Every January, I hear a familiar set of questions from business owners. They aren’t bad questions, and they aren’t signs that something has gone wrong. They’re simply the questions that show up as one-year closes and another begins.
These are some of the most common January bookkeeping and tax questions small business owners ask every year — and if any of them sound familiar, you’re not behind. You’re paying attention.

Am I behind on my books or taxes?
This is often the first question I hear in January, and it usually comes with more worry than necessary. January is rarely a month of full clarity. Bank activity is still settling, year-end adjustments may still be in progress, and reports can look incomplete before everything fully closes out.
Feeling uncertain at this point in the year is normal — and expected.

Is this expense deductible for my business?
This question comes up frequently in January, especially around meals, travel, supplies, and professional services. In most cases, the answer depends less on the category and more on the business context. How an expense relates to your business matters just as much as where it lands in your books.
This is one of the most common small business tax questions, and it’s rarely a simple yes-or-no answer without more information.

Should I fix this in QuickBooks now — or wait until tax season?
Not everything that looks “off” in January needs to be corrected immediately. Timing differences, year-end activity, and incomplete information can all make QuickBooks reports look misleading early in the year.
Sometimes the best move is to pause, flag the issue, and let the year fully close before making changes. Acting too quickly — without full context — can create more cleanup later.

Do I need to meet with you yet?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The right timing depends on what decisions you’re trying to make — tax planning, cash flow, payroll, or simply understanding where things stand.
Although tax season officially opens in late January, filing well doesn’t mean filing immediately. January is about identifying what needs attention and allowing enough time to review, clarify, and ask questions — well before April deadlines are looming.
That said, before anything is submitted for tax purposes, it’s important to connect and make sure everything is clearly understood.

Can I still do something to lower my taxes?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no — but asking the question early is always worthwhile. Even when options are limited, understanding where you stand removes uncertainty and helps you plan more effectively going forward.
This is one of those January tax questions where clarity is often more valuable than last-minute action.

Why doesn’t my bank balance match?
This is one of the most common January QuickBooks questions I hear. Timing differences, outstanding transactions, credit card lag, and year-end activity can all contribute. A mismatch doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong — it usually means more information is still coming in.

What these January questions have in common
What these questions have in common isn’t confusion or disorganization. It’s a desire to do things correctly — and on time — without creating more work later.
January isn’t about having all the answers yet. It’s about asking the right questions early enough to create space for thoughtful review, informed decisions, and timely filing as tax season progresses.  If one or more of these questions is on your mind, you’re not behind. You’re exactly where most thoughtful business owners are at the start of a new year.
And if you’re unsure which bookkeeping or tax questions matter most for your business right now, that’s a conversation I’m always happy to have.