Tax resolution firms specialize in representing individuals and businesses before the IRS and state tax authorities to settle back taxes, remove liens and levies, and negotiate installment agreements or offers in compromise. The industry is driven by the persistent gap between taxpayer obligations and compliance, with tens of millions of Americans carrying IRS debt at any given time. Firms range from solo enrolled agents to multi-practitioner operations with sophisticated digital marketing and case management infrastructure.
Who sells these: Founding enrolled agents, CPAs, or tax attorneys aged 50–70 approaching retirement, practitioners facing burnout from high-stress IRS negotiation work, or owners seeking liquidity to fund a new venture
2.5–4.5×
Market multiple range
12–18 months
Avg. exit timeline
$1M–$5M
Typical deal size
SBA Eligible
Broader buyer pool
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Get free scoreTypical acquirer profile for Tax Resolution Firm businesses
A licensed tax professional (EA or CPA) seeking to acquire an established book of business, a regional accounting or tax firm expanding into resolution services, or a private equity-backed tax services platform executing a geographic or service-line roll-up
Tax Resolution Firm businesses typically sell for 2.5–4.5× EBITDA in the $1M–$5M range. Key value drivers include: Documented, systemized case management workflows not dependent on the owner; High percentage of retainer-based or monthly recurring revenue versus pure contingency fees; Licensed staff team (EAs, CPAs) with long tenure and willingness to sign employment agreements.
Start by preparing your exit: Compile 3 years of audited or reviewed financial statements separating retainer vs. contingency revenue; Create a case file summary report showing all active cases, stages, estimated fees, and resolution timelines; Document all SOPs for client intake, IRS correspondence, negotiation workflows, and billing. The typical buyer is: A licensed tax professional (EA or CPA) seeking to acquire an established book of business, a regional accounting or tax firm expanding into resolution services, or a private equity-backed tax services platform executing a geographic or service-line roll-up
The average exit timeline for a Tax Resolution Firm business is 12–18 months. This includes preparation, marketing to buyers, due diligence, and closing.
Common value killers for Tax Resolution Firm businesses include: Heavy owner dependency — founder handles all IRS negotiations and client relationships personally; High concentration of revenue in contingency-fee cases with uncertain collection timelines; Unlicensed or minimally credentialed staff handling substantive tax resolution work; Poor or incomplete case file documentation making pipeline valuation impossible; Regulatory complaints, bar grievances, or FTC/state AG actions related to fee practices.
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