Essential QuickBooks® Tasks for a Seamless 2026 Start

As autumn transitions into winter, it's crucial for small business owners and their accountants to begin wrapping up the current fiscal year to pave the way for a smooth 2026. With changes in tax laws and new QuickBooks® Online (QBO) capabilities, these year-end tasks can help streamline your tax season and ensure your books are ready for the new year.

1. Reconcile All Accounts

Ensure you leave no transaction unreviewed. Within Settings → Chart of Accounts → Reconcile, match each account to its statement, confirm ending balances, and tackle any transactions found in the Undeposited Funds or Uncategorized categories. The latest QBO tools will flag unreconciled transactions, minimizing future surprises.

2. Audit Customer and Vendor Records

Utilize the aging reports for Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable to manage outstanding invoices and unpaid bills. Send reminders to customers with pending invoices. Consider writing off bills that are unlikely to be paid, applying sound accounting principles. Double-check vendor balances for any missing entries.

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3. Consolidate Year-End Reports

Review your Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, and Trial Balance year-to-date. Keep an eye out for any negative balances or unusually large figures. Utilize filters by class or location for detailed variances.

4. Manage 1099s and Contractor Payments

Verify that all contractor information is accurate for 1099-NEC and 1099-MISC forms. Access Expenses → Vendors → Prepare 1099s in QBO to confirm contractor data, payment amounts, and addresses. Ensure that W-9s are complete to avoid IRS inconveniences in the new year.

5. Complete Final Adjustments and Closure

Update for depreciation, amortization, bad debts, owner draws, and transfers of retained earnings. Check your fiscal year settings in Settings → Advanced to ensure proper period closure in QBO. Once adjustments are made, officially "close your books" to prevent accidental changes.

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6. Update Payroll and Employee Data

For QuickBooks® Online Payroll users, ensure year-end updates include:

  • Final payroll runs with bonuses and commissions
  • Accurate posts of fringe benefits and retirement contributions
  • Confirmation of employee details (addresses, SSNs, W-4 updates)
  • Preview and correction of W-2 forms

7. Embrace New QuickBooks® Features

The 2025 updates to QuickBooks® brought advances in automation, categorization rules, and interface navigation. If not already adopted, now is a great time, especially for those using QuickBooks® Online Accountant to manage multiple clients.

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Bonus Tip:

Use QBO’s cash-flow projections or run a “budget vs. actual” analysis to identify and prepare for potential cash flow shortfalls. If unexpected expenses arose in 2025, consider increasing reserves or adjusting estimated tax payments early to manage cash flow efficiently.

With diligent reconciliation, balance verification, tax form completion, payroll updates, and leveraging the latest tools in QuickBooks®, you set the stage for a successful 2026. Proactive effort now will translate into benefits throughout the upcoming year.

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