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Why a Financial Review in December Sets You Up for a Stronger New Year

Tax Prep| Small Business| Working with a CPA
December 26, 2025•2 min read

Don’t Wait for Tax Season—December Is Your Best Check-In Point

December isn’t just about holiday sales or closing projects, it’s the perfect time for reflection. A year-end financial review gives small business owners a clear picture of performance, reveals hidden opportunities, and helps you step into January with a plan.

1. Identify What Worked and What Didn’t

Look back at your revenue goals, expenses, and overall profitability.

  • Which products or services were most profitable?

  • Did any marketing campaigns fall flat?

  • Where can efficiency improve?

This honest assessment turns lessons learned into next year’s strategy.

2. Analyze Your Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

KPIs like gross margin, client retention, and average transaction value show whether your business is moving in the right direction. A CPA can help you interpret these numbers and connect them to your goals.

3. Review and Adjust Your Budget

Compare your actual results to your 2025 budget. Did you overspend in some areas or underinvest in others? Use that data to:

  • Reallocate funds for 2026.

  • Build in cash-flow buffers.

  • Prioritize investments that yield real returns.

4. Plan for Tax and Regulatory Changes

The financial landscape shifts constantly, especially for small businesses.

Discuss with your CPA:

  • New or expiring deductions

  • Payroll tax updates

  • Industry-specific changes (like cannabis or service-based business compliance)

Staying informed helps you make proactive, not reactive, moves.

5. Set SMART Goals for 2026

Translate your review into action by setting goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Whether it’s growing revenue, reducing debt, or expanding your team, clear targets keep you accountable.

A December financial review is your bridge between reflection and growth. It turns guesswork into strategy and ensures you enter 2026 with focus—not financial fog.

At Ciaccia CPA, we help small business owners interpret their data, refine strategies, and make confident, informed decisions year-round.

Meggan Ciaccia, CPA, is the Shareholder of Ciaccia CPA, a proudly woman-owned accounting firm serving small businesses for over 20 years. She is a Certified Tax Resolution Specialist and Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), helping clients resolve IRS issues, optimize tax strategies, and strengthen financial growth. Meggan also specializes as a cannabis accountant, guiding dispensaries and cannabis-related businesses through complex compliance and taxation. As a trusted advisor, she is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs to protect profits, manage cash flow, and position their businesses for long-term success.

Meggan Ciaccia

Meggan Ciaccia, CPA, is the Shareholder of Ciaccia CPA, a proudly woman-owned accounting firm serving small businesses for over 20 years. She is a Certified Tax Resolution Specialist and Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), helping clients resolve IRS issues, optimize tax strategies, and strengthen financial growth. Meggan also specializes as a cannabis accountant, guiding dispensaries and cannabis-related businesses through complex compliance and taxation. As a trusted advisor, she is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs to protect profits, manage cash flow, and position their businesses for long-term success.

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