October Money Moves: How to Prep Your Business for Tax Season (and Keep More of Your Profit)

October is that in-between month that offers a unique advantage. You’re far enough into the year to have meaningful data, but not so far into the holiday season that you’re pressed for time. It’s the sweet spot for financial clarity and proactive planning.

You still have time to have a bookkeeper help you make impactful decisions that affect your tax season outcome.

1. Clean, Reconciled Books = Fewer Surprises

Every good tax prep season starts with accurate records. That means all accounts - bank, credit cards, loans - should be reconciled through year-end. A bookkeeper ensures every transaction is categorized correctly, every balance matches, and there are no lingering uncategorized items that could confuse your CPA (or raise red flags with the IRS).

Clean books also mean fewer back-and-forth emails with your tax pro, and more confidence in the numbers they’re filing on your behalf.

2. Deductions Aren’t a Mystery When Your Books Are Up to Date

Many tax-saving opportunities are missed simply because expenses weren’t tracked well enough. Bookkeepers help make sure nothing falls through the cracks, especially easy-to-miss deductions like:

• Software subscriptions

• Business meals

• Home office expenses

• Continuing education

• Contractor payments

When those expenses are entered monthly and properly labeled, it’s much easier for your CPA to include them and defend them if needed.

3. Profit Planning Happens Before the Return Is Filed

A bookkeeper not only prepares numbers for the CPA, but they also help business owners see the story those numbers are telling. That includes whether it makes sense to delay income, accelerate expenses, or set aside more for taxes before year-end.

Waiting until April to think about taxes means missing key opportunities. A bookkeeper helps create a feedback loop between your financials and your goals before the window closes.

4. Tax Time is Smoother When Contractors & Payroll Are Buttoned Up

Every January, businesses scramble to send 1099s and W-2s on time. A bookkeeping system that tracks contractors, collects W-9s in advance, and properly records payroll ensures you don’t miss deadlines or issue incorrect forms that later need amending.

This keeps your tax filings on track, protects relationships, and avoids compliance headaches.

5. You Can’t Maximize Profit If You Don’t Know What You’re Making

Tax prep is focused on compliance and clarity. A bookkeeper provides regular financial reports that show exactly what’s driving profit, what’s eating into it, and how much is left over once everything is accounted for.

This information allows business owners to plan owner draws, bonuses, and tax payments with confidence, not guesswork. It’s the difference between reacting to the numbers and leading with them.

Tax Season is Easier When Bookkeeping is Consistent

There’s no need to scramble when April rolls around. When a bookkeeper is tracking your financials in real-time, tax season becomes a formality, instead of a stress test. You stay informed, your CPA stays happy, and your business keeps more of what it earns.

October is all about preparation. In the world of taxes, preparation pays. Need help with that preparation? Let us do a FREE diagnostic review of your QuickBooks.