Step 1. Before you get started
Complete this step to set up the Payroll application so you're ready to start working the Payroll Year-end Checklist.
Complete these steps in order
You must complete the Payroll Year-end Checklist in order to close the current payroll year.
Install the latest version of Connect (2024.11.141 or later)
Do install the latest version of Connect. It has changes to the W-2 Form, changes to the tax tables, and the Pay Code list. You should be running Connect 2024.11.141 or later. [More]
Print the quarterly reports for the fourth quarter
Print the quarterly reports required for your site for the fourth quarter; include federal and state quarterly reports. [More]
Print W-2s as soon as possible
When you’ve finished the Payroll Year-end Checklist, print the W-2s as soon as possible. Ideally, you should print W-2s as soon you finish the last payroll of the year and before you begin the first payroll of the new year.
Wait to load new tax rates
DO NOT load the new tax rate information until AFTER the Payroll Year-end Checklist is finished.
Webinar: Before you get started (Step 1)
Before you start working on the checklist
1a. Close the last payroll of the year
1b. Install the latest version of Connect
1c. Print quarterly reports for the fourth quarter
1d. Install the Payroll Year-end Checklist (XML)
Copyright © 2025 Caselle, Incorporated. All rights reserved.
Related Articles
How do I download and print the Payroll Year-end Checklist?
You'll need to download both the XML. The instructions to complete the Payroll Year-end Checklist are included on the XML. The XML file is the file that you'll import into the Connect Electronic Checklist, it's the checklist that flies out from the ...Webinar: Payroll Year-end Preparation (56m06s)
This webinar talks about the tasks you can work on to prepare to close the payroll year end. You need to wait until the last payroll of the year is finished before you can begin the Payroll Year-end Checklist, but you can get a head start by working ...Quick Start - Payroll Year-end Steps Checklist
Payroll Year-end Checklist This section is for those of you who have completed the year-end steps checklist before or for those of you who want a really short summary of the steps that your about to complete. If you open the PDF on your computer, ...Step 0. Before you get started
Before you begin the Accounts Payable Year-end Checklist, you’ll need to perform these tasks. You should complete these steps in the order listed below. You will be converting, reviewing, and correcting 1099 vendor information to prepare it to print ...Step 7. Finishing up
If you have printed all payroll reports for the tax year AND you have updated all transactions for the tax year to the General Ledger, there are three steps to complete. First, you’ll close the current payroll year. Closing the payroll year means the ...