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Essential Year-End QuickBooks Tasks for 2025: A Proactive Approach

Getting a head start on year-end tasks in QuickBooks Online (QBO) isn't just smart—it's essential. Business owners, especially those using Desert Lily Bookkeeping, know that structured, tax-ready bookkeeping puts you ahead of IRS scrutiny and paves the way for a smoother transition into 2026.

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1. Reconcile and Clean Up Your Accounts

Navigate to Settings → Chart of Accounts → Reconcile. Align your bank and credit card ending statements while reviewing any Undeposited Funds. QBO’s intuitive features highlight unreconciled items to ensure you aren't caught off guard during tax season.

2. Scrutinize Customer & Vendor Aging Reports

Running Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable Aging reports is crucial. Resolve uncollectible receivables and address outstanding vendor bills proactively, keeping your financial statements accurate and your tax prep efficient.

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3. Utilize Enhanced Reporting Features

QBO’s "Modern View" reports offer improved filters and faster processing. Take advantage of these capabilities to optimize your Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Forecasts. Learn more about these updates.

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4. Set Up Contractor 1099/NEC Tracking

For freelancer and contractor collaborations, your QBO path is Expenses → Vendors → Prepare 1099s. Assure thorough W-9 collection and diligent tracking to avoid costly mishaps next quarter.

5. Finalize Books and Review Fiscal Settings

In Settings → Advanced, verify the "First month of fiscal year". Cement your closing balances to prevent accidental data tampering, ensuring your tax preparer has pristine books.

6. 2026 Cash Flow Forecasting

Leverage QBO’s Cash Flow projections to anticipate early 2026 activities. Assess potential revenue dips, tax commitments, and seasonal expenses, building a financial buffer that provides clarity beyond simple year-end tidy-ups.

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7. Embrace Automation and QBO Innovations

Explore QBO’s recent upgrades like payroll item deactivation and integrated e-signatures. These enhancements streamline your processes and mitigate errors, reducing end-of-year stress. Read more about these features.

Investing time weekly to reconcile, review, customize reports, manage contractor obligations, and confirm settings results in entering 2026 with strategic foresight. With QBO, transcend transaction logging and move toward confident financial management.

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Book your free consultation with me today to see how we can get you back on track.
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