Another year in business is worth celebrating, but your year-end checklist determines how smoothly next year starts. In this episode, I walk you through the exact steps creative entrepreneurs need to take before December ends to set up a stress-free tax season and a financially clear 2026. Topics Covered: Why cleaning up your books in December matters more than scrambling in April – Getting transactions categorized and reconciled now means you can file taxes early (or at least on time) without the panic. The receipt documentation rule you can't ignore – Especially for purchases over $75, proper documentation protects you during an audit and tells the full financial story of your business. How to review your financials strategically, not emotionally – I show you how pulling your 2025 profit and loss and balance sheet to compare year-over-year reveals patterns, surprises, and opportunities for smarter decisions in 2026. Checking your owner's pay and distributions – Are you paying yourself properly? For S corps, this includes verifying reasonable compensation to stay compliant. Tax prep essentials before January ends – From collecting W-9s and issuing 1099s (due in January, not April) to downloading payroll packages and estimating Q4 tax savings. What changed in 2025 tax law – Updates to standard deductions and the OBBBA (One Big Beautiful Bill Act) may affect your personal and business tax strategy, so consult your CPA. Choosing 2-3 metrics to track in 2026 – Whether it's owner's pay ratio, gross margins, or another KPI, tracking the right numbers keeps you aligned with your goals. If you're heading into 2026 without a clear financial picture, now's the time to change that. Wrapping up your year-end books and preparing for tax season doesn't have to be overwhelming. Whether you need a strategy session or help catching up on your bookkeeping, starting the new year with clarity makes all the difference. Resources & Links Website: https://firestormfinance.com/ Podcast Home: https://firestormfinance.com/podcast/ Book a Discovery Call: https://firestormfinance.com/contact Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-minds-smart-money-finance-business-tips-for/id1751025388 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2m2SRDIAEjeWSXOgKS4Ff4 Free Resources: Strategic Success Mini Workshop QuickBooks Setup Checklist 5-Minute Money Clarity Checklist Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firestormfinance Threads: https://www.threads.com/@firestormfinance LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-e-8796b6176/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firestormfinance YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirestormFinance Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/firestormfinance/