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Essential QuickBooks® Year-End Strategies for 2025

As we transition into the new year, businesses and accountants alike understand the importance of efficiently wrapping up the previous fiscal period. Closing out the year with precision not only prevents potential complications but also sets the groundwork for a prosperous 2026. With constantly changing tax regulations and fresh QuickBooks® Online (QBO) features now available, it's crucial to approach year-end tasks methodically to streamline the upcoming tax season.

1. Reconcile Financial Accounts

Avoid end-of-year surprises by thoroughly reconciling bank and credit card accounts. Navigate to Settings > Chart of Accounts > Reconcile in QBO. Ensure every account aligns with its corresponding statement, confirm ending balances, and address transactions pending in "Undeposited Funds" or "Uncategorized." New QBO tools highlight unreconciled items, aiding in this process.

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2. Audit Customer and Vendor Balances

Conduct a thorough review with aging reports: Accounts Receivable Aging and Accounts Payable Aging. Dispatch statements to clients with overdue invoices, and manage any potential write-offs judiciously. Similarly, scrutinize vendor balances to rectify any overlooked entries.

3. Assemble Year-End Reports

Generate vital financial overviews, such as the Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, and Trial Balance, for a comprehensive view using full-year data. Investigate any unusual entries or negative values, utilizing class or location-based filters to identify discrepancies.

4. Manage 1099 Documentation

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Ensure precise contractor management by correctly identifying 1099-NEC and 1099-MISC recipients. Under Expenses → Vendors → Prepare 1099s in QBO, verify that all addresses, W-9s, and payment records are up-to-date to avoid any IRS issues.

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5. Execute Final Adjustments and Secure Books

Address key adjustments such as depreciation, amortization, and adjustments for bad debts. Confirm fiscal year settings in Settings→ Advanced to ensure optimal functionality in QBO. Concluding these steps by "closing your books" prevents unintended modifications.

6. Update Payroll and Employee Information

If leveraging QuickBooks® Online Payroll, finalize your end-of-year payroll encompassing bonuses and commissions. Accurately document benefits, fringe benefits, and retirement contributions, and review employee information ahead of preparing W-2 forms.

7. Utilize New QuickBooks® Innovations

Embrace 2025's QBO enhancements in automation and interface design, particularly beneficial for firms utilizing QuickBooks® Online Accountant to handle multiple clients efficiently.

Bonus insight:

Utilize QBO’s cash-flow projection tools or conduct a "budget vs. actual" analysis to identify potential fiscal gaps. Prepare for unexpected expenditures or revenue fluctuations by reserving funds and modifying estimated tax payments accordingly.

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Approaching year-end with thoroughness in account reconciliation, balance verification, and payroll updates, alongside embracing advancements in QuickBooks® tools, can significantly ease your transition into 2026.

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Our team specializes in estate, gift, valuation, and forensic accounting matters. Book a confidential consultation to discuss your needs and get clear, actionable strategies.
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