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Accountants for Selling a Business
You’ve built your business with hard work and determination, but, when it comes time to exit, the process can be overwhelming. Questions about valuation, negotiating the sale, minimising tax implications and ensuring a smooth transition may keep you up at night.
At Munro’s, our accountants help guide business owners through every step of selling their business, so you can confidently move on to your next chapter.
Most Popular Accounting Services for Selling a Business
Tax Planning Before Selling a Business
From $3,000 (excl. GST)
Tax Planning Before Business Sale ServicesAdvice from Accountants for Selling a Business in Western Australia
The rest of this page is dedicated to providing you with an overview of the typical problems and associated solutions with regard to selling a business. These apply whether you are selling a business in Perth, elsewhere in WA or across Australia.
Should you need professional accounting help when selling your business, please let us know by booking a meeting or sending an enquiry.
The Problem
Selling a business isn’t just about finding a buyer; it’s about overcoming several key challenges:
- Valuation Uncertainty: Determining the true value of your business can be complex. Without an accurate valuation, you risk underselling or scaring off potential buyers.
- Tax Implications: The tax consequences of a sale can erode your profit if not managed correctly. Many business owners worry about paying too much tax and missing out on available concessions.
- Emotional & Strategic Decisions: Selling a business is an emotional decision as well as a financial one. It requires a clear strategy to ensure that your years of hard work are rewarded.
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Smooth Transition: The sales process can disrupt day-to-day operations. You need a plan that ensures minimal interruption so that your business continues to thrive during the sale process.
Our Solution:
At Munro’s, we understand that every business is unique. We listen to your challenges and craft a tailored solution that delivers real value. Here’s how we can do it:
- Valuation Improvement: We can work with you to understand the value of your business in its current state and, more importantly, how to improve the value so you get the most out of the sale.
- Tax Planning: Our business tax accountants examine your tax position and develop strategies to legally minimise your tax burden.
- Responsive Advice & Assistance: From preparing your financials to negotiating with buyers, we are promptly available throughout every step of the sale process.
Key Outcomes & Benefits
- Maximum Business Value: Our comprehensive valuation and strategic advice help ensure you receive the best possible price for your business.
- Minimised Tax Liability: With proactive tax planning, we help you take advantage of all available concessions, so you keep more of your profit.
- Peace of Mind: You complete the process knowing you’ve done everything possible to make it a great success.
Read Key Points & Transcript
Accountants for Selling a Business
video key points
- Planning to sell your business requires early preparation, ideally starting several years in advance, to enhance your financial outcomes and mitigate taxes.
- Enhance your business valuation through profit improvement and strategic growth programmes.
- Proactive tax planning before the sale can reduce your tax burden and optimise financial results.
- A thorough plan should also include considerations for tax-effective retirement planning post-sale.
- Visit our Selling a Business page to learn more and when you are ready for our assistance, please book a free Get To Know Each Other meeting.
Presented by: Rama Yudhistira
video transcript
At Munro’s, The Professional Problem Solvers, one of our specialties is assisting Australians with accounting and business improvement associated with selling their business.
Whether you’re planning to sell to an unrelated party or through succession to family members or management, we are here to help.
Our role is to ensure you are well-prepared for the sale, aiming to achieve your financial goals while mitigating taxes. It’s crucial to start preparing several years beforehand. Early preparation can significantly influence the outcome of your sale, which we highlight on our Selling a Business webpage.
Determining a realistic business value is essential. Through profit improvement and strategic growth programmes, you can positively impact your business’s value.
Additionally, proactive tax planning a few years before the sale could dramatically reduce your eventual tax burden.
A comprehensive plan should also address what comes next, including tax-effective retirement planning.
For those considering business succession, particularly to family members, we recommend visiting our Successful Succession Planning page. There we cover what incoming owners should consider, what retiring owners need to do, and how large family groups can preserve and grow wealth while protecting against potential family disputes.
Please explore these pages if you need assistance and take note of the wonderful 5 star reviews that clients have submitted in relation to such professional work we have provided to them. When you’re ready for our help, we’re here ready to assist.
See you soon.
Problem 1: Get Ready to Sell
To increase the chance of selling your business within the desired timeframe and at the price you want, you need to get it ready for sale. Generally, the sooner you start getting ready, the better.
