When buyers evaluate a business, they don’t just look at revenue and profit. They also look closely at the assets that power operations — vehicles, tools, and specialized equipment. These tangible pieces often tell a story about how well a company is run and how ready it is for a seamless transition.
Planning Ahead: How the 2026 Tax Changes May Trigger AMT
As many of our clients know, several provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) are scheduled to sunset at the end of 2025. One area that deserves special attention is the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT).
Why Every Business Needs an Iron-Clad Buy-Sell Agreement
Tariffs, Costs, and Tax Planning
Trump’s tariffs continue to reshape the cost landscape for U.S. businesses. Higher import costs on steel, aluminum, electronics, and auto parts are hitting the manufacturing, construction, and automotive industries the hardest. Increasing supply costs and mounting labor pressures are also affecting restaurants, hospitality, and retail businesses. For companies dealing with these increased costs, the impact is more than operational; it directly affects tax planning and strategy.
Beyond Traditional Planning – A Strategic Partner for Your Future
Tariffs, Costs, and Tax Planning
Trump’s tariffs continue to reshape the cost landscape for U.S. businesses. Higher import costs on steel, aluminum, electronics, and auto parts are hitting the manufacturing, construction, and automotive industries the hardest. Increasing supply costs and mounting labor pressures are also affecting restaurants, hospitality, and retail businesses. For companies dealing with these increased costs, the impact is more than operational; it directly affects tax planning and strategy.
Retirement Savings or a Future Tax Bomb?
For many families, 401(k) plans and IRAs are the largest savings vehicles they’ll ever build. These accounts allow pre-tax contributions to grow over time, creating a powerful tool for retirement. But here’s the catch: what happens if you don’t need those funds for your own retirement?
Building a Business to Sell: The Smartest Strategy You May Not Be Using
Many business owners think about preparing their company for sale only when they’re ready to step away. But the truth is, the best time to start building a “sale-ready” business is long before you plan to exit.
Why? Because a business that is attractive to buyers is also a business that’s stronger, more profitable, and more enjoyable to run today.
Keystone CPAs- A Better Way to CPA – The Augusta Rule & Section 162
The Augusta Rule (IRC §280A(g)) lets homeowners rent their personal residence up to 14 days annually without reporting rental income.
Buying a Business: The Smarter Way to Start Your Next Chapter
Buying a Business: The Smarter Way to Start Your Next Chapter
If you’ve ever thought about becoming your own boss, you’ve probably imagined starting a business from scratch. But what if there was a better way?
Keystone Business Brokers-Excellence in Exit Planning
If you’ve ever thought about becoming your own boss, you’ve probably imagined starting a business from scratch. But what if there was a better way?
Skip the Buildout — Get Straight to Revenue
Launching a new business takes time. You need a name, a brand, a lease, inventory, staff, marketing…
and months (if not years) before breaking even. But when you buy an existing business, you inherit: • A
loyal customer base • Trained staff • Cash flow from Day 1 • Systems and processes already in place
It’s not just faster. It’s smarter.
Financing May Be Easier Than You Think
Financing May Be Easier Than You Think Many small business acquisitions can be financed through SBA loans with as little as 10–20% down — especially if the business has clean financials and stable earnings. Sellers often assist with financing too, offering flexible terms to the right buyer.
There’s More Available Than You Think
From RV storage and sanitation to manufacturing and car washes, we’re actively working with motivated sellers in Northern Nevada and the surrounding region. Some of the best opportunities never
even make it to the public market — and we know where to find them.
Let’s Talk Strategy
Whether you’re exploring ownership for the first time or a seasoned operator looking to expand, our
team can help you identify the right opportunity, analyze the numbers, and structure the deal. Buying a
business isn’t just a transaction — it’s a transition. And we’re here to make it seamless.
Can You Use 401(k) Savings to Buy a Business?
Can You Use 401(k) Savings to Buy a Business?
Earlier this week, we sat down with someone who asked a question we hear from time to time: “Can I use my retirement savings to buy a business?”
