The holiday rush has subsided, the inventory is counted (or depleted!), and you’re likely enjoying a rare moment of quiet in your business before the New Year’s confetti flies.
For small business owners in Hammond, Ponchatoula, Madisonville, and Covington, this “in-between” week—the strange lull between Christmas and New Year’s—is a golden opportunity.
Instead of just coasting into 2026, use these few quiet days to perform a “strategic pause.” At Sensible Services ABC, we find that clients who take a few hours during this week to get organized experience significantly less stress during tax season and hit the ground running in January.
Here are 5 smart, low-stress financial moves you can make right now, before the ball drops.
1. The Final Receipt Round-Up
We all have that digital folder, physical shoebox, or messy desk drawer where receipts go to hide.
What you need to do:
Spend an hour today gathering them.
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Check your email for digital invoices you forgot to forward to your accounting software.
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Empty your wallet and vehicle consoles for stray physical receipts (gas, client coffees, supplies).
Why it matters right now:
Finding a $100 expense now is much easier than hunting for it in March. Every legitimate business expense you document reduces your taxable income.
2. Secure Those W-9s
Did you hire any independent contractors, freelancers, or consultants in 2025? If you paid them more than $600, you will need to issue them a Form 1099-NEC very soon (the deadline is end of January!).
What you need to do:
Review your vendor list. Do you have a completed Form W-9 for everyone you need to pay?
Why it matters right now:
Trying to chase down a contractor for their Tax ID number in late January is stressful. Send those emails today requesting their W-9s so you are ready to file on time.
3. Finalize Your Mileage Log
If you use a personal vehicle for business purposes, the IRS requires a contemporaneous log to claim the mileage deduction.
What you need to do:
If you’ve been slacking on updating your log (it happens to the best of us), take this time to sit down with your calendar and reconstruct your business travel for November and December while it’s still somewhat fresh in your memory.
Why it matters right now:
The standard mileage rate is a valuable deduction, but it requires proof. Don’t let those miles slip through the cracks.
4. A Quick 2025 Review: The 30,000-Foot View
Don’t get bogged down in nitty-gritty details today. Just open your accounting software and look at the high-level Profit & Loss statement for the year.
What you need to do:
Ask yourself three questions:
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Did my total revenue grow compared to 2024?
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Which expense category grew the fastest? (Is it sustainable?)
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Is my net profit where I expected it to be?
Why it matters right now:
This isn’t about deep analysis; it’s about entering 2026 with your eyes open to the reality of how 2025 performed.
5. Schedule Your Tax Season Kick-Off Call
The best way to reduce anxiety about the upcoming tax season is to get it on the calendar.
What you need to do:
Don’t wait until February to reach out to your accountant.
Why it matters right now:
Tax professionals’ calendars fill up incredibly fast in January. Locking in your appointment now ensures you get the time and attention you deserve before the rush.
Need even more guidance? Check out Sensible Services ABC for trusted payroll tax tips and expert advice every small business owner should know.
Do you offer payroll services outside Louisiana?
Definitely. We serve clients nationwide with secure digital tools, real-time communication, and tailored support. No matter where you’re located, we’re here to simplify payroll and help you stay on track.
Start 2026 Organized and Confident
A little bit of effort on December 29th pays massive dividends in January.
If the thought of rounding up receipts or reviewing your P&L feels overwhelming, that’s your sign that you need a stronger financial partner for 2026.
Sensible Services ABC is here to help businesses across Southeast Louisiana transition smoothly from one year to the next. Let us handle the bookkeeping and tax prep so you can focus on making your 2026 goals a reality.
Happy New Year from our team to yours! Let’s make 2026 your most organized and profitable year yet.
Contact Sensible Services ABC today to get on our tax season calendar!
