Financial Due Diligence

Tax Returns

Official tax filings that buyers compare to financial statements. Why it matters: This gives owners a clearer way to understand buyer questions, advisor comments, and negotiation tradeoffs during a sale process.

Related terms

Financial Statements
Reports that show how the business is doing financially, usually including the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement. Why it matters: This gives owners a clearer way to understand buyer questions, advisor comments, and negotiation tradeoffs during a sale process.
Advisor
A professional who helps with the sale, such as a broker, M&A advisor, CPA, attorney, or investment banker. Why it matters: The right advisor can help prepare materials, explain tradeoffs, manage buyers, reduce surprises, and keep the owner from negotiating complex deal terms alone.
Buyer
The person, company, investor, or fund trying to buy the business. Why it matters: Different buyers value different things, so knowing the buyer type helps an owner understand likely questions, risks, financing needs, and negotiation style.

Get a real advisor on your team

Looking up terms is helpful. Having a vetted advisor who explains them in the context of your specific business is better.