modern View” standard reports, offering superior filtering, speed, and customization. These upgrades make it easier to generate reports such as Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Forecasts efficiently. 

4. Prepare 1099/NEC Documentation

If your business employs freelancers or independent contractors, navigate to Expenses → Vendors → Prepare 1099s. Confirm that W-9s are collected and payment thresholds are tracked adequately. This proactive step prevents costly errors and penalties in the early part of the year.

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5. Lock Fiscal Year Settings

Ensure that your fiscal year settings are correct via Settings → Advanced, and finalize closing balances. This process protects your year-end data from accidental alterations, ensuring your tax professional receives accurate information.

6. Strategically Forecast 2026

Utilize QuickBooks® Online’s Cash Flow projections to anticipate revenue fluctuations, tax payment schedules, and seasonal expenses for early 2026. Advanced preparation fosters financial resilience and eliminates year-end complications.

7. Take Advantage of New Automation Features

With QBO’s latest updates, you can efficiently manage inactive payroll items and incorporate e-signatures for payroll, enhancing your processes as the year concludes. Image 3

In summary, dedicating regular time each week to clear up your accounts, assess aging reports, leverage enhanced reporting, manage contractor requirements, and confirm closing settings will pave the way for a stress-free start to 2026. QuickBooks® Online facilitates not only transactional recording but strategic financial readiness.

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We solve tax problems for individuals and help tax pros solve tax problems for their clients.
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