Year-end bookkeeping checklist for small business (2026)

Ten items. Do them in December and January is quiet.

December

1. Check the coverage map: every account, every month green. Upload anything missing.
2. Clear the Needs Review list.
3. Look at the profit and loss for anything odd: a category that doubled, a vendor in the wrong place.
4. Upload receipts for meals, travel and equipment over $2,500.
5. Collect W-9s from every contractor you paid $600 or more.
6. Make retirement contributions and buy equipment you were going to buy anyway, if it makes sense this year.
7. Pay the January 15 estimated tax.

January

1. Upload December statements as soon as they arrive.
2. Record year-end items: mileage total, home office, inventory count if you have one.
3. Issue 1099-NECs by January 31.
4. Export profit and loss, balance sheet and ledger, or invite your preparer.