BreakThru Realty

What Documents Do I Need to Sell My Business?

Buyers and their lenders ask for the same documents on almost every sale. Having them ready shortens the sale and protects the price.

Reviewed by Tyson E. Sam, Founder and Broker of Record, BreakThru Realty, Florida License 3565210

Request a Confidential Business Valuation · (786) 914-1017

Financial Records

Three years of business tax returns, profit and loss statements and balance sheets, the current year to date, sales tax returns, and bank and merchant statements that support the sales. A schedule of add-backs with the evidence for each. Loans, leases and liens that will be paid off at closing.

The Lease and Property

The lease with all amendments, the assignment clause marked, any renewal options, the landlord's contact, and the current rent and common area charges. If you own the property, the deed, the survey and the tax bill, and the terms on which you would lease it to the buyer.

Licences, Permits and Compliance

Local business tax receipts, state licences for the industry, health, fire and environmental inspections, the certificate of use or occupancy and any open violations. Note which licences a new owner must apply for in its own name.

Operations and People

An equipment and fixtures list separating owned from leased, inventory at cost, the staff list with roles, pay and length of service (names can wait), key customer and supplier contracts, franchise agreements, software and phone accounts, and the website and social accounts that transfer with the business.

Taxes at the Sale

In Florida a buyer can become liable for a seller's unpaid state taxes, so buyers commonly ask for evidence from the Department of Revenue that sales and other taxes are paid before closing. Your accountant and the closing agent should confirm the current requirements.

Request a Confidential Business Valuation

Tell us the type of business, the city, how long it has operated, annual revenue, owner benefit or seller's discretionary earnings, EBITDA if you track it, monthly rent and lease expiry, number of employees, how involved you are, why you are selling, your timeline and whether you would consider seller financing. A licensed BreakThru business broker prepares a confidential valuation from comparable sales and replies within one business day. Everything you tell us is confidential, the valuation is free, and nothing is listed or announced unless you decide to sell. Prefer to talk now? Call (786) 914-1017.

Questions Owners Ask

How much is my business worth?
Most owner-operated businesses in South Florida sell for a multiple of seller's discretionary earnings: net profit plus the owner's salary, benefits and one-time or personal expenses run through the business. Where the multiple falls depends on the industry, the lease, the staff, the trend in the numbers and how much the business depends on you. A confidential valuation gives you the range for your business and the reasons behind it.
Will my employees, customers or landlord find out?
Not from us. The business is marketed without its name or address, buyers sign a non-disclosure agreement and prove their funds before they learn who you are, and showings happen after hours or are presented as something else. The landlord is approached only once there is an accepted offer, because the lease has to be assigned.
How long does it take to sell a business?
Six to nine months from listing to closing is common for a well-prepared small business, faster when the price is right and the records are clean, longer for businesses that need a licensed buyer or a franchisor's approval. The escrow period after an accepted offer is usually sixty to ninety days.

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