Your complete source for accounting practice sales, mergers, acquisitions, and financing.

FAQ

Naab Consulting is eager to provide answers to any of  your questions. 

Please email us if you have any specific question you would like answered.

 

Do you charge any upfront fees in order to sell my accounting practice?

Absolutely not. We have complete confidence that we can help you sell your practice, that we are willing to cover all costs in order to get this accomplished. Our fee is only paid at closing and only if you sell the practice. 

If I am considering selling my accounting practice, how should I evaluate different accounting brokers?

It is critical to investigate any company that you plan on working with for an extended amount of time and especially such a big decision like selling your accounting practice. We will gladly meet with you personally prior to asking you to work with us or signing any type of consulting agreement.

We will also glady provide references upon request. We consider selling your practice a confidential and personal transaction. We do not provide references or testimonaisl on our site to protect our former clients confidentiality. We are happy to provide them upon request. We hope you can understand and appreciate this. 

If I am looking to buy an accounting practice, will a down payment be required?

 Yes.

If you are looking at putting cash down, the seller will require a down payment at closing. This helps the seller know that you are committed to this purchase. We trust you can appreciate this from the sellers perspective.

If you are looking at outside bank financing, most lenders will require at least a 10%-20% cash injection depending on the size of the loan, cash flow of the practice, buyer's credit history and a variety of other factors. Most lenders will also loan money for additional working capital. There are both conventiaonl and SBA lenders. A vast majority of our recent deals have been SBA loans.

How will you sell my accounting practice while keeping my confidentiality?

Confidentiality is paramount to us and we understand it's importance. Our firm obtains non-disclosure agreements on all prospective buyers before any of your information about your practice is disclosed to them. We will not divulge your name, the firms name or location until we have qualified each prospect and deem that they are a serious and capable candidate to buy your practice. This type of third party interaction will keep your identity confidential from your staff, competitors and most importantly your clients. 

Why work with Naab Consulting if I'm considering selling my accounting practice?

Bigger may not always be better. We belive that better is what counts. If you are serious about selling your accounting practice, we invite you to compare us to other accounting brokers before making a final decision on who to hire.

We have been involved in the accounting practice sales business since 1997. We have closed on hundreds of successful deals.  There are other accounting brokers out there but few with the experience level and track record of our company. We urge you to compare and decide for yourself on which firm is right for you.

PLUS:

  • We will market your practice nationally as well as regionally to get the greatest exposure for your practice.
  • We have a large database of pre-registered and qualified buyers who are looking to buy a firm.
  • We know how to close deals, we only get paid when you get paid. It's a win win!
  • We assist you every step of the way, from the initial consultation to the closing table. 
  • Work on your business, while we work for your business.
Why do people sell their accounting firm?

Accountants and CPAs are looking to sell their business for a variety of reasons. Retirement is the most popular reason but there are a few more you might not be aware of, such as:

  • Other business interest
  • Health concerns
  • Relocation
  • Burnt out
How long will it take to obtain outside bank financing?

Typically, our lenders can yield a response within 3 to 5 business days after they have some preliminary information. A bank commitment may take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks. 

What is the expected transition time with the new buyer?

This vaires depending on the size of the practice. Typically smaller firms, the transition time can be anywhere from 30-60 days. This may or may not include a tax season depnding on when the deal closes. Larger firms are typically 90+ days and sometimes for a full year depending on the new buyers needs. It is not uncommon for a seller to work at least an intial tax season on any size practice. Transitional assistance helps the clients adjust to the new owner and the seller feel confident that their former clients are going to be taken care of correctly. 

Are there CPA practices for sale in my area?

We are happy to add your information to our database and keep you posted on any new accounting practices for sale in your area, as they become available. Just complete the buyer registration form at no cost or obligation.

I'm considering selling my accounting practice on my own, what are practices going for these days?

Are you looking for what you will get by selling the practice on your own or would you be more interested in what you could net if you hire Naab Consulting?

We believe in the theory of supply and demand. The more interested buyers in your practice, the higher the purchase price. Our job is to confidentially market your practice to as many buyers as possible. Then we will qualify each to ensure that you are meeting with only qualified and interested buyers. This will broden your buyer pool allowing you to pick the best suitor for your practice.

How long does the process of selling a CPA practice take from start to finish?

This depends on a variety of factors, but typically we can close a deal in whatever timeframe is desired by the owner. We have sold practices in under 30 days but the typical transaction will be anywhere from 3 months to 12 months. Generally, the larger the practice, the more moving pieces and the longer it takes to sell. If your firm is grossing around $1,000,000 or more you can expect a 6 to 12 month process from start to finish.

What should I do next if I'm interested in buying or selling an accounting practice?

Contact us today if you are interested in either buying an accounting practice for sale or selling an accounting firm. We are available any time. You can also Talk to Larry directly.

Does Naab Consulting provide assistance in financing accounting practice sales?

Yes, we do! When you are purchasing an accounting firm, take advantage of lenders we use throughout the U.S. who can lend up to 100% of the purchase price. This means that a buyer can purchase a CPA practice using the business’ cash flow.

How can Naab Consulting help me in selling my accounting practice?

We assist in selling your tax practice from start to closing. We begin by tailoring a customized marketing package for your firm. This helps us learn more about your practice so we can assist in setting the best price, terms and conditions of the sale based on current market conditions. We then target market to qualified prospective buyers and leads who are interested in accounting practice sales like yours.

What are the standard market conditions for CPA and accounting practices for sale in my area?

Currently, accounting practices for sale through Naab Consulting are based on a multiple of gross billings with a client retention clause. The client retention clause helps to ensure a fair deal for both the buyer and the seller. Current market conditions and our experience help to set the proper asking price and terms for selling your tax practice. Practices values vary across the country so please contact us directly to discuss your area.