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Essential QuickBooks® Year-End Checklist for 2025

As autumn turns its colorful page, business leaders and accounting professionals look forward to closing the financial chapter of 2025. Performing thorough year-end processes in QuickBooks® Online not only ensures compliance but also sets the stage for a prosperous 2026. To navigate evolving tax codes and fully leverage the latest QuickBooks® enhancements, consider these essential tasks to complete by December 31.

1. Reconcile Bank and Credit Accounts

Ensure no transaction is left unmatched. Navigate to Settings > Chart of Accounts > Reconcile in QuickBooks® Online to verify all account statements against ending balances. Make a special effort to resolve any entries under Undeposited Funds or Uncategorized items, leveraging QBO's tools to flag unreconciled transactions.

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2. Assess Customer and Vendor Accounts

Utilize Accounts Receivable Aging and Accounts Payable Aging reports to stay on top of outstanding invoices. For delinquent customer payments, dispatch reminders or consider write-offs where uncollectible, while carefully reviewing vendor balances for overlooked entries.

3. Compile Year-End Financial Reports

It’s imperative to generate comprehensive year-end reports using Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, and Trial Balance data. Scrutinize for irregularities like abnormal entries or negative balances, and apply filters by class or location to uncover unexpected variances.

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4. Prepare for 1099 Filings

Ensure accurate tracking of contractor payments for 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC forms. Access Expenses → Vendors → Prepare 1099s in QBO to verify contractor details, including W-9s and payment records, well ahead of IRS deadlines.

5. Execute Final Adjustments and Lock Books

Year-end adjustments, such as depreciation, amortization, and bad debts, should be finalized. Review your fiscal year settings under Settings→ Advanced, then secure your records by “closing your books” to prevent post-closing adjustments.

6. Refresh Payroll and Employee Data

Especially vital for QuickBooks® Online Payroll users, ensure your final payroll tasks are complete. Include bonuses, confirm benefits, and validate employee details for accurate W-2 generation.

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7. Embrace New QuickBooks® Features

Embracing 2025’s QuickBooks® updates—enhanced automation and improved interface features—can streamline management tasks, particularly for firms managing numerous clients. Explore these tools to boost efficiency and accuracy in your accounting processes.

Bonus Insight: Leverage QuickBooks®’s cash-flow projection tools or run “budget vs. actual” analyses to predict shortfalls. Address unexpected expenses and adjust your 2026 financial strategies accordingly.

Turn what can be a year-end scramble into a strategic opportunity. By methodically addressing these QuickBooks® tasks, your business can smoothly transition into 2026 with confidence and clear financial footing.

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