What is a Sale of a Business as a Going Concern?

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Table of Contents

• What is a Going Concern?
• 3 Key Considerations When Selling a Business as a Going Concern
• Key Takeaways
• Frequently Asked Questions

As a business owner, you might be overwhelmed by the many ways you can sell your business. One way is the sale of a business as a going concern. Mainly, this involves the sale of a business that includes everything required to continue operating the business. This differs to a business which is not sold as a going concern where, for example, the purchaser may:

• only receive the plant, equipment and client lists; and
• run the business under a different name and from different premises.

This article discusses what a sale as a going concern is, providing three key considerations to make when selling a business as a going concern.

What is a Going Concern?

A sale of a business as a going concern involves the seller (the vendor) selling their business to the purchaser together with all of the things that are necessary for the purchaser to continue operating the business. The vendor must also keep running the business up until the day of sale (the settlement date).

The sale price of a business sold as a going concern may be exempt from paying Goods and Services Tax (GST) if the transaction meets the following criteria:

1. payment or consideration is made for the sale of the business;
2. the purchaser is registered for GST;
3. the vendor and purchaser have agreed, in writing, that the sale is of a going concern; and
4. the vendor supplies all things necessary for the continued operation of the business and carries on the business until the day of sale.

For example, imagine that you purchase a cafe for $50,000 in Surry Hills. The sale of business agreement (SOBA) between you and the vendor states that the sale is of a going concern. The vendor operates the cafe until the settlement date and you are registered for GST. On the settlement date, the vendor provides you with all of their business assets, including:

• the equipment;
• transfer of lease; and
• supply accounts to run the cafe.

In this situation, the purchase price would be subject to a GST exemption as the business was sold as a going concern.

3 Key Considerations When Selling a Business as a Going Concern

There are three key considerations to make when selling your business as a going concern. It is vital to ensure that you:

1. receive appropriate legal advice;
2. continue to run the business; and
3. seek taxation advice from a tax professional.

1. Legal Advice

If you are selling a business as a going concern, it is essential that your SOBA:

• states that the sale is a going concern; and
• includes the appropriate GST promises to satisfy the relevant tax law.

A sale of business lawyer can help you prepare your SOBA, ensuring it includes the appropriate clauses that comply with the law.

2. Continue Running the Business

Until the business is transferred to the purchaser on the settlement date, it is crucial that the vendor:

• stay in possession of the business and its premises; and
• ensure the business continues to run as a going concern.

3. Taxation Advice

Before selling any business, it is important to obtain taxation advice from a tax professional to ensure you do not run into issues with the Australian Taxation Office. Your accountant will be able to provide advice relevant to the sale of your business satisfying GST requirements. They will also be able to assess other financial considerations that may apply to the sale, such as:

• capital gains tax; and
• how to apportion the purchase price against the assets of your business.

The Ultimate Guide to Selling a Business

When you are ready to sell your business and begin the next chapter, it is important to understand the moving parts that will impact a successful sale.

This How to Sell Your Business Guide covers all the essential topics you need to know about selling your business.

Download Now

Key Takeaways

If you are considering selling your business, you will need to decide if you are selling the business as a going concern. However, merely ticking a box on the SOBA will not be enough to be considered a GST exempt sale. As the vendor, you will need to satisfy specific criteria to comply with the relevant GST legislation, including:

1. payment for the business;
2. ensuring the purchaser is registered for GST;
3. agreement in writing that the sale is of a going concern; and
4. supplying what is necessary for the operation of the business and operating the business until the settlement date.

If you have any questions about selling your business, our experienced business lawyers can assist as part of our LegalVision membership. You will have unlimited access to lawyers to answer your questions and draft and review your documents for a low monthly fee. Call us today on 1300 544 755 or visit our membership page.

Frequently Asked Questions