Solution
Business sales readiness.
Outcome
An attractive business for prospective buyers.
Read Key Points & Transcript
Getting Ready to Sell a Business in Western Australia
video key points
- Preparing your business for sale involves implementing efficient systems and processes to ensure smooth management transitions.
- Clear and accurate financial records are essential, free from tax distortions or personal expenses.
- Obtaining an objective market valuation and creating compelling financial projections with benchmarking can enhance your business’s appeal to buyers.
- Building a list of potential buyers and engaging experienced advisors, such as reputable business brokers, is crucial for a successful sale.
- Investing in professional profit improvement and strategic growth programmes can significantly increase your business’s profitability and value.
- Start preparing three to five years before the intended sale to make necessary improvements and position your business attractively.
- Consider a free introductory meeting or using the Selling a Business Diagnostic on our website for further assistance.
Presented by: Carl Hansen
video transcript
To increase the chance of selling your business within your desired timeframe and at the price you want, you need to get it ready for sale.
The sooner you get started, the better.
The following are some of the things you may need to do:
- Implement systems and processes that allow the business to run efficiently under new management.
- Ensure your financial records are clear and accurate, free from distortions caused by tax strategies or personal expenses.
- Obtain an objective market valuation.
- Create financial projections with benchmarking to present a compelling story of future success.
- Start building a list of potential buyers and engage high-quality advisors, such as reputable business brokers.
- Invest in improving your business’s profitability and value through professional profit improvement and strategic growth programmes.
- Prepare a thorough due diligence pack and address any potential buyer objections.
Ideally, begin these preparations three to five years before you intend to sell. This timeframe allows you to make necessary improvements and position your business as an attractive acquisition.
Should you need assistance, we’re here to help. A free Get To Know Each Other meeting is an excellent starting point. You might also find our Selling a Business Diagnostic on our website useful.
We look forward to supporting you in achieving a successful sale.
Problem 2: Business Valuation
There isn’t just one way to value a business. Ultimately, what you want as the seller is a business valuation that is realistically achievable and prepared in such a way that will effectively help the buyer agree to pay it.
Solution
Realistic business valuation.
Outcome
Increased chance of selling the business at a fair price.
Read Key Points & Transcript
SME Business Valuation in Australia
video key points
- Understanding your business’s value is essential before contemplating a sale, and while valuation methods vary, it’s crucial to choose one that aligns with your business’s unique attributes.
- Different valuation methods focus on factors such as discounted cash flow, EBIT or asset value, and the choice of method can greatly affect the valuation outcome.
- Industry-specific multiples can guide valuation, but they should be adjusted for your business’s specific characteristics like risk profile, customer base and growth prospects.
- Crafting a compelling story that justifies the business value is vital in securing a realistic sales price.
- To increase your business’s value, consider implementing profit improvement and strategic growth programmes.
- For further guidance, start with our spam-free Selling a Business Diagnostic on our website to get tailored insights and prepare effectively for a successful sale.
Presented by: Saul Segal
video transcript
Transcript available on the Business Valuation page.
Problem 3: Save Tax with the Small Business CGT Concessions
There may be very valuable tax concessions available if you satisfy certain criteria. This includes the possibility of an extra 50% CGT discount plus a part or full tax exemption. Forward planning is advised, given that things may need adjusting the year, or several years, before selling.
Solution
Forward tax planning.
Outcome
Bare minimum tax.
Read Key Points & Transcript
Saving Tax When Selling
video key points
- Smart and proactive tax strategies, implemented well in advance, can significantly reduce or even eliminate capital gains tax upon selling your business, allowing you to retain more of your hard-earned wealth.
- Utilising legal tax measures such as the Small Business Rollover and Retirement Exemption can result in substantial savings, particularly for those over 55, enabling full access to sale proceeds without the need for superannuation contributions.
- The introduction of a “bucket company” can spread and reduce taxes over several years, offering the opportunity to reinvest initial savings into wealth-accumulating assets like blue-chip shares.
- Forward planning, ideally a couple of years or more before selling, is crucial to identify and implement the most effective tax strategies tailored to your unique situation.
