Glossary · Reading the business
Tax returns
In short
These are official documents filed with tax authorities, reporting a business's income, expenses, and taxes owed. They are crucial for verifying reported revenues and profits.
What it means in a deal
Always request at least three years of business tax returns and the seller's personal returns for add-back verification. Your CPA will compare them to the financial statements, as tax filings are less prone to manipulation than internal books. The SBA requires IRS transcripts (4506-T) to confirm these.
Official sources
SOP 50 10 — Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
U.S. Small Business Administration · SBA Standard Operating Procedure
SBA Form 1919 — Borrower Information Form
U.S. Small Business Administration · SBA form
Last checked 2026-06-15. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Related terms
Common questions about Tax returns
- Do unfiled tax returns or overdue taxes prevent SBA approval?
- Can tax returns of the business be used to support a partner buyout?
- What if my personal tax returns show inconsistent income or losses from other ventures?
- What if the business I am buying has unfiled tax returns or overdue payroll taxes?
- What if the business I'm buying has unfiled tax returns or overdue payroll taxes?
- Does the SBA look at my personal tax returns when I apply for a business 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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