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Essential Year-End Procedures in QuickBooks® Online for 2025

The key to a seamless year-end transition begins well before December. Business owners using QuickBooks® Online (QBO) should shift from reactive solutions to proactive, tax-ready bookkeeping and strategic planning. With QBO's new functionalities and rising IRS scrutiny, early preparation can conserve time, mitigate risks, and offer a strong start for 2026.

1. Reconcile Accounts and Tidy Up Transactions

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Navigate to Settings → Chart of Accounts → Reconcile. Align your bank and credit card statements, check Undeposited Funds, and ensure all outstanding transactions are in order. QBO's integrated guidance highlights unreconciled items to avoid surprise audits come April.

2. Scrutinize Customer & Vendor Aging Reports

Generate Accounts Receivable Aging and Accounts Payable Aging reports. Prioritize clearing up uncollectible debts and pending vendor bills to ensure your financials reflect true values, thereby streamlining tax filing.

3. Utilize Enhanced Reporting Features

QBO’s “Modern View” of reports offers superior filters, swifter load times, and expansive customization options. These enhancements streamline access to vital reports like Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Forecasts. 

4. Establish and Track 1099/NEC for Contractors

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If your business engages freelancers or independent contractors, visit Expenses → Vendors → Prepare 1099s. Ensure W-9s are collected, payment minimums are monitored, and QBO categorizes vendors correctly. Overlooking this step now could impose costly penalties early next year.

5. Finalize Book Closures & Confirm Fiscal Configurations

In Settings → Advanced, verify your “First month of fiscal year.” Issue final balances and secure them to prevent unintentional alterations. This practice guarantees your accountant receives pristine records.

6. Plan for 2026 and Strengthen Cash-Flow

Leverage QBO’s Cash Flow tools to draft projections for January to March 2026, including revenue fluctuations, tax schedules, and seasonal expenses. Advance planning affords your business flexibility and focus beyond mere record management.

7. Embrace Automation and Recent Innovations

QBO’s updates feature streamlined payroll item management and seamless e-signature integration for payroll documents. These improvements boost efficiency and accuracy as year-end pressures mount. 

Ultimately, dedicating 30-60 minutes weekly to account reconciliation, reviewing vendor/customer ledgers, utilizing new reporting capabilities, contractor management, and book closure ensures you commence 2026 with precision and peace of mind. QuickBooks® Online transcends simple transaction logging, evolving into a tool for comprehensive financial readiness.

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