Questions owners and advisers ask
Each answer starts with the direct answer. Industry pages and guides go into more detail.
Fees, timing and process
What does a business valuation cost?
An Independent Business Valuation costs $1,995 + GST for an established trade or field-service business. Accountants and advisers who refer matters regularly pay $1,495 + GST per valuation. Matters with multiple entities, disputes, significant plant or historical dates are quoted from $2,995 + GST. Every fee is fixed and confirmed in writing before work begins. See pricing.
How long does a valuation take?
Typical turnaround is 3 to 7 business days once we have received all the information we need. You receive a draft before the report is finalised. Complex matters, such as several entities or a historical valuation date, can take longer, and we tell you the expected timing when we confirm the scope.
Can you value a business anywhere in Australia?
Yes. Green Standard values businesses in every state and territory. The work is done remotely: you complete an online intake, upload documents through a secure client portal, and we speak by phone or video. The fee is the same wherever the business operates. See business valuations across Australia.
What financial information do you need?
Usually profit and loss statements and balance sheets for the last three years and the current year to date, tax returns where relevant, payroll information, and schedules of vehicles, plant and equipment. For trade businesses we also ask for revenue by service line, major customers and recurring contracts. We send a specific list after the intake. Our guide to documents needed for a valuation explains why each item matters.
Do you value businesses that depend heavily on the owner?
Yes, and most trade businesses depend on their owner to some degree. We deduct a market cost for the work the owner does, then assess how much of the customer relationships, licences and know-how would transfer to someone else. Owner dependency usually reduces value; it rarely makes a business impossible to value. See valuing a business with owner dependency.
Can you value a business for CGT purposes?
Yes. We prepare valuations used for capital gains tax matters, including transfers between related parties, restructures and the small business concessions. We do not give tax advice: whether you need a valuation, at which date and for which assets is a question for your accountant or tax adviser, and we work to their brief. See valuations for CGT.
Can my accountant deal directly with you?
Yes. With your authority, your accountant or adviser can provide information, receive updates and discuss the draft with us. The report remains independent and is addressed to you or as the engagement requires. Accountants who refer matters regularly can join the adviser partner program.
Do vehicles and equipment form part of the valuation?
Yes, but usually not as an extra amount on top. Where a business is valued on its earnings, the vehicles and equipment needed to produce those earnings are part of that value. Surplus assets are added separately, finance owing is deducted, and in asset-heavy businesses the market value of plant can set a floor under the value. See does equipment add to business value.
What if my business operates through multiple entities?
We can value businesses that operate through several entities, such as a trading company, a family trust that owns the equipment and a related entity that owns the premises. The engagement sets out which interests are being valued and how the entities fit together. These are usually quoted as a Complex Valuation, from $2,995 + GST.
The report and working with us
Is this an online calculator?
No. A valuer reviews your financial statements and operating information, normalises the earnings, assesses the risks and documents the reasoning in a written report. The online intake only collects the details we need to confirm the scope and fee.
What is the difference between a valuation and a broker appraisal?
A broker appraisal is an opinion of the price a business might achieve if listed for sale, usually prepared to win a listing. An independent valuation is prepared for a defined purpose and date, with the reasoning written down so that an accountant, co-owner, lawyer or other reader can follow it. See business valuation vs business appraisal.
Do I see the report before it is final?
Yes. Every engagement includes a draft. You can check the facts, correct anything we have misunderstood and ask questions before the report is finalised. The valuation conclusion remains our independent judgement.
Who is the report addressed to?
The report is addressed to the client named in the engagement, for the purpose stated in it. If another party, such as a co-owner or lender, needs to rely on it, that should be agreed in the engagement so the report can say so.
Can the report be used in court?
Not by default. A report prepared as expert evidence for court proceedings involves different instructions and duties to the court, so it is scoped and priced as a separate engagement. If a matter may end up in court, tell us at the start. See valuations for disputes.
Do you need to visit the business?
Usually not. Most of what we need comes from the financial records, operating information and an interview with the owner or management. Where a site visit would genuinely add to the valuation, for example to inspect significant plant, we can arrange one and confirm any cost in writing first.
How do I pay?
Once you accept the engagement letter, the fee is invoiced and can be paid through the client portal. Work starts once the engagement is accepted and paid.
Is my information kept confidential?
Yes. Documents are uploaded through a secure portal and used only for the engagement. We do not share your information with buyers, brokers or anyone else without your authority. See the privacy policy.
Start with a short intake. We confirm the fee and scope in writing.
An Independent Business Valuation is $1,995 + GST, with a draft before the report is finalised. Typical turnaround is 3 to 7 business days once all required information has been received.