Small Business Valuation
Court-tested business valuations for litigation, tax disputes, and high-stakes financial matters.
A small business valuation determines the true economic value of a company using legally defensible financial methodologies. Business valuations are essential in divorce proceedings, partnership disputes, IRS audits, and corporate transactions such as mergers & acquisitions.
An improperly calculated valuation can lead to unfair settlements, rejected court testimony, tax exposure, and long-term financial harm. Our valuation work is built to withstand IRS scrutiny, court challenges, and opposing expert review—especially in high-risk tax litigation and business tax disputes.
Michael Goldberg is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Valuation Analyst who is frequently engaged to value non-public companies, including complex personal goodwill determinations. He has been admitted as an expert in valuation multiple times.
What is a small business valuation?
A small business valuation is a structured financial analysis used to determine the fair market value of a privately held business. Unlike public companies, private businesses require customized valuation models based on:
- Financial statements and cash flow
- Industry risk factors
- Market conditions
- Owner compensation adjustments
- Assets and liabilities
- Future earnings potential
Valuations are commonly required for litigation, IRS compliance, tax planning, buy-sell agreements, and forensic financial analysis.
Small business valuation matters we handle
How we perform small business valuations
We analyze financial statements, tax returns, payroll records, and operational data.
We adjust valuation based on industry conditions, competition, and economic risk.
We apply income-based, market-based, and asset-based valuation methods as appropriate.
We deliver a formal written valuation report suitable for court, negotiations, or transactions.
Court-recognized valuation expertise
Michael Goldberg has been admitted as an expert witness in the area of business valuation multiple times. His valuation opinions have been formally accepted by courts.
“For the reasons noted in Mr. Goldberg’s report, the Court agrees with Mr. Goldberg’s assessment of the business’s value and Father’s personal goodwill discount.”
Why work with Goldberg Tax?
- Certified Public Accountant and Certified Valuation Analyst credentials
- Extensive experience valuing closely held and non-public companies
- Recognized expert witness in business valuation
- Proven courtroom acceptance of valuation methodology
- Deep expertise in personal goodwill vs enterprise goodwill
- Trusted by courts, attorneys, and financial professionals
When you should hire a business valuation expert
You should seek professional valuation services immediately if:
- You are going through a divorce involving a business
- You are involved in a partnership or shareholder dispute
- You are planning a business sale or acquisition
- You received an IRS valuation audit
- You need valuation for estate or gift tax reporting
- You are negotiating a buy-sell agreement
- You suspect business income is being underreported
Accurate valuation early in the process prevents costly legal and financial mistakes later.
Frequently asked questions
Valuation focuses on cash flow, assets, goodwill, and owner compensation to determine marital value subject to division.
Yes, if performed using accepted valuation methodologies and supported by proper documentation.
Most valuations are completed within 3–6 weeks depending on complexity and document availability.
Tax returns, financial statements, payroll records, bank statements, industry data, and operating agreements.
Yes. That is why our valuations are built to withstand legal and expert scrutiny.
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