When do you need a Valuation?
Gift and Estate Tax Planning
When a business interest is transferred through an estate or gifted to a family member, the IRS requires a qualified appraisal from an independent appraiser. We provide defensible, IRS-compliant valuations that support your tax position and are built to withstand IRS review — including the application of applicable discounts for lack of control and lack of marketability that can meaningfully reduce the taxable transfer value.
Charitable Contributions
When privately held stock or a business interest is donated to a charity or donor advised fund, a qualified appraisal is required by the IRS to substantiate the deduction. We provide independent appraisals that meet the requirements of IRC Section 170 and support the completion of Form 8283 — ensuring your contribution is properly documented and defensible.
Buy-Sell Agreements
A buy-sell agreement is only as good as the valuation that funds it. We provide independent valuations to establish a fair, defensible price for ownership transitions — whether triggered by death, disability, retirement, or a voluntary buyout. Getting the number right protects all parties and reduces the risk of disputes down the road.
Income Tax Purposes
Certain transactions and corporate events require an independent valuation for income tax purposes. We provide well-documented opinions of value to support tax filings and compliance, ensuring your position is grounded in a rigorous, defensible analysis.
Shareholder and Partner Disputes
When the value of a business interest is contested between owners, an independent valuation is often the foundation for resolution — whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation. We provide rigorous, well-documented analyses that give all parties a credible, objective reference point.
Marital Dissolution
When a closely held business is part of a divorce proceeding, determining its value is often one of the most complex and contested aspects of the case. We provide independent valuations that are thorough, well-documented, and built to hold up under scrutiny.