You do not have to wait until January to get your records organized. Starting with what you already have can make year-end feel more manageable—and show you what is still missing.
Start with these five groups
- Bank and credit card statements. Keep the complete statement for every business account, including accounts that closed during the year.
- Receipts and invoices. Save the documents behind your purchases and sales. Add a short note when the business purpose needs explaining.
- Contractor records. Review names, W-9s, payment totals, and payment methods. Ask your tax professional which payments require reporting.
- Payroll reports, if you have employees. Gather reports from your payroll provider and flag entries or balances that need a review.
- A list of questions. Note unfamiliar deposits, uncategorized spending, loans, asset purchases, and personal transactions that appear in business accounts.
The IRS explains that supporting documents are part of recording business transactions. Organizing those documents alongside your books gives you and your tax professional a clearer place to start.
A manageable next step: make a folder for this year, then a short “still needed” list. Work through one account or month at a time.
Bring the records into order
I can help with bookkeeping catch-up, coding review, reconciliation, and financial reports. We can also identify open questions for your tax professional to address before the year is closed.
Official references
Sources checked October 12, 2026. General bookkeeping information and reporting reminders; confirm tax treatment and filing requirements with your qualified tax professional.