Smith + Howard Entity Selection
Business Tax Services

Transaction Advisory Tax Services

Adding value to the process

ASK AN ADVISOR

Are you buying or selling a business or considering a new joint venture?

Whatever type of transaction you are contemplating, the Smith + Howard tax team will work with your business to ensure a successful outcome – one that meets your business objectives while maximizing your after-tax cash.

In the beginning stages of a transaction, there are many decisions to be considered and made, most of which have tax implications. We understand these decisions and that it takes a team of professionals to successfully navigate the sale process. We work closely with the attorneys, investment bankers, due diligence team, and others to facilitate a tax efficient transaction.

Guiding Smart Growth

We take a comprehensive view, from the big picture to the smallest detail, so we can assess and advise throughout a transaction.

Our tax team supports you every step of the way, working on:

  • buy-side and sell-side financial due diligence,
  • tax structuring,
  • transaction tax implications, and
  • wealth opportunities for owners and stakeholders.

Tax Transaction Advisory Services

Whether buying, selling, or restructuring, tax planning is crucial to maximizing value for a business, the owners, and the employees.

We are well-versed in tax structures, computing and modeling after-tax cash, working directly with attorneys and investment bankers in tax related matters, analyzing costs, determining the value associated with tax assets, and reviewing related estate planning and charitable giving opportunities.

You will emerge with a clear picture of all your best options, including the right course of action as you move forward with a transaction.

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Tax Due Diligence

As a buyer, you do not want any tax surprises to be discovered after close. When working on buy side transactions, we thoroughly review the business to uncover any undisclosed tax liabilities and opportunities. We will present the potential tax exposure or savings and provide practical advice and solutions so that the buyer can assess the financial implications to the overall transaction.

As a seller, you are most concerned with the tax implications of the deal. When working on sell side transactions, we focus on getting the right structure in place to maximize after-tax cash to the sellers. Once an efficient tax structure is negotiated, sellers need tax representation in responding to numerous requests from the buyer. Our experienced tax team will guide you through this time-intensive process.

Whether buying or selling, we not only consider your income tax obligations but any other tax obligations that could have unintended repercussions. We work with our indirect tax team to consider all taxes including property tax, sales tax, payroll tax, and more. We will leave no stone unturned to ensure our clients move forward with a transaction armed with all of the information they need to make a smart, strategic decision.

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Post-Transaction Follow Up

The work does not end upon the close of a transaction. Smith + Howard’s tax team will continue to work with the business to ensure that all the tax reporting is completed and returns are properly filed. Filing tax returns for buyers and sellers requires in-depth knowledge of the tax rules as well as the specifics of the transaction. This requires a review of all the relevant documents to gain an understanding of all the tax issues to address during the preparation of the required tax returns. Post-close tax services are vital in making sure that the tax strategies are executed properly and our tax professionals will work with you to ensure the intended tax objectives are met.

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What clients are saying
Abatement Technologies Client Testimonial

“In recent years, Smith + Howard has been invaluable in keeping us abreast of changes to the tax code and wider environment. They’ve guided us through complex issues we had no knowledge of, and time and time again, it’s proved to be invaluable for us.”

Tom Nahigian, retired CFO of Abatement Technologies

“We use Smith + Howard for our audit, tax and special project work. Their advice and counsel is exceptional. Most recently, without Smith + Howard’s advice, we would have missed out on a $4M refund from a tax incentive program.”

David Seem, CFO, Miller-Zell

“Their mindset is different. They’re constantly looking to see what our objectives are and they’re giving us the best possible advice and keeping up with all the rules and regulations. It’s like having an expert looking over your shoulder with what you’re doing.”

Raj Anand, CEO, Southern States, LLC

A Skilled Transaction Advisory Tax Team

Business transactions are complex, yet filled with risks and rewards, and the way to a successful close is rarely an easy or linear process. Whether you’re on the buy side or sell side, Smith + Howard focuses on understanding your goals and how a  transaction may propel you toward them – or hold you back. We work with you to keep  the transaction and your business moving forward.

Melissa Horne
 CPA
Partner
Smith + Howard Advisory LLC

Who am I without living with integrity? Definitely not a leader. Clients depend on us to be honest with them and in the work we do. Without honesty and integrity, we will lose the trust of our clients, our co-workers and those we encounter throughout our life.

Debbie R. Torrance
 CPA/PFS
Partner
Smith + Howard Advisory LLC

I start every day reading a daily tax update so that I am a smarter and better tax professional every day. I also read more than 50 books every year of all types to be a smarter and better leader. I feel that excellence is the foundation to living up to our client and people values.

Megan Worth
 CPA
Partner
Smith + Howard Advisory LLC

I always appreciated how the firm and other leaders invested in me and my career, and I intentionally do the same thing with our current tax professionals every day. Taking the time to teach our staff and allow them to grow into the best accountants they can be is necessary for our success.

Tyler Heard
 CPA
Senior Manager
Smith + Howard Advisory LLC

My passion for solving problems, creating efficiencies, and embracing innovation help drive an environment where our firm can provide excellent value on every engagement.

A Firm of Distinction

16
Average years tenure of principles, managers, and partners
4,000 +
Tax clients globally served
3
Consecutive years recognized as USA Today Best Tax and Accounting Firm in America

How We Help

Our business tax services include:

  • Business tax planning
  • Entity selection
  • Accounting for income taxes
  • Tax accounting method selection and planning
  • International tax services
  • Multi-state tax services
  • Tax credits and incentives
  • Succession planning
  • Tax controversy
TALK TO AN EXPERT TODAY
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Explore our other tax services:

Business Tax

Our roots going back over half a century were grounded in tax. Today, while we can serve every aspect of your business’ financial life, we still stand on a strong tax foundation.

Learn More

Private Client Services

As a high-net-worth individual, you need a partner working as hard to protect and grow your wealth as you did to accumulate it – a partner who is on the same page as you about how your life, family and goals evolve over time and commits to preserving what you’ve built.

Learn More

Indirect Tax

When consumers purchase goods and services, they pay indirect taxes.

Learn More

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Let’s talk about how you’re looking to grow your business

At each step of the way, we will work with you to maintain compliance and minimize your taxes, while establishing a long-term relationship built on quality counsel and efficient, responsive service.