Glossary · Reading the business
Fiscal years
In short
A 12-month accounting period a business uses for financial reporting and tax purposes. It doesn't always align with the calendar year.
What it means in a deal
Always ask for financial statements and tax returns based on the business's fiscal year. This ensures consistency when analyzing trends and comparing performance. Be aware of any changes in fiscal year, as this can complicate financial analysis.
Related terms
Common questions about Fiscal years
- What are the current fiscal year 2026 upfront guaranty fee rates for 7(a) loans?
- Does my business need to show consistent revenue over several years?
- Is it true that I need years of business experience to qualify?
- What if my personal credit report shows a minor collection from several years ago?
- Does my business need to have been operating for a certain number of years?
- How many years do I typically have to repay an SBA 7(a) loan?
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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