Business Valuations
Do you know what your business is worth?
As a Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) through NACVA, I prepare independent business valuation reports for closely-held businesses — for tax compliance, succession planning, ownership transitions, and more. Every engagement is conducted under NACVA professional standards and delivered with a clear, defensible opinion of value.
When you need a valuation
Common reasons business owners seek a valuation
A business valuation isn’t just for a sale. There are many situations where knowing the value of your business — or having a credentialed professional document it — is essential.
Gift & Estate Tax Planning
Transferring ownership interests to family members requires a qualified appraisal for IRS gift or estate tax reporting. A defensible valuation protects the transfer and withstands IRS scrutiny.
Buy-Sell Agreements
Operating agreements often require a valuation when a partner exits, retires, or passes away. Having a current valuation on file — or a defined methodology — prevents costly disputes.
Succession Planning
Whether you’re transitioning to a family member, key employee, or outside buyer, understanding what the business is worth is the starting point for every succession strategy.
SBA Financing
SBA lenders often require a business valuation for loans above a certain threshold — particularly in business acquisition transactions. A credentialed report satisfies lender requirements.
Shareholder Disputes
When partners disagree on value — at buyout, dissolution, or dispute — an independent valuation from a credentialed professional provides an objective basis for resolution.
Strategic Planning
Some owners obtain a valuation every few years simply to understand where they stand — and to track whether the decisions they’re making are actually building enterprise value.
Report Types & Pricing
Two types of valuation engagements
The right report depends on your purpose. Not every situation requires the most comprehensive engagement — understanding the difference helps you choose the right level for your needs.
Calculation of Value Report
Starting at $2,500
A consultative engagement that applies agreed-upon valuation methods to arrive at a range or estimate of value. Well-suited for planning purposes where a full conclusion of value is not required.
Best used for
- ✓Internal succession or exit planning
- ✓Buy-sell agreement benchmarking
- ✓Owner financial planning
- ✓Certain business transactions
- ✓Tracking enterprise value over time
What’s included
- ✓Agreed-upon valuation methods (income & market approach)
- ✓Range or estimate of fair market value
- ✓Written calculation report
Note: A Calculation of Value is not appropriate for IRS gift or estate tax compliance, litigation, or matters requiring a full conclusion of value under NACVA standards.
Conclusion of Value Report
Starting at $4,000
A comprehensive valuation engagement conducted under full NACVA professional standards. Required for IRS compliance, legal proceedings, and most formal ownership transactions.
Required for
- ✓IRS gift & estate tax reporting
- ✓Litigation and shareholder disputes
- ✓Marital dissolution proceedings
- ✓SBA loan requirements
- ✓Formal M&A transactions
What’s included
- ✓Full NACVA-standard valuation procedures
- ✓Income, market, and/or asset approach analysis
- ✓DLOM / DLOC analysis where applicable
- ✓Comprehensive written report
- ✓Defensible opinion of fair market value
- ✓Results presentation and Q&A
Which report do I need?
Calculation of Value
The right choice when you need a reliable estimate of value for internal planning, benchmarking, or a transaction where a full conclusion is not required. Faster turnaround, lower cost, still prepared by a credentialed CVA.
Conclusion of Value
Required when the report must satisfy the IRS, a court, a lender, or an opposing party. More comprehensive procedures, broader standards, and a fully defensible opinion of value — the report that holds up under scrutiny.
Pricing depends on the complexity of the business, the number of years analyzed, availability of financial records, and the purpose of the engagement. All engagements are quoted prior to commencement. Not sure which report you need? We’ll figure it out together on an intro call.
Why it matters
A credential that stands behind the number
The CVA (Certified Valuation Analyst) is a nationally recognized credential issued by NACVA — the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts. It requires demonstrated competency in business valuation methodology, adherence to professional standards, and ongoing continuing education. When a valuation report carries a CVA credential, it signals to the IRS, lenders, attorneys, and courts that the opinion of value was prepared by a qualified professional under recognized standards.