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
