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Key Takeaways Discover the single move that saved my client $1.8 million during their business sale.
Learn why most business owners leave money on the table without even realizing it.
Selling a business is one of the most important moments in an entrepreneur’s journey. Over the years, I’ve learned that the best outcomes come when founders build a team of experts early, specifically in four key areas: tax planning, legal preparation, wealth management and value growth. Understanding what each specialist brings and asking the right questions can make a huge difference in the sale price and ensure the process goes smoothly
Tax advisor: Protecting the proceeds
I’ve seen firsthand how costly taxes can be if you don’t plan ahead. One of my clients in the technology space was facing a potential IRS hit of 65% of his sale. By coordinating with a wealth manager and my value growth team, we were able to save him $1.8 million. That experience reinforced for me that pre-sale tax planning is critical — the time to strategize is before the sale, not after
When I evaluate tax advisors with clients, I ask how will you coordinate with my other advisors and can you help with pre-sale tax planning that often requires one to two years of preparation. These questions ensure the advisor can protect the business and its owners effectively.
Related: Want to Maximize the Sale Price of Your Business? Start with These 5 Value Drivers
Legal advisor: Getting it in writing
I always tell founders that it doesn’t matter what you agree to verbally — it matters what’s written in the contract. Legal advisors are essential to make sure everything is clearly documented and that liability is minimized after the sale
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