If you are on 2019,  the IRD is only there for A/P 1099 printing.   It should be installed prior to printing 1099's.  I would install it prior to close, but I don't know that it is a requirement.

Regarding payroll,  you really don't need to do a backup any more,  but I tend to advise doing it anyway.  Basically it can't hurt,  but if something unexpected happened it's nice to have it.

Pretty much all reports can be printed after closing the year now.  W-2s and 1099's included.

The one thing I discovered last year is that it is a good idea to close the year before processing a payroll in the new year if you have time off accruals.  If you don't it can mess those up relating to carryovers because the system can't distinguish between time earned in the current year and the prior year.

If you are on 2019,  the IRD is only there for A/P 1099 printing.   It should be installed prior to printing 1099's.  I would install it prior to close, but I don't know that it is a requirement.

Regarding payroll,  you really don't need to do a backup any more,  but I tend to advise doing it anyway.  Basically it can't hurt,  but if something unexpected happened it's nice to have it.

Pretty much all reports can be printed after closing the year now.  W-2s and 1099's included.

The one thing I discovered last year is that it is a good idea to close the year before processing a payroll in the new year if you have time off accruals.  If you don't it can mess those up relating to carryovers because the system can't distinguish between time earned in the current year and the prior year.