The way a dental practice sale is structured has a significant impact on what both the buyer and seller owe in taxes, which is why it's worth involving a CPA experienced in dental practice transactions early in the process, not after the deal is signed.
For sellers, key considerations include how the purchase price is allocated across assets like equipment, goodwill, and real estate, since each is taxed differently, as well as timing the sale to manage capital gains. For buyers, the allocation of the purchase price also affects future depreciation and amortization deductions, which can meaningfully affect after-tax cash flow in the years following the purchase.
Asset allocation is typically negotiated as part of the purchase agreement, so it's worth discussing with your CPA before final terms are set, not after.
If you need a referral to a CPA experienced with dental practice transitions, reach out through the contact page.