For small business owners in Conway and throughout Horry County, December is more than just the end of the year—it’s a critical time to get your finances in order before tax season begins. Proper year-end accounting can save time, reduce stress, and uncover opportunities for tax savings and smarter planning.
At Peavy & Associates, we help local businesses close out the year cleanly and confidently. Here are essential year-end accounting tips every small business owner should address before December 31.
1. Reconcile All Bank & Credit Card Accounts
Reconciling your accounts ensures your books accurately reflect your business’s financial activity. This step helps catch errors, duplicate entries, or missing transactions before they become bigger issues during tax preparation.
Why it matters:
Clean reconciliations lead to more accurate financial statements and fewer delays at tax time.
2. Review Income & Expenses for Accuracy
Take time to review all income and expense categories to ensure everything is properly recorded and categorized.
Focus on:
- Missing or uncategorized expenses
- Duplicate transactions
- Personal expenses mistakenly recorded as business expenses
- Accurate records help maximize deductions while staying compliant.
3. Prepare for Payroll, W-2s & 1099s
December is the ideal time to get ahead of January payroll reporting deadlines.
Before year-end, be sure to:
- Verify employee and contractor information
- Confirm W-9s are on file for contractors
- Review payroll records for accuracy
Early preparation helps avoid penalties and last-minute stress.
4. Take Inventory & Review Fixed Assets
If your business carries inventory or owns equipment, year-end is the right time to confirm asset records.
This includes:
- Performing a physical inventory count
- Reviewing depreciation schedules
- Identifying assets that may qualify for tax deductions
5. Evaluate Cash Flow & Plan for the New Year
Year-end financials offer valuable insight into your business’s performance. Reviewing cash flow now helps you plan for:
- Q1 expenses
- Staffing needs
- Equipment purchases
- Growth opportunities
6. Work with a Local Accounting Professional
Tax laws and reporting requirements can be complex—especially for small businesses. Partnering with a local accounting firm ensures your year-end accounting is accurate and optimized for your specific business and industry.
Close the Year Strong with Peavy & Associates
Getting your books in order before the year ends sets your business up for a smoother tax season and a stronger start to the new year. At Peavy & Associates, we proudly support small businesses across Conway and Horry County, South Carolina with reliable accounting, bookkeeping, and advisory services.
Schedule your year-end accounting review today and start the new year organized, compliant, and confident.








