Should You Sell Before Year-End? Richmond Tax & Timing Considerations

Every December, business owners in Richmond have the same thought:
“Should I wait until next year to sell?”

Here’s the truth most people don’t realize- waiting could cost you more than you think.

1. The Tax Window Is Closing

Each year, owners miss out on tax optimization simply because they ran out of time.
Capital gains, depreciation recapture, state filings-these don’t reset magically in January.
They reset after you file.

Sell before year-end, and your CPA still has time to structure things smartly-installment sales, retirement rollovers, or offset strategies.
Wait too long, and the window closes.

2. Buyers Love a Fresh Fiscal Start

Most qualified buyers in Virginia want to take over by January 1st.
Why? Clean books. New fiscal year. Seamless transition.

That means November and December are when serious buyers are most active.
They’re motivated. They have financing pre-approved.
And they want to lock a deal before the champagne pops.

3. SBA Timelines Matter

If your buyer is using an SBA 7(a) loan (and 70% do), the process takes 45–60 days.
Translation: if you start now, you close before year-end.
If you start later, you’re rolling into March.

Timing isn’t about urgency-it’s about leverage.
And leverage favors sellers who act early.

4. The Holiday Myth

“December’s slow, right?”
Not for buyers with capital.
While everyone else is distracted by holidays, they’re negotiating quietly.

Less competition = more attention on your deal.

5. The Emotional Clock

After New Year’s, motivation drops.
Resolutions kick in, priorities shift, inboxes flood.
Momentum is a fragile thing-strike while interest (and energy) are high.

The Richmond Reality

Richmond’s economy is closing the year strong-steady buyer demand, low interest volatility, and SBA funds still available.
It’s one of those rare moments when tax and timing actually align in your favor.

Thinking About Selling?

Let’s talk strategy before December sneaks up.
A 15-minute confidential consultation could save you thousands in taxes and months of waiting.

 Book your compliementay call - no pressure, just clarity before year-end.