As March 31st creeps up, so does the pressure of financial year closing—and let’s be honest, it’s not everyone’s favourite time of year. Whether you're a business owner, freelancer, or salaried professional, year-end financial tasks can get overwhelming if you’re not prepared. That’s where this handy checklist, curated with insights from top CA firms in Pune, comes to your rescue!
From sorting your books to filing taxes like a pro, we’re giving you a practical, easy-to-follow guide. Let’s wrap up the year strong, shall we?
Why a Year-End Financial Checklist Matters
Imagine heading into the new financial year with no last-minute document chasing, no tax penalties, and full peace of mind. That’s what this checklist helps you achieve.
Here’s what you can expect to cover:
- Review of your income, investments, and expenses
- Tax-saving investments & final deductions
- TDS reconciliations & Form 26AS check
- Inventory and asset reconciliation
- Filing deadlines and compliance status
These steps aren’t just about filing returns—they ensure your financial story is clean, optimized, and audit-proof.
What Top CA Firms in Pune Recommend
We've pulled tips straight from the best CA firms in Pune—because they know the local tax climate better than anyone.
1. Reconcile Your Books of Accounts
Start by ensuring your financial records are clean and updated. This includes:
- Verifying ledgers and journals
- Matching bank statements with books
- Clearing pending invoices or payments
- Ensuring all business expenses are accounted for
2. Check TDS and Advance Tax Payments
Late or wrong TDS payments? That’s a red flag for the tax department.
- Match TDS entries with Form 26AS
- Pay any shortfall in advance tax (next due date: March 15th)
- Collect and verify TDS certificates from clients
3. Review Tax-Saving Investments
Use this time to finalize all tax-saving investments under:
- Section 80C (LIC, PPF, ELSS, etc.)
- Section 80D (Health Insurance)
- Section 24(b) (Home Loan Interest)
- Section 80G (Donations)
Ask your CA if you’re missing any hidden deductions!
Table: Overview of Key Indian Taxes for Year-End Planning
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the major Indian taxes you should be aware of as you close the year:
Tax Type
|
Applicable To
|
Due Dates (FY 2024-25)
|
Key Notes
|
Income Tax
|
Individuals & Businesses
|
July 31 (non-audit), Oct 31 (audit)
|
Check Form 26AS and AIS for reporting accuracy
|
Advance Tax
|
Individuals & Companies
|
Mar 15 (Final Installments)
|
|
Pay 100% of tax liability to avoid interest
|
TDS
|
Employers, Deductors
|
7th of following month
|
File quarterly returns (24Q/26Q)
|
GST Filing
|
Businesses under GST
|
20th/22nd/24th monthly (varies)
|
Match ITC with GSTR-2B before filing GSTR-3B
|
ROC Filings
|
Companies
|
Various post-March dates
|
Includes AOC-4, MGT-7 for Pvt Ltd & LLP
|
Year-End Inventory and Asset Checklist
A few forgotten entries here can mess up your balance sheet.
- Inventory Valuation: Match stock counts with purchase and sales records
- Depreciation: Apply as per Income Tax Act (use straight-line or WDV method)
- Fixed Assets: Record new additions/disposals
- Service Assets: Software, licenses, or IP should be accounted for properly
Personal Tax Planning Checklist
Even salaried folks have tasks to tick off:
- Collect Form 16 from employer
- Check eligibility under old vs new tax regime
- Declare health insurance and Section 80D benefits
- Claim education loan or interest deductions
- Submit rent receipts for HRA claims
Pro Tips from CA Firms in Pune
- Set reminders for all compliance deadlines (tax, GST, ROC)
- Use software tools for TDS, GST reconciliation—no more Excel errors!
- Avoid last-minute tax-saving investments. Plan in Q3 itself!
- Keep scanned/digital copies of all critical docs—TDS, 80C proofs, invoices
- Consider a review session with your CA firm before March 31st
Ready to Close Your Financial Year the Smart Way?
Let the experts do the heavy lifting. Top CA firms in Pune can help you:
- Review and finalize your year-end financials
- Optimize tax-saving strategies before deadlines
- Ensure compliance with no last-minute surprises
Need Expert Help?
Quick Recap Before You Go
To wrap up your accounting year end with zero hassle:
- Reconcile books and verify taxes paid
- Maximize deductions under 80C, 80D, etc.
- File or prepare returns (GST, TDS, Income Tax)
- Close inventory, asset, and ROC checklists
- Talk to your CA firm before March 31st
Ready to Level Up Your Financial Checklist insights from Top CA Firms in Pune?
For expert guidance on Direct Tax and Indirect Tax or to gain deeper insights on the above topic, you
can contact CA Pratik . S . Kothari.
Don’t wait till the last week—start your year-end prep today with the pros at one of Pune’s top CA firms. You’ll save money, time, and a whole lot of stress.