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Selling A Business

Hudson Law Firm Dec. 22, 2022

There are a number of steps that you should follow when selling a business in New Jersey, including the following:

  1. Prepare your business for sale: This includes evaluating the value of your business, preparing financial statements, and identifying the assets that you will be selling.

  2. Determine the asking price for your business: Consider factors such as the value of your assets, the profitability of your business, and the market conditions.

  3. Create a list of potential buyers: This may include business brokers, private investors, or other potential buyers.

  4. Market your business for sale: This may involve advertising your business through various channels, such as online platforms or local business publications.

  5. Review offers and negotiate terms: Consider the terms of each offer, including the purchase price, financing terms, and any contingencies.

  6. Prepare and sign the purchase agreement: Work with an attorney to draft a detailed purchase agreement that outlines the terms of the sale.

  7. Complete the sale: This may involve transferring ownership of the business, transferring any licenses or permits, and transferring the assets of the business to the new owner.

It is important to consult with an experienced attorney throughout the process of selling a business in New Jersey to ensure that all necessary steps are taken and that your rights and interests are protected.

The Bulk Sale

In New Jersey, the purchaser of a business that is being sold through a bulk sale is required to file a bulk sale notice. Bulk Sale Form C9600 is a form used in the state of New Jersey to document the sale or transfer of a business through a bulk sale. The bulk sale notice must be filed with the Division of Taxation at least 10 days prior to the sale or transfer of the business, and must include certain information about the sale, such as the names and addresses of the parties involved, the nature of the business being sold, and the items being transferred as part of the sale.

It is important to note that the filing of a bulk sale notice is just one of the requirements that must be met in order to complete a bulk sale in New Jersey. There may be other steps that must be taken, such as obtaining the consent of creditors or obtaining a license or permit to conduct the sale. It is advisable to consult with an experienced attorney to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to complete the sale in compliance with the applicable laws and regulations.

The Closing

The closing of a business sale in New Jersey is typically the final step in the process of selling a business. At the closing, the parties involved in the sale will sign the necessary documents, exchange funds, and transfer ownership of the business. Here is what you can expect at the closing of a business sale in New Jersey:

  1. Review and sign the purchase agreement: The parties involved in the sale will review and sign the purchase agreement, which outlines the terms of the sale, including the purchase price, financing terms, and any contingencies.

  2. Transfer ownership of the business: The seller will transfer ownership of the business to the buyer, which may involve transferring any licenses or permits and transferring the assets of the business.

  3. Exchange funds: The buyer will pay the purchase price to the seller, and any other funds that are due as part of the sale will be exchanged.

  4. Complete necessary paperwork: The parties will complete any necessary paperwork, such as deeds, bills of sale, and other documents, to finalize the sale.

  5. Review closing statements: The parties will review the closing statements, which outline the final costs and expenses associated with the sale.

The closing statement and disclosure for a business sale in New Jersey is a document that outlines the final costs and expenses associated with the sale of the business. The closing statement includes information such as the purchase price, any financing terms, and any other fees or expenses that are being paid as part of the sale.

The closing statement and disclosure is typically prepared by the attorney or closing agent handling the sale, and is provided to the parties involved in the sale prior to the closing. The document should be reviewed carefully to ensure that all costs and expenses are accurately reflected and that the terms of the sale are being fulfilled.

The Taxes

The taxes that may be owed upon the sale of a business depend on a number of factors, including the type of business, the value of the business, and the tax basis of the business assets.

Here are some of the federal taxes that may be owed upon the sale of a business:

  1. Capital gains tax: If you sell your business for more than its tax basis (generally, the cost of the assets of the business), you may be subject to capital gains tax on the profit from the sale. The tax rate for capital gains may depend on your income and the length of time that you held the assets.

  2. Self-employment tax: If you are a sole proprietor or a partner in a partnership, you may be subject to self-employment tax on the profits from the sale of your business.

  3. Depreciation recapture: If you have claimed depreciation deductions on business assets, you may be required to pay taxes on the amount of depreciation that you have taken when you sell those assets.

  4. State and local taxes: You may also be subject to state and local taxes on the sale of your business, depending on where you are located.

Specifically, here are some of the New Jersey taxes that may be owed upon the sale of a business:

  1. Capital gains tax: See above.

  2. Corporate Business Tax: If your business is a corporation, you may be subject to the New Jersey Corporate Business Tax on the profits from the sale of your business.

  3. Gross Income Tax: If you are a sole proprietor or a partner in a partnership, you may be subject to the New Jersey Gross Income Tax on the profits from the sale of your business.

  4. Sales and Use Tax: You may be required to pay sales and use tax on the sale of certain business assets, such as inventory, equipment, and fixtures.

It is important to consult with a tax professional or an attorney to determine the federal and New Jersey taxes that may be owed upon the sale of your business. They can help you understand your tax obligations and provide guidance on how to minimize your tax liability.