What To Do When Your CPA Says ‘Fix Your Books’
If your CPA just told you, “We can’t file your taxes until you fix your books,” take a deep breath. You’re not alone — and you’re not doomed. But it is time to take action.
Many small business owners find themselves in this situation. Whether your books are a bit messy or completely off the rails, there’s a path forward.
Step 1: Understand What “Fix Your Books” Means
This phrase could mean a few different things, such as:
Transactions are in the wrong categories
Bank accounts haven’t been reconciled
Duplicate or missing entries are throwing off your reports
Unapplied payments, open invoices, or unfiled sales tax
Your QuickBooks reports don’t match your bank or reality
Start by asking your CPA to clarify exactly what’s broken so you know where to focus.
Step 2: Focus on the Big 3
Start with these key areas:
Categorize Transactions Properly: Don’t let expenses live in “Uncategorized.” Every dollar should have a home.
Reconcile Bank and Credit Card Accounts: Your bank balances should match your QuickBooks balances.
Clean Up Invoices and Payments: Match open invoices with payments, and clear any unapplied or duplicate items.
Step 3: Use QuickBooks Tools to Your Advantage
If you’re using QuickBooks Online (QBO), lean into its features:
Bank Feeds: Automatically import and match transactions
Rules: Automate recurring expenses (like subscriptions)
Reports: Use Profit & Loss and Balance Sheet to spot errors
Make QBO work for you — not the other way around.
Step 4: Bring in Backup (That’s Us)
If it feels like too much, that’s where DBR Bookkeeping comes in.
We help business owners clean up their QuickBooks fast, organize their finances, and avoid costly tax-time mistakes. From messy books to multi-year cleanups, we’ve seen it all — and fixed it all.
The best part? We’ll get your CPA everything they need without the stress.
FAQ
Q: How do I know what’s actually wrong with my books?
A: Ask your CPA for specifics, then review your reports. Look for negative balances, uncategorized items, or unreconciled accounts.
Q: Can I fix it myself?
A: You can — but if you’re unsure, or on a tight timeline, it’s smart to hire a professional.
Q: Will this delay my tax filing?
A: Possibly. The faster you clean things up, the sooner your CPA can file.
Q: What if I need help now?
A: Book a free call with DBR Bookkeeping. We’ll review your books and create a clean-up plan.
📅 Ready to fix your books and give your CPA exactly what they need?
Book your free call now
Let’s start Doing Business Right!
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