Banknotes

With Baby Boomers approaching retirement over the next decade or so, America is about to experience the largest transfer of wealth in history. As you prepare for your next phase of life, have you also adequately prepared for the next phase of your business?

When it comes to succession planning, it’s not a question of “if” as much as “when” and “how” you will set your business up to carry on after you move on.

At some point in our lives, we may inherit a home or another form of real property, which the Internal Revenue Service defines as “land and generally anything built on or attached to it.” To prepare for that possibility, it’s helpful to gain an understanding of some of the jargon that one can reasonably be expected to encounter when inheriting real estate. For instance, what does “cost basis” mean? And what is a “step-up,” and what kind of tax break does it offer?

Estate planning is defined as the process by which an individual plans for the acquisition, use, conservation, and disposition of property or wealth. The National Network of Estate Planning Attorneys offers a clearer explanation:

I want to control my property while I am alive and well, care for myself and my loved ones if I become disabled, and be able to give what I have to whom I want, the way I want, when I want, and, if I can, I want to save every last tax dollar, attorney fee, and court cost possible.

What is a legacy? Is it the continuing operation of your business? It can be. Your personal wealth? Your family’s wealth? The brand image and reputation you’ve built? The lifestyles and careers of your children or other successors? Yes to all.

There is no formula a business owner can use to address the emotional side of succession. But there are strategies and leading practices an owner can use to confirm that his or her legacy isn’t left to chance.

An important gift to your family and yourself is to create thoughtful order in your financial life, and that includes providing for the proper care and administration of your estate…during your lifetime and upon your death.  The ultimate benefit is peace of mind.

When it comes to succession planning, company leadership often considers and plans for the impact of a change in management style and corporate vision. Many companies, however, fail to consider the financial impact of such a major transition, even if all other aspects of a change in leadership are a resounding success.

Your succession plan should include a budget.

Family businesses are typically operated by a principal shareholder whose involvement may be extensive.  Should that principal be lost to death or disability, the main priorities become continuing profitable operations and maintaining the company’s value.

What is a short-term contingency plan?

A short-term contingency plan is a strategic guide that can be used by your business to deal with your sudden, unexpected absence from the business, as in the case of disability or death. Your contingency plan should map out a procedure for the continuation of business operations that can be followed until longer-term plans are established. Even if you have made arrangements for succession of ownership of your business interest through your will or a buy-sell agreement, you still need a plan for succession of management. A short-term contingency plan can provide for the transfer of duties and continued business operations during the transitional period leading to the transfer of ownership.

In the next 20 years, we will have perhaps the largest transfer of wealth in history.  Much of the transfer of wealth will be in the form of transferring a business.  According to the US Census Bureau, as of 2012 there were approximately 44,000 firms located in Dane County.  Most of these firms are owned and operated by local individuals who at one point plan to monetize their legacy by forming a business succession plan. Read more on Business Succession Planning from this great article from Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. 

By: Alyssa J. Chance, J.D., VP & Personal Trust Officer

You’ve put endless hours into ensuring your business is successful. You’ve carefully cultivated its growth and profitability every step of the way, and it has flourished under your leadership.

But, what will happen to your business when you or others step down from leadership roles?