Business valuation is billed at an hourly rate against a retainer established at the outset, with a written fee schedule and a cost estimate before work begins. The scope of the engagement, and so its cost, depends on the factors below.
How business valuation is billed
Business valuation is billed at an hourly rate for financial analysis, industry research, modeling, report preparation, and testimony. A retainer is established at the outset and applied against time incurred. The current rate schedule and retainer terms are provided on request and confirmed in a written engagement agreement.
What sets the scope
Valuation engagements are scoped to the size and complexity of the business, the quality of its financial records, and the purpose and standard of value. A single operating company with clean financial statements and one valuation date is the narrowest scope; multiple entities, related-party transactions, normalization of owner compensation, or several valuation dates widen it. We provide a written fee schedule and a cost estimate before work begins.
What drives cost
Size and complexity of the business, including the number of entities, locations, and revenue lines
Quality and completeness of financial statements, tax returns, and general ledger detail
Standard of value and the purpose of the valuation, which determine the approaches and adjustments applied
Normalization adjustments required for owner compensation, related-party transactions, and non-operating assets
Whether discounts for lack of control or marketability are at issue and must be supported
Deposition and trial testimony, including preparation and travel time
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. (n.d.). Statement on Standards for Valuation Services (VS Section 100). AICPA & CIMA. Retrieved August 27, 2026. aicpa-cima.com
National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts. (n.d.). NACVA professional standards and ethics. Retrieved August 27, 2026. nacva.com
U.S. Department of the Treasury. (n.d.). Daily Treasury par yield curve rates. home.treasury.gov