Bookkeeping for Small Businesses Cleveland

Finalizing Your Books: What Your Accountant Really Wants.

Written by Kathy Dise | Jan 2, 2026 1:45:00 PM

The new year is rolling along, but before you close the books on last year, your accountant needs a few key items to work their tax magic. The sooner you send them over, the better—especially if you want to avoid the dreaded “extension” conversation. 

Give Them Access 

Start with the basics: grant your accountant access to your QuickBooks Online file. It’s the fastest way for them to pull the reports they need—no email chains required. 

Share the Big Stuff 

  • Fixed Assets: Bought or sold equipment? Upload receipts and details directly into QuickBooks. 
  • Loans: New financing? Attach loan docs to the transaction. 
  • Payroll: Send over W2s, W3s, and 1099s if you handled them yourself. 
  • Home Office: Provide square footage, mortgage or rent, utilities, and insurance. 
  • Vehicles: Include business miles, total miles, and related expenses. 
  • Memberships & Tickets: Yes, even golf outings and theater tickets count. 
  • Medical Insurance: Include all premiums—even Keyman policies breaking out cost of insurance for the owner.   
  • Inventory: Beginning and ending balances are a must. 

Don’t Skip the Basics 

  • Reconcile all accounts—bank, credit cards, loans. 
  • Review your Profit & Loss and Balance Sheet for consistency. 
  • Clean up Accounts Receivable and Payable. 
  • Record business expenses paid personally (and reimburse or record as contributions). 

Let BudgetEase Make It Easy 

Whether you're a small business, nonprofit, or just knee-deep in QuickBooks catchup, outsourcing your accounting service to BudgetEase means fewer headaches and cleaner books. Contact BudgetEase today—because your accountant deserves more than a shoebox full of receipts.