Plan your business exit before the deadline

Last reviewed 30 September 2026 · General information only

Choose the path

A sale, family succession and closure are different processes. A sale needs a clear description of what transfers: assets, stock, business name, intellectual property, leases, contracts and customer relationships. A succession plan also needs to explain who will manage the business and when. Closure requires a plan for remaining assets, liabilities and records. See the Australian Government's exit guidance (opens in a new tab).

List every obligation before calculating proceeds

Start with secured loans, leases, employee entitlements, tax and supplier balances. Check whether a lender requires repayment at settlement and whether a security release or consent is needed. The sale price is not the amount an owner can take home: transaction costs and obligations must be paid or provided for.

Employee arrangements may involve transfer or termination. The official employee guide (opens in a new tab) explains notice, records and final payments. Get employment advice for your facts.

Prepare information a buyer or successor will need

• Current profit and loss, balance sheet and cash-flow records
• Debt and security schedule, including payout figures
• Major customer and supplier contracts
• Lease, licence, insurance and intellectual-property details
• Staff entitlements and key-person responsibilities
• A transition timetable and contingency if the deal does not settle

The Australian Government's sale guide (opens in a new tab) covers professional help, valuation, tax and transfers. If the business is being closed, the closure guide (opens in a new tab) explains a different sequence.

Get advice where the details matter

For a sale, use the sale preparation checklist to organise records and handover questions. If you are considering a purchase instead, read what to check before buying a business and work through the due diligence checklist.

Tax treatment, employment rights, creditor priority and director duties depend on the structure and circumstances. Ask an accountant, registered tax agent, lawyer or insolvency professional as appropriate. Our professional help directory links point to established external registers.

Important: This guide is general education, not legal, tax, accounting or financial advice. Do not assume refinancing is a substitute for a viable exit plan.