5 Questions Every Business Owner Should Ask Before Q4 Ends
The final quarter of the year can make or break your business goals. It’s when tax deadlines loom, budgets get finalized, and hiring, spending, and saving decisions come into focus. But for many business owners, Q4 slips by in a blur of to-do lists and holiday chaos.
At L&L Bookkeeping, we work with clients every day to help them stay ahead of year-end stress. We’ve learned that asking the right questions now can save you serious time, money, and headaches later.
Before December 31 rolls around, here are five smart questions every business owner should be asking.
1. Are My Books Caught Up and Reconciled?
If your books aren’t fully updated through Q3, now is the time to catch up. You need accurate numbers to:
Estimate taxes
Finalize budgets
Evaluate year-end purchases or bonuses
Tip: If your reconciliations are months behind, don’t wait until January to get help. Clean-up takes time, and your CPA will thank you for starting now.
Want to know what messy books are really costing you? Read our related blog, The True Cost of Messy Books, to learn how disorganization can quietly drain your time, money, and peace of mind.
2. Have I Set Aside Enough for Taxes?
Year-end tax surprises are often avoidable if you have accurate books and check in before Q4 ends. Your CPA (or L&L) can help calculate estimated taxes and determine whether you should make a final payment before the new year to avoid penalties.
3. Are There Any Year-End Opportunities I’m Missing?
Now’s the time to review:
Potential year-end purchases (equipment, software, etc.)
Employee bonuses or benefits
Retirement plan contributions
Charitable donations
These aren’t just feel-good decisions; they could impact your taxable income. Don’t leave them until December 29.
4. Is My Payroll Ready for Year-End?
Payroll-related tasks are often more complex than business owners expect. Be sure to:
Confirm employee addresses and info for W-2s
Check retirement contributions and deductions
Review benefit reimbursements and PTO reporting
Prepare for 1099 filings for contractors
Bonus: Use this time to double-check that your payroll provider or software is set up correctly. Even trusted providers make mistakes, and small payroll errors can lead to big tax headaches if they go unnoticed.
Want to see where issues often pop up (and how to catch them early)? Read The Payroll Tax Trap for real-world examples and what to watch for before January hits.
5. What Do I Want Q1 to Look Like?
This isn’t just a numbers question; it’s a leadership one. What do you want your business to look like in January?
Are your processes clean?
Do you have the support you need?
Are your financials helping or hurting our ability to make decisions?
If you’re constantly in catch-up mode, it may be time to bring in expert support before the new year starts.
Not sure if it’s time to outsource your bookkeeping? Read our blog, When to Outsource Your Bookkeeping, to learn what signs to look for and when to make the move.
How L&L Helps Clients Prep for Year-End
At L&L Bookkeeping, we help businesses wrap up Q4 strong and start Q1 with confidence. When you work with us:
Your accounts are reconciled monthly, so year-end isn’t a scramble
We coordinate with your CPA and payroll provider to make sure nothing gets missed
We flag red flags early before they become penalties
You always know where your books stand (and what’s coming next)
Step Into 2026 with Clean, Accurate Books
Want help making the most of Q4? Let’s talk through what’s working, what’s missing, and how L&L can help you step into 2026 with confidence. Book a free exploratory call today.