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Essential Year-End QuickBooks® Online Strategies for 2025

As December approaches, it's the perfect time for businesses using QuickBooks® Online (QBO) to transition from hasty, end-of-year rushes to a structured, tax-prepared approach. With the introduction of new features and evolving IRS regulations, taking steps now can significantly streamline your year-end processes, minimize risk, and prepare you for 2026.

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1. Reconcile All Accounts and Tidy Up Transactions

Navigate to Settings → Chart of Accounts → Reconcile to align your ending bank and credit-card statements. Carefully review Undeposited Funds and ensure outstanding items are resolved. QBO offers built-in guidance to help pinpoint unreconciled items, preventing unpleasant surprises come tax time.

2. Evaluate Customer and Vendor Aging Reports

Generate Accounts Receivable Aging and Accounts Payable Aging reports. Address uncollectible debts and outstanding vendor payments now to ensure your financial statements accurately represent your current standings and avoid any delays in tax preparation.

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3. Utilize Enhanced Reporting Features

QBO's "Modern View" offers enhanced filters, quicker load times, and greater customization. These improvements allow for the efficient generation of key reports such as Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Forecasts. Explore the new features here.

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4. Setup and Manage Contractor 1099/NEC Forms

If your business engages freelancers or independent contractors, navigate to Expenses → Vendors → Prepare 1099s. Confirm collection of W-9s, accurately track payment thresholds, and ensure QBO correctly flags vendors. Completing this step now helps avoid costly mistakes and penalties in Q1.

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5. Secure Your Books and Verify Fiscal Settings

Verify the "First month of fiscal year" under Settings → Advanced, then finalize closing balances and secure any changes. This step ensures your year-end data remains intact, delivering clean books to your tax preparer.

6. Plan for 2026 and Strengthen Cash Flow

Leverage QBO’s Cash Flow projections to model early 2026 scenarios: potential revenue fluctuations, tax obligations, and seasonal expenses. Being proactive now offers foresight and stability, addressing more than just past year's records.

7. Embrace Automation and Latest Tools

The latest QBO tools, such as inactive payroll item cleanup and e-signatures for payroll documents, enhance efficiency and reduce errors as you approach year-end. Learn more here.

Conclusively, allocating 30 to 60 minutes weekly to account reconciliations, vendor/customer report evaluations, updating reports, managing contractor forms, and closing settings can usher you into 2026 with clarity. QuickBooks® Online is not just transaction software; it's a strategic tool for readiness.

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Let's set you up for financial success!
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