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Essential Year-End Strategies for QuickBooks® Online Users in 2025

As the year draws to a close, businesses utilizing QuickBooks® Online (QBO) should start preparing well before December. Avoid last-minute stress by adopting a structured approach to achieving tax-ready financials and strategic planning. With updated features and increased IRS vigilance, preparing your accounts in advance not only saves time but also reduces risk as you enter 2026.

1. Account Reconciliation and Transaction Cleanup

Navigate to Settings → Chart of Accounts → Reconcile to match your final bank and credit card statements. Review Undeposited Funds and verify that all outstanding items are accounted for. QBO's built-in tools will identify unreconciled items, ensuring there are no surprises when tax season arrives.

2. Analyze Customer and Vendor Aging Reports

Generate both Accounts Receivable Aging and Accounts Payable Aging reports to identify any uncollectible debts and outstanding vendor invoices. Address these issues immediately to guarantee that your profit and loss statement and balance sheet are accurate, preventing any tax preparation delays.

3. Optimize with Enhanced Reporting Capabilities

Leverage the expanded "Modern View" for standardized reports in QBO. This update includes improved filters, quicker load times, and greater customization options. Generate crucial documents such as your Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Forecasts with enhanced efficiency. 

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4. Prepare and Monitor 1099/NEC for Contractors

If your business engages with freelancers or independent contractors, ensure you prepare your 1099s under Expenses → Vendors → Prepare 1099s. Confirm W-9 collection, track payment thresholds, and accurately flag vendors in QBO to avoid costly penalties and troublesome filings in Q1.

5. Secure Year-End Closing and Fiscal Setup

Check your "First month of fiscal year" under Settings → Advanced, then finalize closing balances to lock your accounts from accidental adjustments. This ensures your financial data is pristine and ready for your tax accountant, preventing inaccuracies in your reports.

6. 2026 Forecasting and Cash-Flow Management

Utilize QBO’s forecasting tools to anticipate scenarios for January-March 2026, considering elements such as revenue fluctuations, tax obligations, and seasonal cost changes. Planning ahead offers not only record adjustment for the past year, but also critical resilience and foresight.

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7. Embrace Automation and Newest Tools

QBO’s recent enhancements, such as pay item cleanup (inactive payroll items) and e-signatures for payroll forms, streamline operations, boosting efficiency and minimizing errors as year-end approaches. 

Bottom line: Devoting 30-60 minutes weekly to tasks like reconciliation, vendor evaluation, updated reporting, and contractor tracking secures a seamless transition into 2026. QuickBooks® Online transcends transaction recording, aligning your business towards strategic foresight.

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