{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"When should I start planning to sell my business?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

The earlier the better—ideally several years out. Many of the most valuable strategies, like QSBS eligibility and entity restructuring, depend on steps taken well before a sale. Planning early also gives you time to clean up financials so buyer diligence goes smoothly.

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What's the difference between an asset sale and a stock sale?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

In an asset sale, the buyer purchases specific assets and can step up their basis, which they prefer—but it often pushes more of your gain into higher-taxed categories. In a stock or equity sale, you sell your ownership interest, which usually delivers more favorable capital-gain treatment to you. We model both so you can negotiate structure, not just price.

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What is QSBS, and could it apply to me?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

Qualified Small Business Stock (§1202) can allow eligible owners of certain C-corporation stock to exclude a significant portion of their gain from federal tax, provided holding-period and other requirements are met. Eligibility is technical and time-sensitive, so we assess it early in the planning process.

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Can I spread the tax on my sale over several years?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

Often, yes. An installment sale under §453 lets you receive proceeds—and recognize gain—over multiple years, which can help manage your tax rate. It carries trade-offs around buyer credit risk and certain recapture rules, so we model it against your other options before recommending it.

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How does selling my business affect my estate plan?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

A sale converts an illiquid business into liquid proceeds, which changes your estate and gift picture significantly. We coordinate the transaction with our Estate & Trusts and Succession Planning & Wealth Transfer services so the windfall is managed with the same care as the sale itself.

"}}]}