Frequently Asked Questions

A business valuation is a professional assessment that determines the economic value of a business or company. Our certified appraisers analyze your financial statements, market conditions, industry trends, and other relevant factors to produce a comprehensive 50+ page report that establishes the fair market value of your business. The report uses multiple valuation methodologies — including income, market, and asset-based approaches — to arrive at a well-supported conclusion of value.

Business valuations are essential for a wide range of purposes, including selling or buying a business, exit and succession planning, Form 5500 and 401(k) compliance, Section 409A safe harbor valuations, estate and gift tax planning, ROBS (Rollover as Business Startups) transactions, securing financing or attracting investors, partnership disputes, and strategic business planning. Having a professional, independent valuation gives you a defensible basis for critical financial decisions.

Our business valuation reports are a flat $399 per valuation — with no hidden fees and no upfront payment required. You only pay after your completed report is delivered. Traditional valuation firms typically charge $3,000 to $10,000 or more for comparable reports. We are able to offer our services at a fraction of that cost through streamlined processes while maintaining the same professional standards and compliance requirements.

Once we receive your completed information form and supporting financial documents, your comprehensive valuation report is typically delivered within 7 business days. If you need an expedited turnaround, please contact us to discuss your timeline and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

You receive a comprehensive 50+ page valuation report that includes an executive summary, detailed financial performance analysis, application of multiple valuation methods (income approach, market approach, and asset-based approach), industry and economic analysis, a well-supported conclusion of value, and all relevant assumptions and limiting conditions. The report is signed by a certified appraiser and is designed to meet IRS, ERISA, and DOL compliance standards.

Getting started is simple. First, download our information form from the Download Form page. Complete the form with your business details and financial information. Then upload the completed form along with your supporting documents through our secure client portal. Our certified appraisers will begin preparing your valuation report immediately, and you will receive it within 7 business days.

We need your completed SBV Information Form along with supporting financial documents. This typically includes 3 to 5 years of business income tax returns, year-end financial statements (balance sheet and income statement), current year-to-date financial statements, accounts receivable and payable aging reports, a fixed asset list with depreciation schedule, and any existing loan or lease agreements. The more complete your documentation, the more thorough your valuation will be.

Absolutely. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of our practice. All documents are uploaded through our SSL-encrypted client portal, stored securely, and automatically erased after 30 days. Your financial information is never shared with third parties and is only accessed by the certified appraisers assigned to your valuation. We treat every engagement with the highest level of professional discretion.

We employ multiple recognized valuation methodologies to determine fair market value, including the Income Approach (capitalization of earnings, discounted cash flow), the Market Approach (comparable company analysis, comparable transaction analysis), and the Asset-Based Approach (adjusted net asset value). Using multiple methods provides a more reliable and defensible conclusion of value. The specific methods applied depend on the nature of your business, the purpose of the valuation, and the availability of data.

Your valuation report is prepared and signed by certified business appraisers with extensive experience in business valuation. Our team follows the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and maintains the professional qualifications necessary to produce reports that are recognized by the IRS, DOL, and other regulatory bodies.

Our appraisers hold recognized professional designations in business valuation and adhere to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). Our reports are prepared to meet the standards required by the IRS for tax-related valuations, the Department of Labor for ERISA compliance, and other regulatory and legal authorities. We maintain ongoing education and training to stay current with valuation standards and methodologies.

Yes. Our valuation reports are prepared in accordance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and are designed to meet IRS requirements for business valuations. This includes compliance for estate tax, gift tax, charitable donation valuations, and other tax-related purposes. Our reports include the level of detail and documentation the IRS expects in a qualified appraisal.

Yes. Our reports are specifically designed to satisfy the Department of Labor (DOL) and ERISA requirements for employer stock held in retirement plans. If your company sponsors a 401(k) or ESOP that holds employer stock, an annual valuation is typically required for Form 5500 filing. Our reports meet these compliance standards and provide the documentation needed for your plan's annual reporting obligations.

Yes. We provide Section 409A valuations that establish the fair market value of common stock for stock option pricing. A qualified 409A valuation provides a "safe harbor" that protects both the company and its employees from adverse tax consequences related to deferred compensation. Our reports meet the requirements outlined in IRS Section 409A and the related Treasury Regulations.

Yes. Our valuation reports are regularly used for ROBS transactions, where individuals use their retirement funds to start or acquire a business. A professional valuation is a critical component of a ROBS arrangement, as the IRS requires that retirement plan assets be exchanged for stock at fair market value. Our reports provide the independent, defensible valuation needed to support your ROBS transaction.

You pay only after your completed valuation report has been delivered to you. There is no upfront cost, no deposit, and no payment required before you receive your report. This pay-after-delivery model reflects our confidence in the quality of our work and ensures you can review the report before any payment is made.

No. Our $399 flat fee covers the complete valuation report — there are no additional charges, hidden fees, or surprise costs. The price includes the full analysis, the comprehensive 50+ page report, and the certified appraiser's signature. What you see is what you pay.

Your satisfaction is important to us. If you have questions about the report or need clarification on any aspect of the valuation, our appraisers are available to discuss the findings with you. We stand behind the quality and accuracy of our work. If you believe there is an error or omission, we will review and address it promptly. Please contact us with any concerns.