It's Valuation Time

All sorts of events could trigger a need for a valuation; check with your accountant or lawyer whenever major changes occur within your business. You may need a valuation if you're--

• Applying for credit or a loan
• Seeking outside investors
• Disputing the conclusions of an IRS audit
• Conducting a major strategic-planning initiative
• Planning for an initial public offering of stock
• Doing estate or gift planning that involves company stock
• Creating a company stock-option plan or other benefits plan that involves company stock (such plans also require routine subsequent "mini-valuations")
• Breaking up a partnership
• Getting a divorce
• Entering bankruptcy
• Selling the company or a division