What is the best way to transfer my small business to my son?
I want to give my son my business without charging him any upfront money. I would like to pull a small income from the business each month as a retirement. I dont want a share in the business just a guaranteed payment each month. I have been in business since 1983 and have annual average revenue of $225,000. My son has been working with me now for the past 8 years and has shown great leadership skills.
I am concerned about things like tax ramifications of not handling this properly. Our business isnt incorporated instead it is a sole proprietorship. Would it be better to incorporate and retain a share of the business while giving my son the majority? Also I have a house for sale currently but it is pre foreslosure. I have a buyer lined up and we are in the midst of negotiating the home sale. If the house were to fully be foreclosed would this affect the business and perhaps even void the business sale?
Thank you for any honest advice.
June 25th, 2010 at 5:30 pm
Talk to you accountant for the tax implications.
June 25th, 2010 at 6:26 pm
If you own a small business, then you should at some point have had to consult with a CPA and a small business attorney…this should be best handled by your attorney. If you don’t have one, try calling around to see if you can get one recommended to you. Someone who handles real estate or retirement issues might be able to help as well. As with anything, if the company doesn’t make any money, your ‘guaranteed monthly retirement’ won’t always be there, so some of this rests on the fact that you believe the business will be successful enough under his command. There are never any guarantees….