5 Smart Moves to Get Your Business Ready for Year-End (Before It’s Too Late)
The end of the year always sneaks up faster than we think. For business owners, it’s more than holiday season — it’s deadline season. Between filings, taxes, and compliance requirements, there’s a lot to wrap up before December 31.
The good news? A few smart moves right now can set your business up for success next year — and help you avoid costly penalties or missed opportunities.
Here are five steps every LLC or corporation should take before the year ends.
1. File (or Update) Your Statement of Information
If you formed your business earlier this year, you may be due for your first Statement of Information filing — or your annual one if your business is a little older.
This quick but critical form keeps your business in good standing with the California Secretary of State. Miss it, and you risk late fees or even suspension.
👉 Pro tip: If you’re not sure when your SOI is due, SimpleCorp’s SimpleShield™ Compliance Plan tracks it for you and files automatically, so you’ll never miss a deadline again.
2. Check That Your Registered Agent Information Is Current
Your registered agent is your business’s official contact with the state — they receive important legal and tax notices.
If you’ve moved offices, changed mail services, or started using a P.O. box this year, now’s the time to confirm your registered agent address is accurate.
With SimpleShield™ Registered Agent Service, we monitor this for you and forward state mail securely — all included in your annual compliance plan.
3. Review Your Tax Readiness
Even though tax filing season doesn’t start until next year, smart business owners prepare now.
Reconcile your business accounts.
Organize your receipts and deductible expenses.
Double-check your payroll records (especially if you hired employees this year).
If you formed your business in 2025, you might also qualify for first-year tax deductions — including startup expenses, business equipment, and software.
💡 Pro tip: If you’re unsure about your entity’s tax treatment (LLC, S-Corp, or C-Corp), speak with your CPA before December. You may still have time to elect S-Corp status for next year.
4. Confirm Business Licenses and Renewals
Many local business licenses and permits renew annually. Missing a renewal deadline can result in late fees or interruptions in operations.
Check your city and county websites for any upcoming license renewals — especially if you operate in multiple jurisdictions.
SimpleCorp can help you track these renewals under your compliance plan, so you can focus on growth, not government paperwork.
5. Set Your Business Goals (and Systems) for 2026
Beyond paperwork, this is the perfect time to zoom out. Review what worked this year and what didn’t. Did you hit your growth goals? Was your bookkeeping smooth or stressful?
Use this time to simplify — streamline tools, automate tasks, and plan ahead for a cleaner, more productive new year.
If you’re ready to take things to the next level, our SimpleShield™ Annual Plan bundles your filings, registered agent, and compliance tracking into one simple subscription — so your business stays protected all year long.
Final Thoughts
Year-end doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or stressful. Making a few smart moves today can help you avoid headaches — and save you money — when January arrives. Taking some simple steps now sets you up for a smoother, more confident start to the new year.
✅ File your SOI
✅ Update your registered agent info
✅ Prep your tax records
✅ Renew your licenses
✅ Set clear goals for 2026
Start now, stay compliant, and finish the year strong — the Simple way.
Ready to take Action? Download our Free PDF Checklist, then tackle your year-end compliance with SimpleShield™ and get same-day filing today at MySimpleCorp.com.