Skip the Stress:Smart Year-End Prep Starts Now

Despite some owners’ lived experiences, Q4 doesn’t have to be frantic! 

With a little foresight in October and November, you can coast into December organized and confident. And to help you achieve that, here are 5 of our most impactful ways to make Q4 a peaceful period:

• Review payroll classifications, withholdings, and fringe benefits now before year-end corrections become a scramble
  

• Confirm you have all vendor records and W-9s on file, which if you read the article above this one, you’ve already started 😉
  

• Run a P&L review now to catch and fix errors before your year closes
  

• Start preparing for EOY bonuses and seasonal hires, if applicable, so payroll runs smoothly in December
  

• Plan your cash flow so you know what needs to be set aside for taxes, bonuses, and/or investments before January arrives
  

Yes, this takes a little extra effort now, but we promise it’s worth it. The businesses that prep early avoid late nights, missed filings, and year-end stress.

And if that seems like too much to add to your plate, YBO is here to help you work through this checklist, flag risks, and make sure you’re fully ready to launch into 2026 strong.