IRS Revenue Ruling 59-60 is an essential building block of modern appraisal practice. It identifies “the condition and outlook of the specific industry” as one of the factors to consider when valuing a private business. But how do investors measure industry risk and how does it fit in the valuation paradigm? Risk and Return Value is  Continue Reading »

Privately-held Maine business owners might need appraisals of their interests for many reasons, including: Small business loans, Strategic planning, Mergers, acquisitions and shareholder buy-ins (or buy-outs), Equitable distributions of marital estates, Minority shareholder disputes, Bankruptcy, and Gifts and estate planning. A business valuation is just a formality, isn’t it? Many Maine-based business owners only perceive formal  Continue Reading »

Finby v. Finby, 2013 Cal. App. Unpub. LEXIS 9097 (Dec. 18, 2013) A California divorce case in which one spouse was a financial advisor with an impressive client list raised a host of conceptual and technical valuation questions as to the community’s interest in her “book of business” and several sizable conditional bonuses she received  Continue Reading »

There are instances when you can write off interest on personal loans used for your small business. Just keep in mind that interest expenses must be classified into one of four categories: business, passive, investment or personal. Different tax rules apply to each type of interest. Read our post on the interest categories for more  Continue Reading »

When using non-compete clauses in employment contracts, company managers should be mindful that such provisions are better able to withstand legal challenges if they are narrowly tailored. As an attorney, your business clients should consult with you before using these clauses. When an employee challenges a non-compete agreement, courts often look at whether the agreement  Continue Reading »