The last weeks of the year have arrived. The days are short, diaries are full and your mind is probably already on the Christmas drinks, family plans and some well-deserved rest. But… before you dive into party mode, there’s one more job that really deserves some attention: your bookkeeping.
Not the sexiest part of running a business, but one that can save you quite a few headaches (and money) if you tackle it properly now. Because whether you’re preparing your VAT return, closing your annual figures or simply want to keep things clear, this is the moment to clear the decks.
With this checklist, a good cup of coffee (or mulled wine and an oliebol) and an hour of focus, you can wrap up your bookkeeping neatly. Less stress in January, more peace of mind and a fresh start to 2026.
1. Have you invoiced everything you should have invoiced?
Have you sent an invoice for all the products or services you’ve delivered? Have a quick scroll through your diary, quotes and notes. You don’t want to be chasing old revenue early next year!
2. Unpaid invoices? Time for a friendly nudge
Do you have clients who ‘just haven’t quite got round to it yet’? Send them another reminder before the end of the year. You increase the chance that they’ll still pay, which benefits your cash flow and your profit position.
3. Process all receipts and purchase invoices
That one fuel receipt or that software subscription? Track them down and book them properly. Anything you forget, you’ll end up paying back twice over to the Tax Authority (Belastingdienst). Don’t forget your mileage log and business lunches either.
4. Check your bank transactions
Do your bank transactions match your bookkeeping? Log in to your business account and check that all your income and expenses have been booked properly. Don’t forget your business credit card, PayPal or other accounts (including that one you never really use).
5. Got stock? Start counting!
Do you have physical products in stock? Then it’s time to count. As at 31 December you need to do a stocktake. This is needed for calculating your annual profit and for any VAT corrections.
6. Check investments and depreciation
A new laptop, camera or coffee machine for the office? We will capitalise and depreciate it if it costs more than €450. Do check for yourself whether your total investments this year exceed the threshold for an investment deduction (such as the small business investment deduction, KIA). Just below it? Then now is the time to make one more smart investment before 31 December. That way you make the most of your tax room while investing in the growth of your business at the same time.
7. Think about tax schemes
Do you still want to use schemes such as the starter deduction (startersaftrek), the SME profit exemption (mkb-winstvrijstelling) or the self-employed deduction (zelfstandigenaftrek)? Then make sure you meet the conditions and check your hours log. Haven’t met the hours criterion (urencriterium) yet? Then this is the moment to bring your hours properly up to date and put in extra hours where possible. Activities such as client contact, admin, marketing and taking a course all count.
8. Do you also use your things privately?
A laptop you secretly use for Netflix too? Or a company car you drive to visit your gran? Then you may need to make a correction, for example for VAT or the addition to taxable income for private use of a company car (bijtelling).
9. Check outstanding loans or accounts
Have you lent money to or borrowed money from your business, your partner or third parties? Record the amounts properly and make sure there is a clear agreement as at 31 December. What’s on paper is what counts!
Bonus: book an appointment with your accountant
A quick brainstorm, looking ahead together or discovering one more stray deduction? One phone call could easily save you hundreds of euros.
Ticked off this checklist? Then it’s time for something other than numbers! Time to enjoy twinkling lights, hot chocolate, sparklers, oliebollen, champagne and above all: a well-deserved break.
We wish everyone happy holidays in advance, full of bright spots, both in business and in private!
Cheers to a healthy, successful and financially sharp 2026!