Insights · Advisory · 31 October 2026

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Exit planning: how to get out of your business on your terms

Every owner leaves their business one day. Planned, it can fund retirement. Unplanned, through illness, burnout or a partner dispute, it often means selling cheaply or closing.

Your exit options

• Sale to a third party: usually the highest price if the business runs without you.
• Family succession: needs clear roles, fair treatment of other children and often staged transfers.
• Management or employee buyout: often funded over time from profits.
• Merger with a competitor.
• Wind-down: collecting what you can and closing in an orderly way.

A three-year roadmap

1. Year 1: clean financials, know your value (how to value a small business), fix structure and tax issues.
2. Year 2: reduce reliance on you, document systems, lock in key staff and customer contracts, improve margins.
3. Year 3: prepare information, find buyers, negotiate and transition.

Tax matters

The small business CGT concessions can significantly reduce tax on a sale if you qualify, and some proceeds may be contributed to super: see small business tax concessions. Get tax advice before you sign heads of agreement, not after.

Also put an unplanned-exit plan in place now: a buy-sell agreement with partners, insurance and a will. Talk to us about getting sale ready.

Quick answers

How early should I start exit planning?

Ideally three years before you want to leave, so you can lift value and sort tax and structure.

Can I reduce CGT when selling my business?

You may qualify for the small business CGT concessions. Get advice before you agree terms.

Sources

• business.gov.au: Sell your business
• ATO: Small business CGT concessions

General information only. This article does not take into account your circumstances and is not tax, legal or financial advice. Rates and rules change; check the sources above and get advice for your business before acting.