November 23, 2022

What to Consider Before Selling Your Business

Here is some advice for business owners looking to sell.

Business structure

Before you can sell your business you need to consider the business structure. If your business is an LLC or a corporation, then every shareholder and member needs to be in agreement of the sale. If your business is a partnership, your partner must be brought into the conversation. It is important to be meticulous in this step to avoid complications later.

Taxes

Like most transactions, selling a business will include paying taxes on the sale. It is highly recommended that you contact a tax advisor or certified public accountant (CPA) to discuss the parameters of the sale. Seeking help from a professional is a great way to avoid legal complications later on if mistakes are made or overseen.

Value

To ensure fair compensation, it is critical to get a good grasp on the value of your business before selling. Hiring a consultant or CPA to evaluate your business can be a good idea to get a second opinion on what your business is worth. Look back at your financial records to get a detailed idea of what you have invested in the business up to this point.

Finances and privacy

Businesses are commonly bought with the help of a loan or small business loan. Keep in mind, it is important to protect your personal and private information when sharing financial records with a potential buyer. You may also want to consider asking them to sign a confidentiality agreement.

Can the business continue to succeed?

The livelihood of your employees should be considered before selling your business. Discuss how the change of ownership will affect employee responsibilities and everyday tasks. Being transparent with your employees about what to expect with the change can help ease anxieties as well.

Are you in need of financial tools as you consider selling your business? Feel free to stop in or give us a call to speak to one of our financial experts today.