What documents are needed to sell my business?

Key documents you’ll need to have organized include financial statements (balance sheets, profit and loss, tax returns), legal documents (business formation papers, contracts, employee agreements), a detailed list of assets (both tangible and intangible), customer contracts, employee information, licenses and permits, intellectual property documentation, debt and liability details, sales and marketing information, and a transition plan for the buyer. Not all of this info is shared with buyers right away, and all buyers will sign confidentiality agreements (NDAs), but having all of these on hand and organized will streamline the sales process.