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Essential Year-End Activities in QuickBooks® Online for 2025

Beginning your year-end processes ahead of December is crucial for a smooth transition into 2026. For those utilizing QuickBooks® Online (QBO), it’s time to transition from last-minute rushes to comprehensive, tax-compliant bookkeeping. By adopting structured processes in advance, informed by the latest features and IRS expectations, you can save valuable time, minimize risks, and set the stage for the upcoming year. At Thompson-Smith CPA, LLC, where personalized guidance meets expertise, we emphasize proactive strategies for success.

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1. Reconcile Accounts and Purge Transaction Errors

Navigating to Settings → Chart of Accounts → Reconcile, ensure your ending bank and credit-card statements align, scrutinize Undeposited Funds, and confirm all outstanding items. QBO’s integrated guidance will spotlight unreconciled items, helping you avoid unpleasant surprises in April.

2. Assess Customer and Vendor Aging Reports

Generate Accounts Receivable Aging and Accounts Payable Aging reports. Address any non-recoverable receivables and outstanding vendor invoices promptly. This ensures your profit-and-loss and balance sheet maintain accuracy, avoiding any tax preparation delays.

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3. Utilize Advanced Reporting Capabilities

QBO’s enhanced “Modern View” for standard reports provides improved filters, quicker load times, and increased customization options. Efficiently generate reports like Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Forecasts. 

4. Prepare and Monitor 1099/NEC Filings

For businesses integrating freelancers or contractors, go to Expenses → Vendors → Prepare 1099s. Ensure all W-9s are collected, payment thresholds met, and vendors are correctly flagged in QBO. Neglecting this step can result in expensive penalties and late filings in Q1.

5. Finalize Books and Verify Fiscal Configurations

Within Settings → Advanced, verify your “First month of fiscal year”. Secure your closing balances and restrict any changes. This prevents unintended alterations to your year-end data, ensuring your tax preparer receives accurate books.

6. Plan for 2026 and Strengthen Cash Flow

Leverage QBO’s Cash Flow projections to outline January-March 2026, identifying anticipated revenue fluctuations, tax obligations, and seasonal expenses. Proactive planning now can provide both cushion and clarity, beyond merely tidying up last year’s records.

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7. Embrace Automation and New Functionalities

With QBO’s latest improvements, such as streamlined pay item management (inactive payroll items) and integrated e-signatures for payroll documents, you can enhance operational efficiency and mitigate error risks ahead of the year’s end. 

In conclusion, dedicating 30-60 minutes each week now to execute thorough reconciliations, review vendor/customer aging, access updated reports, monitor contractor commitments, and finalize your settings ensures you approach 2026 with assuredness rather than chaos. QuickBooks® Online goes beyond mere transaction recording; it’s a pivotal tool for strategic foresight.

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