What Documents Do I Need for a Business Valuation?
Essential documents include three years of financial statements (P&L, balance sheets), tax returns, BAS statements, an asset register, lease agreements, key customer and supplier contracts, organisational charts, and details of any loans or liabilities. Additional items may be required depending on your industry and the purpose of the valuation.
Financial Documents Checklist
Financial documents form the foundation of every business valuation. The more complete and organised your financials, the faster and more accurate the valuation will be. Here's what you need to prepare.
Profit and Loss Statements (3 Years)
Provide annual profit and loss statements for the last three full financial years, plus year-to-date figures for the current period. Management accounts are acceptable if audited or reviewed financials are not available.
Balance Sheets (3 Years)
Balance sheets for the same periods as your P&L statements, showing all assets, liabilities, and equity positions. Include any supporting schedules for significant line items.
Tax Returns and BAS Statements
Company tax returns for three years and recent BAS statements help verify reported revenue and expenses. Any ATO correspondence or assessments relevant to the business should also be provided.
Cash Flow Statements
If available, cash flow statements help valuers understand the business's actual cash generation versus reported profits. If formal cash flow statements aren't prepared, bank statements can serve as a proxy.
Business Operations Checklist
Beyond the financials, valuers need to understand how your business operates, its market position, and the key factors that drive its performance.
Asset Register
A complete list of business assets including plant, equipment, vehicles, inventory, and intellectual property. Include original cost, date of purchase, and current condition for each significant asset.
Lease and Property Agreements
All lease agreements for premises, equipment, and vehicles. The terms, remaining duration, renewal options, and market comparison of your leases directly affect business value.
Key Contracts and Agreements
Customer contracts (especially recurring or long-term), supplier agreements, distribution agreements, licensing arrangements, and any exclusivity or non-compete agreements in place.
Employee and Management Information
Organisational chart, key employee details, employment contracts for key personnel, any retention or incentive arrangements, and details of owner involvement and responsibilities.
Additional Information by Valuation Purpose
Depending on why you need the valuation, additional documents may be required. For sale valuations, include any marketing materials, customer analysis, and growth plans. For tax valuations, include relevant ATO correspondence and tax adviser communications. For legal valuations, include court orders, legal correspondence, and any prior valuations or expert reports.
Don't worry if you're missing some items — your valuer will provide a customised checklist after the initial consultation and can advise on acceptable alternatives for any documents that aren't readily available.
Key Benefits
How It Works
1Download Checklist
Contact us for a customised checklist tailored to your business type and valuation purpose.
2Gather Documents
Collect the required documents using the checklist. Flag any items that are missing or unavailable.
3Secure Upload
Upload your documents through our secure portal. We acknowledge receipt and flag any gaps within 24 hours.
4Efficient Valuation
Well-prepared documentation enables our valuers to work efficiently, delivering your report faster and at lower cost.
Common Questions About Business Valuation
People Also Ask
For businesses with well-maintained records, preparation typically takes 2-5 days. Businesses with less organised records may need 1-2 weeks. Starting early and using our checklist ensures you're ready when the engagement begins.
Get your checklist →We can still proceed with available information, but missing data may reduce accuracy or require additional assumptions. We'll clearly communicate the impact of any data gaps and recommend the best approach given the available documentation.
Start your valuation →Bank statements aren't always required but can be helpful for verifying cash flows, identifying undisclosed transactions, and supporting normalisation adjustments. They are particularly useful when formal cash flow statements are not available.
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Speak with our Brisbane valuation experts today. Free initial consultation with no obligation.