January is the heaviest month of the year for a small company: employee forms, contractor forms and the start of tax season. What you get ready in November and December becomes a calm January.
1. Reconciled accounts
Every bank account and card, reconciled in QuickBooks through December 31. Without that, no number on the return can be trusted.
2. Your contractors' details
Ask every contractor for a W-9 today. For 2026 payments, the 1099-NEC is required when you paid $2,000 or more in the year (it used to be $600). The deadline is January 31; in 2027 it falls on a Sunday, so it moves to February 1.
3. Payroll and W-2s
Check every employee's name, address and number before the last paycheck of the year. The W-2 goes to employees and to the Social Security Administration on the same date as the 1099-NEC, along with Form 940 for federal unemployment tax.
4. The Florida annual report
It opens January 1 and is due May 1. Filing it in January costs the same and takes it off your list.
This guide is general information. For your case, book a year-end review.