The opportunity to sell a business that you have built can be a lifechanging event. There are a number of planning ideas that should be considered before there is a binding contract in place. If you business is a candidate for the Section 1202 small business stock exclusion, you should be made aware of that option early in the process. If your business doesn’t qualify or you were not aware of this option, there are many other options such as (i) an ESOP, (ii) a charitable remainder trust, (iii) a charitable lead trust, or a (iv) restricted sale trust. Each of these options has benefits and risks. Please contact someone that is knows this area before you sign that contact.