Glossary · Reading the business
Fiscal Year(FY)
In short
This is a 12-month accounting period for a business, which doesn't always align with the calendar year. It's how a company structures its financial reporting.
What it means in a deal
When you're reviewing a target business's financials, always note its fiscal year (FY) end date. All financial statements, like P&Ls and Balance Sheets, will be based on this period. Make sure you're comparing apples to apples when looking at historical performance.
Related terms
Common questions about Fiscal Year
- What are the current fiscal year 2026 upfront guaranty fee rates for 7(a) loans?
- What if my business is seasonal, and revenue fluctuates throughout the year?
- Are there peak times of the year when SBA 7(a) loan applications take longer to process?
- Can a seller note with a 5-year full standby period be considered part of the equity injection?
- Is it true that getting an SBA 7(a) loan takes a very long time, like a year?
- If the business real estate is leased, can the acquisition loan still be for a 25-year term?
Defined by CapBench SBA Intelligence — plain-English definitions for business buyers, lenders, advisors, and AI agents, grounded in public SBA rules and records. Last reviewed 2026-06-15 · Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an approval decision. Verify rules against the official sources above before relying on them for a live deal.
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