- Preparation is key to ensuring a tax-efficient transition of your business, whether it’s being sold or passed to the next generation, and seeking professional guidance early can facilitate this process.
Presented by: Rama Yudhistira
video transcript
Transcript available on the Tax Planning Before Selling a Business page.
Problem 4: What Next
As you approach selling your business and possibly coming into a large cash lump sum, you’ll need to consider how to set this up in a tax-effective and financially prudent manner.
Solution
Retirement tax planning.
Outcome
Tax-effective retirement.
Read Key Points & Transcript
Tax Planning for Retiring Business Owners
video key points
- Retirement planning necessitates a focus on tax efficiency, especially during the sale of a business, aiming to minimise taxes both immediately and over the long term.
- A common strategy involves enhancing superannuation wealth, leveraging concessional and non-concessional contribution limits, and utilising special limits and the downsizer contribution limit to benefit from lower or nil tax rates on superannuation earnings.
- Munro’s collaborates with clients and their financial advisors to craft a holistic retirement plan that meets income, wealth, and tax objectives, while also facilitating connections with trusted financial advisors for clients in need.
- The firm supports tax-effective estate planning, including the creation of a tax-effective Will, Enduring Power of Attorney, and Enduring Power of Guardianship, and advises on asset transfer to the next generation for benefits such as mitigating disputed estates, increasing capital assets’ tax cost base, and accessing Centrelink benefits.
- We act as a sounding board and trusted advisor, prioritising clients’ best interests and offering to embark on an incredible journey with those seeking an advisor who truly cares.
Presented by: Rama Yudhistira
video transcript
Planning for retirement is an important task that requires careful consideration and preparation.
A part of that planning, and eventual implementation, should be a focus on making things tax effective.
When you sell your business, not only do you want to minimise taxes during sale, you want to minimse taxes over the long-term.
For instance, if the sale results in a large cash lump sum, you want the income you generate from that over the forthcoming years to be taxed as least as possible.
A common strategy to mitigate taxes in retirement is to build up wealth in your superannuation account. This is because the tax rate on superannuation earnings may be nil or at a rate lower than your ordinary tax rate.
In the years leading up to retirement, your plan may include maximising both your concessional and non-concessional contribution limits. Around the time of sale of your business, if eligible, your plan may also include maximising special concessional limits. Later you might also utilise the downsizer contribution limit.
Ultimately, tax professionals such as ourselves can work with you in the lead up to, and during retirement, to effectively save you tax.
At Munro’s, we don’t provide investment advice, but rather work alongside you and your financial advisor to help with an holistic retirement plan that both achieves your income and wealth objectives, together with your tax objectives.
Where clients don’t yet have a financial advisor, we are able to introduce them to financial advisors we trust to do the right thing.
We also proudly assisted our clients with tax effective estate planning, which can include the outputs of:
- A tax effective Will;
- An Enduring Power of Attorney; and
- An Enduring Power of Guardianship.
During such conversations we also assist clients with considering whether any of their assets should be transferred to the next generation while they are still alive.
There are a few reasons why you might want to consider doing this, including:
- Mitigating the consequences of a potentially disputed Estate;
- Potentially increase the tax cost base of your capital assets; and
- Wanting to access Centrelink benefits.
While we leave the legal and financial advice to the experts, we will always be there as a sounding board – always truly looking out for your best interests as your Trusted Advisor.
If you would like an advisor that truly cares, we would love to hear from you and begin an incredible journey together.
Frequently Asked Questions for Selling a Business
- What does selling a business involve?
Selling a business involves determining its value, preparing financials, negotiating with potential buyers and planning for tax implications and transition. Our process is designed to address each of these steps systematically. - How can I minimise my tax liability when selling my business?
Our tax accountants examine your tax position and, where possible, leverage concessions to tailor a strategy to ensure you pay no more tax than necessary. Sometimes actions need to be taken years in advance to legally minimise tax at the time of the sale, so make sure you get started on tax planning for selling a business early. - What outcomes can I expect when working with Munro’s?
Our approach is designed to secure the best possible sale value, minimise tax impact and ensure a smooth transition. Our clients appreciate the clarity and confidence we provide throughout the process. See our over 100 5‑star Google reviews as a testament to our high-quality accounting service. - Are your services available outside Perth?
