Determining the value of your business is the first step to succession planning. Usually, your business is the largest asset you own, and a value is needed when drafting a buy-sell agreement, estimating your future retirement income needs, or creating an estate plan.
Knowing the value can help ensure that, in the event of an unforeseen death, you receive a fair price for the business that you spent a lifetime building. Additionally, it can help to avoid conflict with other owners, family members, and the IRS.
Where do you begin?
Formal business valuations can be expensive, costing as much as $1,000 to $10,000 or more depending on the complexity of the business. Also, there are different methods that can be used to value a business, such as:
The method that makes the most sense for your company will depend on your specific type of business. It might be based on assets and liabilities, or on the profits that the business produces.
Reach out to your local Federated® marketing representative for more information about our Value Estimator™ service, which can provide you with a value that may be used as a starting point with your attorney and other advisors for business succession or estate planning discussions.