The short answer is: yes, it’s possible — but there are important trade-offs to consider before taking action.
Our guest had about $100,000 in his 401(k) and wanted to explore ways to put it toward a business purchase. Because he’s under age 59 ½, here’s how the options broke down:
Can You Use 401(k) Savings to Buy a Business?
Earlier this week, we sat down with someone who asked a question we hear from time to time: “Can I use my retirement savings to buy a business?”
The short answer is: yes, it’s possible — but there are important trade-offs to consider before taking action.
Our guest had about $100,000 in his 401(k) and wanted to explore ways to put it toward a business purchase. Because he’s under age 59 ½, here’s how the options broke down:
Option 1: Full Withdrawal
- He could take out the entire $100,000.
- This would trigger both income tax and a 10% early withdrawal penalty.
- Based on his prior 12% tax bracket, the withdrawal would push him into a higher bracket, with the CPA estimating an increased tax bill of about $40,000.
- It’s important to point out that this $40,000 includes not only the penalty and taxes on the withdrawal itself, but also the higher tax on his regular earned income once the withdrawal pushed him into a higher bracket.
- That means his $100,000 balance would shrink to roughly $60,000 available for investment after taxes and penalties.
Option 2: 401(k) Loan
- He could borrow up to $50,000 against the account.
- No tax or penalty is due as long as repayment terms are met.
- Loan payments (with interest paid back to his own account) would begin immediately.
- The challenge: this creates a new monthly obligation before the business even begins generating income.
The Takeaway
Accessing retirement dollars can be tempting — especially when starting or buying a business. But as this example shows, $100,000 on paper can quickly become only $60,000 in hand once taxes and penalties are factored in.
Our guidance: before tapping retirement savings, build a clear, realistic business plan and explore all financing alternatives. Retirement funds are an important safety net and using them should only be done as part of a well-thought-out strategy.
Keystone Wealth Advisors – Avoiding the #1 Retirement Mistake: Ignoring Tax Strategy
Keystone Wealth Advisors
Avoiding the #1 Retirement Mistake: Ignoring Tax Strategy
Too many people work hard to build wealth but leave taxes as an afterthought.
Too many people work hard to build wealth but leave taxes as an afterthought. That’s the number one retirement mistake. Waiting until you’re already retired to think about Roth conversions or where your assets are held can cost you more than you realize.
Keystone Business Brokers-Excellence in Exit Planning
Why the Best Exits Start Before You’re Ready to Sell
Here’s what we’re seeing in the market.
Private equity may have slowed its pace, but the money’s still there. Buyers are sitting on capital, and they’re eager to put it to work in companies that are well run, scalable, and not tied to the owner’s day-to-day involvement.
At the same time, the recent changes to Qualified Small Business Stock have made the tax side of selling far more attractive. If your company’s a C corporation and meets the requirements, a stock sale could potentially be tax free after five years. That’s not a loophole. That’s law.
Here’s the problem.
Once retirement starts, the IRS often has more control over your income than you do. Withdrawals from traditional IRAs and 401(k)s can push you into higher brackets. Required minimum distributions add to your taxable income whether you need the money or not. By then, your options are limited, and the tax bill feels locked in.
The smarter move is to plan early. Strategic Roth conversions spread the tax bite over several years instead of all at once. Asset location matters too. Growth assets often belong in retirement accounts where they can compound tax-deferred, while income-producing investments may work better in taxable accounts where capital gains rates apply.
Take a business owner who sells her company at age 60.
If she waits until 72 to start thinking about taxes, her IRA distributions combined with investment income could easily push her into the highest brackets. With proactive planning during the years right after the sale, she can convert portions of her IRA to Roth, manage when and how she draws income, and save millions over the course of retirement.
This is why Keystone takes an integrated approach. Tax strategy doesn’t stand alone. It connects business cash flow, exit planning, investment management, and estate design. Every decision affects the others, and when they work together, the whole plan delivers more.
If this raises questions for you, we’re here to talk it through. A quick conversation can help you see the options and give you confidence about the path ahead.