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Essential 2025 QuickBooks® Tasks for Year-End Success

As autumn leaves signal the close of another year, small business owners and accountants look to 2026 with anticipation. A precise year-end wrap-up in QuickBooks® sets the stage for a prosperous future. With changing tax regulations and new QuickBooks® Online (QBO) features at your disposal, here are crucial steps to streamline your 2025 tax season.

1. Reconcile All Financial Accounts

Close out the books with no loose ends. Navigate to Settings > Chart of Accounts > Reconcile to align every account statement, verify closing balances, and resolve items in Undeposited Funds or Uncategorized categories. QBO’s reconciliation tools now highlight discrepancies early on.

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2. Assess Customer and Vendor Balances

Run key reports such as Accounts Receivable Aging and Accounts Payable Aging. Prompt customers with outstanding invoices. For overdue or non-recoverable debts, apply necessary write-offs using professional accounting discretion. Also, review vendor accounts for any discrepancies.

3. Finalize Year-End Financials

Compile and scrutinize your Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, and Trial Balance reports covering the entire fiscal year. Identify irregularities like significant balances or anomalies by using class or location filters.

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4. Cater to 1099 and Contractor Requirements

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Ensure all independent contractors are properly identified for 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC forms. Within QBO, access Expenses → Vendors → Prepare 1099s and verify addresses, W-9s, and payment values to avert IRS issues in January.

5. Execute Final Adjustments and Close the Books

This includes managing depreciation, amortization, adjustments for bad debt, and allocations like owner draws and retained earnings transfers. Confirm your fiscal year settings in Settings→ Advanced. After executing adjustments, "close the books" to freeze modifications.

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6. Refresh Payroll and Staff Records

For QuickBooks® Online Payroll users, end-of-year tasks include:

  • Process final payroll, inclusive of bonuses and commissions.

  • Verify accuracy in benefits, extras, and retirement inputs.

  • Update employee profiles, ensuring current addresses and tax forms.

  • Pre-review and amend W-2 forms for prompt filing.

7. Utilize New QuickBooks® Features and Automations

2025's QuickBooks® upgrades emphasize automation and improved interface usability. If your firm leverages QuickBooks® Online Accountant, now’s optimal to adopt these innovations, especially for multi-client management.

Pro Tip: Employ QBO’s cash-flow forecasts or "budget vs. actual" reports to identify financial discrepancies. If 2025 posed unexpected financial strains, consider adjusting your estimated taxes early.

Don’t scramble as year-end approaches. By reconciling, checking balances, preparing tax documents, updating payroll records, and embracing technology, you prepare your business for a smoother year ahead. This forward-planning will ease the transition into 2026.

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