Year-end is where good accounting pays off and poor accounting comes due. For businesses that handle their own books, December and January are a scramble. For those that outsource, it’s mostly a confirmation that the work already done all year is in order. Here’s the checklist either way — and the case for not doing it alone.
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The Year-End Checklist
- Reconcile every account through December 31 — bank, credit card, loans
- Review the books for accuracy — categorization, owner draws, loans vs. income
- Chase down outstanding AR and clean up AP
- Confirm payroll and contractor totals — and prepare W-2s and 1099s
- Capture fixed assets and depreciation for the year
- Run year-end tax planning — last-chance moves before the books close
- Inventory count (if applicable)
- Gather documentation the return will need
Why This Is Painless When You Outsource
When a CPA team keeps your books current all year, year-end isn’t a reconstruction project — it’s a clean handoff. The reconciliations are done, the categorization is right, and the W-2s/1099s flow from payroll already on file. Most importantly, the tax-planning moves that only work before December 31 actually get made — because someone was watching the calendar.
The contrast is stark: DIY year-end means a frantic January and missed planning windows; outsourced year-end means you sign off and move on.
What Kaysville Clients Say
“FJ & Associates has done an incredible job with my accounting for years — I’m grateful they know all the tax codes so I don’t have to.” — Stacie G., verified Google review
“I’ve used FJ & Associates for over 20 years for personal and business taxes.” — Michael M., verified Google review
Read all 90+ five-star reviews on Google →
FAQs
What should be done before year-end for taxes? Final reconciliations, a books review, W-2/1099 prep, depreciation capture, and any last tax-planning moves — most of which must happen before December 31.
When are W-2s and 1099s due? They’re generally due to recipients and the IRS by January 31. Outsourced payroll means these are prepared and filed on time automatically.
Can you handle year-end if I’m behind on my books? Yes — we’ll do a catch-up to get you to an accurate December 31 starting point, then close out the year.
Make Year-End a Non-Event
Keep your books current all year so December is a sign-off, not a scramble.
📞 (801) 927-1337 ✉️ admin@cpaone.net 📍 612 N Kays Dr Suite 120, Kaysville, UT 84037
Schedule a Free Consultation → · Serving Kaysville, Layton, Farmington, and Davis County.
Missy Dennis, CPA | Partner, FJ & Associates, PLLC — Kaysville, UT. Licensed CPA with 20+ years in public accounting.
