Business succession and transfer

You own a company that you will want to transfer or sell at some point. Perhaps you already have an idea of whom to transfer the business to, for instance your child or children, or one or more employees.

Dynamics in a succession and transfer process

As an entrepreneur you are devoted to your own business and you want to transfer everything to an appropriate successor in the best possible way. In addition, you undoubtedly have a certain vision of the future, for instance, when it comes to your own involvement, the long-term strategy and any other shareholders. However, the (prospective) successor may think differently about certain aspects. Based on our expertise and consultations with you and/or your successor(s), together with you we will guide the company towards a successful transfer.

Tax guidance

In addition to (re)structuring your business assets and appropriate governance, the fiscal playing field is of great importance to a successful transfer. In order to make good use of the business succession scheme in both income tax and inheritance and gift tax and the constantly changing regulations in this respect, tax guidance is advisable.

Business succession scheme

If the Business Succession Scheme (BOR - Bedrijfsopvolgingsregeling) applies in full to the acquisition of the company by your children, the inheritance or gift tax due will actually amount to approximately 3.4% of the value of the qualifying business assets, instead of a maximum of 20% if the BOR would not apply. However, there are several conditions for this to be applicable. Not every business is eligible for this liberal scheme. In addition, the composition of the company's assets is taken into account. In principle, the BOR does not apply to assets that are held exclusively for investment and not for operating the company. The scheme was created in order to minimally obstruct the continuation of an active business by the next generation through a limited levy of inheritance or gift tax on the transfer.

Mazars can assist you

The Mazars specialists will be happy to enter into discussions with you and be your sparring partner for all questions you may have. We do this by looking at the tax aspects, but also at the financial consequences, your own asset management and the long-term business strategy. Of course, we will not lose sight of the dynamics between the parties involved. You may also contact us if there is an urgency to the succession and transfer of the business. You will always have a regular consultant who will arrange for anything for you.

Want to know more?

Would you like to find out more about business succession and transfer? Please contact Remco Schoonderwoerd by e-mail or by telephone: +31 (0)88 277 16 45 or Bianca de Kroon by e-mail or by telephone: +31 (0)88 277 10 10. They will be happy to help you.