How do I acquire the gross income statements from the present owner of an existing business I want to buy?

By Nina Kaufman •

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

I want to buy an existing business, but before I buy it I want the owner to show me his gross income statements. How do I get that information from him?
Ask the owner of the business to show you the financial statements and tax returns for the business for the previous five (5) years. This is part of the usual “due diligence” that any purchaser of an ongoing concern should do and that any seller should anticipate. If the owner refuses to provide this information or claims that he or she “can’t find it”, look for a different opportunity.
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Nina L. Kaufman, Esq. is an award-winning New York City attorney, edutainer and author. Under her Ask The Business Lawyer brand, she reaches thousands of entrepreneurs and small business owners with her legal services, professional speaking, information products, and LexAppeal weekly ezine. She also writes the Making It Legal blog.

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