Essential QuickBooks® Year-End Close for 2025

As December unfolds, businesses and accountants gear up for a seamless transition into 2026. Completing the fiscal year accurately lays the groundwork for future success. With frequent updates in tax regulations and exciting new QuickBooks® Online (QBO) capabilities, it's imperative to address essential year-end tasks. Here's your action plan to ensure a smooth 2025 tax season close.

1. Comprehensive Reconciliation of Accounts

Ensure all financial avenues are in sync. Navigate to Settings > Chart of Accounts > Reconcile in QBO, verifying bank and credit card accounts align with statements. Thoroughly investigate and resolve transactions labeled in Undeposited Funds or Uncategorized fields. Leverage QBO's ability to highlight unreconciled entries to avoid future discrepancies.

Image 3

2. Scrutinize Customer and Vendor Accounts

Deploy aging reports: Accounts Receivable Aging and Accounts Payable Aging. Proactively engage customers with outstanding debts by sending statements. Use professional judgment to write off delinquent or non-collectible accounts, and verify vendor balances for any overlooked entries.

3. Produce Key Year-End Financial Statements

Generate a full-year Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, and Trial Balance. Be vigilant for any anomalies, such as negative or disproportionate amounts. Implement classification filters for class and location to identify potential issues quickly.

Image 2

4. Optimize 1099 & Contractor Surveillance

Validate all contractors for 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC reporting within the QBO Expenses → Vendors → Prepare 1099s module. Confirm critical data like addresses and payment records are current to avert IRS challenges.

5. Implement Final Adjustments & Secure Account Ledgers

Execute adjustments including depreciation, amortization, and owner dividend allocations. Check fiscal year settings under Settings → Advanced to ensure QBO's awareness of the impending fiscal closure. Subsequently lock the books, preventing unintended modifications post-closure.

6. Refresh Payroll & Employee Database

Particularly pertinent if utilizing QuickBooks® Online Payroll. Pre-year-end actions include:

  • Running the final payroll cycle, incorporating bonuses and commissions.

  • Verifying entries for all benefits and retirement funds.

  • Ensuring employee data (addresses, SSNs, W-4 details) are up-to-date.

  • Reviewing preliminary W-2s for accuracy pre-submission.

7. Adapt to New QuickBooks® Features & Automation

In 2025, QuickBooks® introduced advancements in automation and rule-customization features. Embrace these enhancements, especially for CPAs managing multiple client profiles through QuickBooks® Online Accountant.

Tip: Utilize QBO's cash-flow analysis and "budget vs. actual" reporting tools to identify any financial discrepancies. If 2025 introduced unforeseen costs or reduced earnings, consider adjusting tax estimates or setting reserve funds accordingly.

Image 1

Avoid year-end disarray. By closing this fiscal chapter meticulously—reconciling ledgers, checking financial standings, completing tax documentation, updating payroll, and embracing QuickBooks®’s innovative tools—you build a foundation for success in 2026. Invest time now for significant returns later.

Share this article...

Want our best tax and accounting tips and insights delivered to your inbox?

Sign up for our newsletter.

I confirm this is a service inquiry and not an advertising message or solicitation. By clicking “Submit”, I acknowledge and agree to the creation of an account and to the and .
Let us take your tax and accounting needs off your hands today.