Expert 409A & Business Valuations for Startups & Private Companies

It is advisable to conduct a business valuation annually or when significant events occur, such as substantial growth, market changes, or ownership transitions. Regular valuations help track performance and prepare for opportunities or challenges.

The duration varies based on complexity but generally ranges from 2 to 4 weeks. Timely provision of necessary documentation can expedite the process.

Exit planning involves strategizing for a business owner's departure through sale, succession, or other means. It ensures a smooth transition, maximizes business value, and aligns with the owner's personal and financial goals.

Ideally, exit planning should begin 3–5 years before the intended transition. Early planning allows for value enhancement, tax optimization, and addressing potential challenges. It should be tailored to your financial, operational, and personal goals.

We work with businesses at all stages, from early-stage startups needing their first 409A to mature companies planning exits or involved in litigation.

Companies may pursue recapitalization to:

• Improve financial flexibility.
• Prepare for mergers or acquisitions.
• Address changing market conditions.
• Facilitate ownership transitions or buyouts.

Tax valuations are essential for complying with IRS requirements in situations like estate and gift planning, charitable donations, or corporate reorganizations. These valuations need to be well-documented and defensible to minimize audit risk.

Exit planning involves strategizing for a business owner's departure through sale, succession, or other means. It ensures a smooth transition, maximizes business value, and aligns with the owner's personal and financial goals.

Ideally, exit planning should begin 3–5 years before the intended transition. Early planning allows for value enhancement, tax optimization, and addressing potential challenges. It should be tailored to your financial, operational, and personal goals.How long does the exit planning process take?

The timeline for exit planning can vary depending on the complexity of your business and your goals. However, executing a well-prepared exit plan usually takes 6 to 24 months. It's crucial to start the business exit process as early as possible—the earlier we begin, the more time we have to optimize your business's value, address any potential issues, and implement strategies to enhance your returns.

The right time to exit your business depends on various factors, both personal and business-related. We can help you evaluate the best time to exit and establish a strategy that ensures maximum value and a smooth transition, regardless of your business stage.

•  IRC 409A is a section of the Internal Revenue Code that regulates the taxation of nonqualified deferred compensation, which includes stock options, stock appreciation rights, phantom stock, and other forms of deferred compensation that are not subject to the rules of qualified plans.
•  IRC 409A was enacted in 2004 to prevent the abuse of deferred compensation arrangements that allowed executives and other highly compensated employees to defer income and avoid taxes.
•  IRC 409A requires that deferred compensation arrangements meet certain requirements regarding the timing of deferral elections, the timing and form of payments, and the prohibition of acceleration or modification of payments.
•  IRC 409A also imposes strict penalties for noncompliance, including a 20% additional tax, interest, and potential penalties on the employee who receives the deferred compensation.

Recapitalization is restructuring a company's debt and equity to improve financial stability, enable growth, or prepare for ownership transitions.

Austin's fast-paced market demands financial flexibility. It can help you take advantage of growth opportunities or weather economic shifts.

The recapitalization process can take 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the deal's complexity and the capital partners involved.

Yes, depending on your goals. We design solutions that balance funding with control preservation.

A gift & estate tax valuation determines the fair market value of assets being transferred through an estate or as gifts. These valuations are essential for calculating estate and gift taxes and ensuring compliance with IRS requirements.

Common assets that require valuation include:

• Real estate
• Businesses
• Personal property
• Investments
• Life insurance policies and more.

The value of your estate is determined by assessing each asset at its fair market value (FMV), which is the price it would sell for in the open market. For real estate, this might involve a comparative market analysis; for personal items like art or jewelry, appraisals from specialists may be required.

The time it takes to complete a gift & estate tax valuation depends on the complexity of the estate and the types of assets involved. Typically, the process can take a few days to several weeks. After the initial consultation, we will provide a more accurate timeline based on your needs.

A litigation advisor provides strategic guidance to businesses facing legal disputes, helping them navigate the legal process and mitigate risks.

Contact a litigation advisor early to assess your legal options, decrease threats, and build a strategy for handling the situation effectively.

By hiring a litigation advisor, you can address legal issues, lowering the need for expensive court battles and achieve better outcomes through strategic negotiations.