Final answer:
To begin a QuickBooks file at the start of the calendar year, January 1st should be chosen as the start date for ease of financial tracking and tax preparation.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you want to set up a QuickBooks (QBs) file to begin at the start of the calendar year, you should choose January 1st as your start date. This is because the calendar year starts on the first day of January each year. Setting up your QBs file with this start date will allow you to track your financial transactions from the very beginning of the year, which can simplify record-keeping and tax preparation.