Succession Planning Questionnaire

  • 1. I know when I want to leave my business and to whom.

  • 2. I know how much money I'll need to leave with to live the life I desire.

  • 3. My company's current value exceeds the value I'll need to retire comfortably.

  • 4. I know the after-tax value I'll need from my business to meet my goals.

  • 5. My key employees are incentivized, compensated, and motivated to increase the value of my business and remain with the company.

  • 6. I have developed a growth strategy for my company that aligns with my exit.

  • 7. I have taken steps (such as covenants not to compete) to protect my business assets.

  • 8. I have taken the appropriate steps to operate my company in a tax-efficient matter.

If you intend to transfer your business to a family member, please skip to question 13.

  • 9. I have completed a pre-sale due diligence and addressed identified issues.

  • 10. I’ve completed pre-sale tax planning to maximize my after-tax sale proceeds.

  • 11. I know how much other companies in my industry are selling for.

  • 12. I understand the non-financial characteristics that make my company valuable to potential buyers.

  • 13. I’d prefer to transfer my business to a family member or key employee If they had sufficient resources.

  • 14. I know how to transfer my business for top dollar while paying a minimal amount of taxes.

  • 15. My company is free from family succession concerns.

  • 16. My successor has the skills and knowledge to be the owner of the business.

  • 17. Should something happen to me, I have a written contingency plan for my business, and it includes a way to retain key employees.

  • 18. My estate plan protects my family by ensuring that it receives the full value of my ownership should I not live to transfer it.

  • 19. My estate plan includes strategies to allocate business cash flow and transfer ownership to whomever I choose.