Year-end tax work is more efficient when the bookkeeping has already been reconciled and reviewed. Cleanup should focus on reliability, not cosmetic changes.
Reconcile every balance-sheet account
Bank accounts are only the start. Credit cards, loans, sales tax, payroll liabilities, shareholder accounts, and clearing accounts should also be supported.
Review unusual income and expenses
Scan for duplicate transactions, large miscoded items, personal expenses, and amounts posted to catch-all accounts. Prepare a clear questions list for anything unresolved.
Prepare a useful year-end package
Organize reconciliations, fixed-asset additions, loan statements, sales-tax filings, payroll summaries, and other supporting schedules so the tax preparer can work from a complete package.
General information only. Tax and financial rules change and individual circumstances matter. Confirm current requirements and seek advice appropriate to your situation.