Are you considering purchasing an existing business with another party, be sure to consult a Mesa tax preparation professional with experience before doing so. If you are buying a business that will include more than one co-owner, you need a buy-sell agreement. You have multiple reasons to put a buy-sell agreement in place and not one reason not to have a buy-sell agreement.

 

A well-drafted agreement can do these valuable things for you:

 

• Transform your business ownership interest into a more liquid asset
• Prevent unwanted ownership changes
• Save taxes and avoid hassles with the IRS

 

There are two types of buy-sell agreements: (1) cross-purchase agreements and (2) redemption agreements (sometimes called liquidation agreements). A knowledgeable tax preparation mesa professional will be able to make this process simple for you and your co-owner.

 

When you enter into a cross-purchase agreement, it’s a contract between you and the other co-owners. Under the agreement, a withdrawing co-owner’s ownership interest must be purchased by the remaining co-owners when a triggering event occurs, such as death or disability.

 

When you enter into a redemption agreement, it’s a contract between the business entity itself and its co-owners (including you). Under the agreement, a withdrawing co-owner’s ownership interest must be purchased by the entity when a triggering event occurs. If you would like more information or have questions about this topic please contact the tax preparation Mesa professionals at BASC Expertise for assistance.