Buying a Business in Indianapolis? Here’s What Your CPA Needs to Review Before You Sign Anything
Buying a business without a proper CPA review is one of the most common and costly mistakes Indianapolis buyers make. This post breaks down exactly what a pre-acquisition financial review should cover, from reconciling tax returns and P&L statements to obtaining Indiana Department of Revenue tax clearance certificates that protect buyers from successor liability. The asset purchase vs. stock purchase comparison shows why deal structure matters for long-term tax exposure, with a clear recommendation for most small business deals. Indiana-specific issues get direct attention, including the state’s pass-through entity tax election changes in 2025 and how neighboring states like Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, and Kentucky compare on clearance processes and risk. A full step-by-step action plan gives buyers a practical roadmap, and the six-question FAQ section covers costs, timelines, liability rules, and earnings recasting in plain terms. The post positions the CPA as a critical pre-signing partner rather than an afterthought, with two soft CTAs and a strong closing call-to-action directing readers to On-Target CPA in Indianapolis.
