There comes a point in time when almost every small business owner contemplates the future of his or her business. Because “the business” typically is a substantial asset, an owner must address a number of estate planning issues that will affect the future stability of the company. A business succession plan is a comprehensive look at the estate planning picture that can include everything from shareholder buy-sell agreements to management plans, and any other documentation that will help ensure the smooth operation of the business. While traditional estate plans are designed with tax minimization in mind, business succession planning, in addition to such considerations, is aimed at maintaining the future health of the business.
Protection for Family Members and Executors
Proprietorships and partnerships must cease operation as such upon the death of an owner or partner. Although a partnership agreement generally will provide for the continuation of the partnership by the surviving owners, it is also important that some provision be made for the acquisition of the deceased partner’s interest. A sole proprietorship cannot be continued in the same manner as can a partnership. If proprietor assets are not specifically bequeathed to, say, a child who has been identified as the successor to the decedent, they will pass under the general dispositive provisions of the will. During the probate process, the executor would be responsible for operating the business, which could result in business losses and lost value. To address this and other potential problems, a business succession plan is critical. Such a plan, which might consist of a buy-sell agreement or carefully drafted will provisions, can help provide answers to the following important questions about the future of the business:
- Who has the authority to continue its operation?
- Will it be sold, liquidated, or continued?
- Who are potential buyers and do they have the cash to activate the purchase in a timely fashion?
To promote the continued operation of a sole proprietorship, the owner might leave written instructions setting forth his or her intentions with respect to management of the business following death. Such a written document might provide some guidance to a successor proprietor (e.g., a spouse or child who might need assistance during the transition period). Since the successor would, however, own all of the business assets and have full control of business operations, the successor could choose not to follow such guidance.
In some instances, a sole proprietor may be able to simplify the transfer of the business at death by converting it to corporate form while alive. Since a corporation has continuity of life, many of the issues confronting a sole proprietor at death can be avoided. Nevertheless, it would still be important for there to be competent management in place to succeed the decedent, and to have a buy-sell agreement in place to govern the transfer of his or her shares.
Insurance Plays a Key Role
Typically, an owner’s death or disability can create an array of financial problems affecting both the business and the owner’s family. For instance, issues such as estate taxes, loss of income, or whether a buyer has adequate cash to purchase the deceased or disabled owner’s shares are problems that cannot be entirely ensured merely by a business succession plan. For this reason, life insurance and disability income insurance go hand-in-hand with a business succession plan. Proper insurance coverage can: 1) help an owner’s family meet estate tax obligations, which in many instances may help keep a business in the family (if so desired); 2) help replace an owner’s loss of income due to death or disability; and 3) help a partner(s) or existing employees have the necessary cash to buy out the deceased or disabled owner’s share of the business.
How to Begin
An estate planning team consisting of your lawyer, accountant, and insurance professional can help you develop a business succession plan, including all the necessary documents and information. There are established methods for transition that will leave both your business and successor management free from unnecessary worry or jeopardy. In addition, through carefully planned life and disability insurance coverage, the transition can be properly funded and avoid substantial losses that might otherwise occur.
Important Disclosures
All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, LPL Financial makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investment(s) may be appropriate for you, consult your financial professional prior to investing. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly.
The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax planning or legal advice. We suggest that you consult with a qualified tax or legal advisor.
This material contains only general descriptions and is not a solicitation to sell any insurance product or security, nor is it intended as any financial or tax advice. For information about specific insurance needs or situations, contact your insurance agent. This article is intended to assist in educating you about insurance generally and not to provide personal service. They may not take into account your personal characteristics such as budget, assets, risk tolerance, family situation or activities which may affect the type of insurance that would be right for you. In addition, state insurance laws and insurance underwriting rules may affect available coverage and its costs. Guarantees are based on the claims paying ability of the issuing company. If you need more information or would like personal advice you should consult an insurance professional. You may also visit your state’s insurance department for more information.
LPL Financial Representatives offer access to Trust Services through The Private Trust Company N.A., an affiliate of LPL Financial.
This article was published by Liberty Publishing.
LPL Tracking #1-05049404
BOEG118-X
