Practical worksheet

Business sale preparation checklist

Get the records, obligations and handover plan ready before offering a business for sale.

Last reviewed 2 October 2026

Before you start

Work with your accountant and lawyer on sale structure, tax, staff and disclosure. Keep customer information protected.

A buyer can assess a clear, well-documented business more confidently, and you can spot issues early.

Begin well before listing, especially if records or owner-dependent processes need repair.

You will see what can be improved before sale and which obligations may reduce net proceeds.

Each prompt explains what to enter. The example is a guide, not a target for your business.

01. Reason and sale scope

Why are you selling and what assets, stock, name, contracts or property are included?

Sale includes equipment and brand, but not the owner’s personal vehicle.

02. Clean records

Reconcile accounts, tax lodgements, stock, debtors, creditors and current contracts.

Three years of statements ready; two disputed invoices identified separately.

03. People and operations

Document key processes, staff arrangements, customer reliance and owner-specific relationships.

Create a handover guide for weekly supplier ordering.

04. Obligations and valuation

Estimate debts, security releases, employee amounts, sale costs and valuation assumptions with advisers.

Accountant checks tax effects; lawyer checks lease and contract transfers.

05. Buyer process and handover

Plan confidentiality, due diligence access, negotiation, settlement and transition support.

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This worksheet is general planning information. Ask a qualified accountant, tax agent or lawyer where your decision needs specialist advice.