Maximizing After-Tax Business Sales Process

Comprehensive Timeline and Action Steps

Your Success Depends on the Right Team: Value Optimizer(Exit Coach), Wealth Manager, Tax Attorney, M&A Accountant (Audit & Tax), Accounting Firm, Investment Banker or Business Broker, Valuation Specialist, and Estate Planner.

Maximizing After-Tax Business Sales Process

Comprehensive Timeline & Action Steps

Your success depends on the right team: Value Optimizer (Exit Coach), Wealth Manager, Tax Attorney, M&A Accountant (Audit & Tax), Accounting Firm, Investment Banker or Business Broker, Valuation Specialist, and Estate Planner.

Optimized Timeline

36–60 months before

Foundation & Readiness

Engage core team

Evaluate business structure & potential restructuring

Comprehensive business valuation & transferable assets

Begin estate planning

Align goals — business & personal

Establish clean financials / begin 3 yrs audits or plan for QoE (6–12 mos before)

Experts: Value Optimizer (Exit Coach), Tax Attorney, Wealth Manager, Accounting Firm, Valuation Specialist

24–36 months before

Value Building & Protection

Optimize transferable value plan

Review & update insurance policies

Implement charitable planning

Develop stock gifting or evaluate Opportunity Zone investments

Experts: Value Optimizer (Exit Coach), Wealth Manager, Tax Attorney, Accounting Firm, Insurance Professional

12–24 months before

Banker Selection & Structuring

Interview & select investment banker

Evaluate state tax implications

Perform Quality of Earnings analysis (~12 mos)

Develop post-sale investment strategy

Finalize tax structure decisions & documentation

Create a personal transition plan

Experts: Accounting Firm, Value Optimizer (Exit Coach), Accountant, Tax Attorney, Wealth Manager, M&A Banker

6–12 months before

Plan Finalization

Refine tax strategies

Determine income replacement strategies

Finalize post-sale lifestyle budget

Coordinate with all advisors

Experts: Tax Attorney, Wealth Manager, Transaction Attorney, M&A Banker, Value Optimizer (Exit Coach), Accounting Firm

1–6 months before

Execution & Transition

Finalize sale agreements

Verify trust funding arrangements & update documents

Establish liquidity

Review non-compete agreements & finalize transition roles

Secure risk management strategies

Experts: M&A Banker, Transaction Attorney, Wealth Manager, Insurance Professional, Estate Planner, Value Optimizer (Exit Coach)

Timeline to Optimize After-Sale Success

Your Success Depends on the Right Team: Exit Coach/Value Optimizer, Wealth Manager, Tax Attorney, M&A Accountant (Audit & Tax), Accounting Firm, Investment Banker or Business Broker, Valuation Specialist, and Estate Planner.