The Business Valuation for Financial Planning Process
Understanding what your business is worth does not have to be complicated. We have designed a straightforward, easy-to-follow process that guides you from the initial conversation through the final review of your valuation, with clear communication and dedicated support at every step.
From gathering information to delivering your valuation, we remain connected throughout the process so you always know what to expect. Our business valuation process powered by BizEquity is designed to help business owners better understand their business's value while identifying opportunities in succession planning, retirement readiness, insurance needs, and long-term business strategy.
You can expect an approximate two-week turnaround from start to finish, allowing us to deliver a thorough, professional final product that meets both our standards and your expectations.
Disclaimer:
Any necessary steps may be coordinated with your accountants and/or advisors. If needed, we may also work alongside accountants or professionals recommended through our network to help ensure appropriate oversight, security, and collaboration throughout the process.
Step 1: Initial Conversation
We begin by learning about you and your business.
During this first step, we will connect to better understand your goals, the reasons you are seeking a valuation, and the specific needs of your situation. This allows us to determine the appropriate scope and approach for your engagement while identifying potential planning opportunities for your business and future.
For many business owners, their company represents their largest financial asset and a significant portion of their long-term financial security. Despite this, many owners have never completed a formal valuation or developed a structured succession strategy.
Why a valuation may matter for you:
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Better understand the value and potential of your business
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Business expansion, growth, or acquisition planning
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Selling or exiting your business
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Succession and estate planning
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Retirement readiness and long-term financial planning
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Insurance and risk management considerations
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Preparing for taxable events such as gifting or ownership transfers
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Identifying opportunities for strategic business planning
Step 2: Data Gathering, Payment & Analysis
During this step, through BizEquity we collect and review the key information necessary to complete your valuation analysis, identify planning considerations, and finalize engagement documentation and payment.
All engagements allow for a 3 year service period of yearly updated valuations based on the previous year tax returns.
Payment Structure:
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$3,500 — Non-Client Rate
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$1,500 — Reduced Non-Client Rate ($2,000 discount) for non-clients who meet one of the following criteria:
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Transfer of more than $250,000 in investable assets to EightPoint Financial
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Transfer of retirement assets exceeding $1,000,000 to EightPoint Financial
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$1,500 — Reduced Client Rate
Our fee includes an allowance for outside professionals, such as accountants, when needed during the valuation process. If the required work exceeds this allowance, additional fees may apply. Clients who choose to use their own accountant or advisor may be eligible for a fee reduction based on the costs EightPoint would otherwise incur.
What You Will Receive From Us:
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Engagement Letter outlining the scope of work, payment terms, timeline, and deliverables
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Protective Services Agreement
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Hold Harmless Agreement
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Financial Planning Documentation
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Ongoing communication and support throughout the valuation process
What We Will Need From You:
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Federal Tax Returns for the last three fiscal years (Forms 1065, 1120, 1120S, or Schedule C)
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Balance Sheets for the last three fiscal years
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Completed Mini Fact Finder (provided in advance)
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Most recent interim and year-to-date financial statements (accrual based balance sheet and accrual based income statement)
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List of one-time, non-recurring, or non-operating revenues, expenses, gains, and losses (if applicable)
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Schedule of compensation paid to each owner and family member for each year (W-2 and 1099 amounts)
We may also ask follow-up questions to you and/or your accountants or schedule additional discussions to better understand your business operations, financial structure, and long-term objectives.
Once all information is collected, we complete the valuation analysis powered by BizEquity using established methodologies, planning tools, and supporting technology.
Step 3: Valuation Review Meeting
Once the analysis is complete, we will schedule a meeting to review the valuation results with you.
During this meeting, we walk through the BizEquity valuation in detail, explain the methodologies used, and discuss the key factors that impact the value conclusion. Our goal is to ensure you clearly understand both the valuation itself and the planning insights it yields.
We will also discuss potential insurance considerations and recommendations based on the valuation findings from BizEquity and your overall planning objectives.
Step 4: Recommendations & Follow-Up
A business valuation is more than just a number; it is a planning tool that supports informed decision-making.
In this final step, we discuss the key insights identified throughout the valuation process and provide recommendations tailored to your goals and business needs. Whether you are preparing for a future sale, succession planning, business growth, insurance needs, retirement readiness, or strategic restructuring, we help you understand how to use your valuation effectively as part of a broader financial and business planning strategy.
We also remain available for ongoing conversations and follow-up as your business and planning needs continue to evolve.