In December, life slows down just enough for you to finally see your business clearly. Maybe you’re noticing what’s working, what’s draining you, and what needs to change before the new year begins.
And contrary to what you might think, December is the best time to plan for the year ahead… not January. That’s because you’re not swept up in fresh-start pressure, returning client work, or the rush of new goals.
When you use this quieter season to reflect, realign your systems, and clean up your finances, you set yourself up to step into 2026 with clarity, confidence, and a real roadmap.
Below, you’ll find the top things to prioritize right now so your books are in tip-top shape and ready for the new year.
Your Year-End Finance Checklist
Bookkeeping Must-Do’s
1. Update and Reconcile Your Books
Make sure every single account (checking, savings, credit cards, PayPal, Stripe) is updated and reconciled through the end of November. You want clean, accurate numbers heading into the new year.
2. Categorize All Missing or Uncategorized Transactions
Now is the time to get those uncategorized lines sitting in QuickBooks sorted. Cleaning this up ensures your reports are accurate and prevents mistakes in your tax return.
3. Review All Q4 Statements
Double-check your final quarter of numbers. Look for duplicates, missing expenses, or inconsistencies. A quick scan now can save hours later.
1099 Prep
Most business owners wait until January to prep 1099s, and then scramble. But you can make it easy on yourself by handling the prep work before the year ends.
Here’s what to do:
- Send W-9 requests to all contractors who need them
- Confirm you have the correct legal name, address, and EIN or SSN
- Review your contractor payments and ensure records match your books
Payroll & Compliance Checks
If you have employees (or even just yourself on payroll!), this is the time to review everything.
- Confirm all payroll entries are correct and categorized properly
- Make sure bonuses, reimbursements, and adjustments are accounted for
- Download any needed payroll reports for your CPA
Q4 Strategy Meeting
Getting a Q4 strategy meeting with your CPA on your calendar is the anchor of your December planning. And it’s the step most business owners skip.
A year-end conversation with your CPA can:
- Estimate how much you’ll owe in taxes for 2025
- Identify end-of-year purchases that could reduce your taxable income
- Determine if electing S-Corp status makes sense (especially if you’re netting over $60k)
These decisions can literally change your tax bill and your financial trajectory. So call up your CPA and get that meeting scheduled, especially if I’m your CPA! 😉 You can book your appointment here.
Looking Ahead to 2026 With Support and Structure
You deserve to walk into the new year feeling financially grounded. But if you don’t have clarity and support from a financial planner, that can be difficult to achieve on your own. That’s why I’m opening space for 15 more clients inside my Pathway and Partnership package. This package includes full-service bookkeeping plus advisory support with up to 60 minutes per month of calls.
With consistent support, you can move into 2026 with confidence, knowing exactly where your business stands, what to prioritize, and how to make decisions that actually support your long-term goals. Clients often tell me that having a dedicated advisor in their corner doesn’t just improve their finances… it reduces stress, creates focus, and frees up energy to grow.
If you’ve been operating in “guess and hope” mode, this is your invitation to shift into strategy and stability. Inside the Pathway and Partnership package, you won’t just get numbers delivered to you; you’ll get context, guidance, and a partner who understands your business and helps you plan proactively.
I expect these 15 spots to fill quickly, so if you want 2026 to be the year you stop feeling behind and start feeling in control, reach out today.
