Period-end tasks

To close a fiscal year

Please note that this task requires single-user access. See Single-user file locking for more information.

Note:  When your fiscal year should be closed

1. Enter all of the transactions in your company file that are required for the year that's ending. (Entering all information for the year you're closing)



2. Print all the reports that you need to show the previous year's transaction activity. (Annual Reports)



3. Choose Start a New Year from the File menu, and then choose Start a New Fiscal Year from the sub-menu that appears.



4. Click the Backup button to make a backup of your company file. Clearly mark this backup and put it in storage as part of your permanent records. (How your company file is changed when you Start a New Fiscal Year)

Caution:  Make a backup before closing the fiscal year

5. Click the Continue button. Follow the instructions that appear on your computer screen.

Caution:  Fiscal years probably shouldn't be changed

6. After you start a new fiscal year, you should optimize and verify your company file.
   
   Optimizing your company file reduces the file's size and makes your company file more efficient. [To optimize a company file (File menu)]
   
   The Verify Company File utility checks your company file for errors and ensures that your company file is in "healthy" working condition. [To verify your company file (File menu)]

Note:  Optimizing and verifying may take a while

Related topics

• Closing a fiscal year and starting a new one
• How your company file is changed when you Start a New Fiscal Year
• To optimize a company file (File menu)
• To make a backup
• To restore a backup
• To verify your company file (File menu)