Year-End Accounting Checklist: What You Need to Do Before December 31
As the year comes to a close, it’s essential to wrap up your financials to ensure you're prepared for tax season and the year ahead. Elliott & Painter CPAs have compiled this streamlined year-end accounting checklist to help you stay on track before December 31.
1. Review Your Financial Statements
Start by thoroughly reviewing your financial statements, including your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement. This helps you assess your business’s financial health and ensures accuracy before closing out the year. Identifying discrepancies or making necessary adjustments now can save time during tax season.
2. Reconcile Bank Accounts and Credit Cards
Reconcile all bank and credit card accounts to ensure every transaction is accounted for and matches your records. This process helps to catch any errors or missing transactions and ensures that your financial statements reflect your actual cash flow before the year ends.
3. Maximize Tax Deductions
Review your expenses to ensure you're taking full advantage of tax deductions. Common deductible expenses include office supplies, equipment purchases, business travel, and charitable contributions. Consulting with your CPA can help you identify additional opportunities to lower your tax liability before December 31.
4. Evaluate Payroll and Employee Benefits
Make sure all payroll expenses, including year-end bonuses, have been accurately recorded. Verify that payroll taxes have been calculated correctly and that employee benefits, such as retirement contributions or health insurance, are properly documented. This helps avoid discrepancies when filing taxes.
5. Consult with Your CPA
Before closing out the year, meet with your CPA to review your financials, discuss tax-saving strategies, and ensure compliance with any new tax laws or regulations. A CPA can provide expert advice to help you maximize deductions, minimize tax liabilities, and prepare for the upcoming tax season.
Final Thoughts
Year-end accounting is crucial to ensure that your business’s financial records are accurate and ready for the new year. By following this five-point checklist, you can streamline your year-end close and avoid surprises during tax season. For personalized guidance and support, contact Elliott & Painter CPAs today to schedule a consultation.