Selling a Business
Selling your business is often the largest financial event of your life. The difference between good and bad tax planning here can be millions of rands. Structure the exit before you negotiate - not after.
Tax Reality
The tax implications of selling
Many business owners focus solely on the sale price - then lose a significant percentage to taxes that could have been legally minimised with advance planning.
Capital Gains Tax
The sale of business shares or assets triggers CGT. The structure of the sale and your personal tax position significantly affect the bill.
Estate Duty Exposure
The sale converts an illiquid business asset into cash - which is now fully exposed to estate duty on death. Without restructuring, you may be worse off from an estate perspective.
Donations Tax
If you gift shares or sell below market value to family, donations tax applies. Proper valuation and structuring avoids unintended tax events.
Beyond the Sale Price
Keeping what you've earned
The sale itself is just the beginning. How you structure the transaction (share sale vs. asset sale), where the proceeds are held, how your estate plan adapts to your new asset mix, and whether you take advantage of available exemptions and deferrals - these decisions collectively determine how much of your life's work you actually keep.
Ideally, this planning starts 12-24 months before the sale. At minimum, engage a specialist before signing any agreements.
The difference between good and bad planning here is measured in millions.
We'll model the tax implications of your specific sale, structure the proceeds for long-term wealth preservation and ensure your estate plan reflects your new financial reality. Every sale is different - let us map yours.
Plan Your Exit
Maximise what you keep from your life's work.
Let's model the tax implications of your sale and structure the proceeds for long-term wealth preservation - before you sign anything.