While Munro’s is based in Perth, our business accounting and advisory services are available throughout WA and across Australia. - What is the price of your service?
Our pricing is transparent and reflects the complexity of your needs. Please visit our pricing page and contact us for a personalised quote. - How do I get started with selling my business?
It all begins with a free Get To Know Each Other meeting. During this meeting, we discuss your business and your future goals, setting the initial stage of constructing a tailored sales strategy that achieves what you need. - Can you help with other accounting and advisory services beyond selling my business?
Yes. At Munro’s, we offer a full range of accounting, tax and business advisory services designed to support you through every stage of your business lifecycle.
Where To Begin
Come Along To An Improve Session
First Session is FREE (incl. GST)
Upskilling Event for Business LeadersMunro's, where client service matters
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I engaged Munro’s on line owing to the fact that they claimed a specialisation in share trading. I am not a professional trader, however I presented Munro’s with a complex set of circumstances ranging over a 5-6 year period. To say I was delighted with their level of expertise and professionalism would be an understatement. I reside in Victoria and Munro’s is in WA, so this matter was dealt with entirely on line. The accounting professional that looked after my matter was one of the most helpful service providers I have recently encountered, going as far as assisting with my rather rudimentary IT skill. This firm, through the diligent work of the previously mentioned accounting professionals turned what I thought, was a dire Tax situation into a win for me. I cannot rate this firm highly enough, two other firms wanted me to jump through all sorts of hoops, Munro’s did a magnificent job, with little fuss and all on line. I publicly extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to the person that looked after my matter.
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Munro’s provided me with the exact accounting and tax advice I needed. I highly recommend Munro’s to anyone who is searching for a professional accounting firm that goes the extra mile to help their clients.
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Pleasure working with you guys and one of the best decisions to move forward in our family business with Munros. Utmost professionalism right from answering the phone to all of your advice and support.
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Our Munro’s Experience began approximately 38/40 years ago. Steve’s parents were already customers of Munros, in particular Barry Virgo, and we followed suit.
For the first couple of years we had several changes of Accountants at Munro’s (we always got the newbies and had to ‘train them up’ to know how to get the best deal from the Tax Office for farmers. We became fed up of this system. Our last newbie was Simon Strawbridge. Well, we got him “trained up right proper” then they wanted to give us the next new one, but we stated we weren’t changing.
Today, Simon is still our go to man. Whilst we understand there have been many very efficient people working in the background on our business affairs, for which we thank them sincerely, we have always maintained our professional relationship with Simon.
We have been through some big business changes in our farming adventures over these past 40 odd years, and the advice, help and professional assistance has been 100%. At times we didn’t know who to trust to give us the best business advice and we were fortunate to be able to lean on Simon’s vast knowledge to help us make these decisions.
Our working partnership of having our taxation needs, investment portfolios, wills, etc. linked in with Munros and the great staff has been successful.
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Mike assisted with our farm succession planning. Thanks to Mike’s in depth knowledge on this subject, this process has been smooth and amicable. We highly recommend Mike and his team for family business succession.
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Great team and great service.
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Sorry, I can’t join you in your celebration on 1st September.
However, I wish to thank you for all your wonderful service for more years than I can remember, especially Simon, Carl and Annette.
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Congratulations on 50 years of accounting. We transitioned from Wesfarmers to Munros and have been extremely happy with the professional, efficient, courteous and friendly service provided by Barry, Simon, Ted, Christine and Noelene during that time
Looking forward to continuing the association for many years to come
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This is such a great team! I was behind in my crypto accounting and I received clear instructions and assistance to bring all of my accounting up to date this year. I recommend Munro’s to everyone, especially people using crypto currency. This team are experts in this field!
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Very knowledgeable experts on complicated crypto tax matters. I would highly recommend every trader/investor to bite the bullet and seek professional advice from Munro’s.
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MUNROS what a great team:
Munros have supported 3 generations of the O’Halloran family from Kojonup over the past 50 years. Starting with Donald Munro when he was Wesfarmers client Accountant.
We are very grateful for their ongoing support in all accounting matters. Simon, Christine and their team are always willing to help whenever we need it.
Congratulations on your 50-year celebration. All the best for the future.
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