Midwest CPA

How can you convince the seller to finance a portion of your business purchase? 👀 Keep watching to learn how Chris Barrett, the owner and founder of Midwest CPA, helps buyers navigate this using their LOI. 📨

The home office deduction can be a powerful tax benefit... but only if it’s done right. Many business owners either avoid it or make mistakes with eligibility, calculations, and documentation. To qualify, your space must be used exclusively and regularly for business, and expenses must be properly calculated. When handled correctly, this deduction is completely legitimate and can lead to real savings. 👉 Click the link to read the full blog and learn how to maximize your deduction while staying compliant: https://midwest.cpa/resources/common-home-office-deductions/

Thank you for your Google Review of your experience working with us, Nathan!

Discover the power of informed decision-making with Midwest CPA's Quality of Earnings Analysis. Our innovative 4 Step Due Diligence Process is designed to work seamlessly across various industries and acquisition sizes, ensuring that you have the confidence and clarity needed to make the best business choices. Partner with us to ensure you're investing in the right company and set the stage for successful growth! 🔗 https://midwest.cpa/quality-of-earnings-analysis/

“Passive income” often gets described as making money while you sleep... but is that the reality? Laundromats are a perfect example. While they offer steady demand, low staffing needs, and the ability to automate many daily operations, they’re not completely hands-off. From maintenance and cleanliness to managing utilities, staff, and startup costs, laundromats still require oversight and smart decision-making. The good news? With the right systems, location, and delegation strategy, owners can significantly reduce their day-to-day involvement while maintaining strong, reliable cash flow. So, is a laundromat the right fit for your investment goals? It all comes down to how “passive” you want your income stream to be and how involved you’re willing to stay. 👉 Click the link to read the full blog post and learn how to turn a laundromat into a profitable semi-passive business: https://midwest.cpa/resources/is-a-laundromat-truly-passive-income/

In honor of the March Madness Championship Game tonight, this month's Biz Buy Sell Rankings are all things basketball related. 🏀 What do you think? Would these businesses have made it to the Elite 8 or Top 4? Share your rankings and thoughts on these basketball-related businesses in the comments! We'd love to hear from you.

Thank you, Cathy! We are thrilled to help you with your Q of E and answer all your questions.

Is your payroll process holding your business back? Discover the difference with Midwest CPA! ✅ Easy Online System: Streamline your payroll with our user-friendly platform. ✅ Dedicated Support: Our team is here to assist you every step of the way. ✅ Compliance Assurance: Stay updated with the latest tax laws and regulations. Let us empower your business beyond payroll with our custom payroll services to fit your team's specific needs. 🔗 https://midwest.cpa/payroll-services/

Are business owners ever truly "passive" in their business? 🤔 Today, Chris Barrett is walking us through a quick litmus test to determine the truth about a seller's involvement using EBITA margins. Understanding these metrics can reveal a lot about the actual role of the owner. Curious about more insights? Share your thoughts below! 👇

A deal we worked on almost closed… until the Quality of Earnings (Q of E) review uncovered a hidden red flag. The seller reported their largest customer represented 20% of revenue. After deeper analysis, the real number was over 60%. Once we removed internal transactions that were inflating revenue, the business was far more dependent on a single customer than anyone realized and the deal ultimately fell apart. This is customer concentration risk, and it’s one of the most overlooked red flags in small business acquisitions. In our blog post, we break down: • What customer concentration risk is • How it can hide in plain sight • A real case study from a recent deal • How buyers and sellers can mitigate the risk 📖 Read the full post to learn how to spot this silent deal killer before it costs you: https://midwest.cpa/resources/customer-concentration-risk-mitigation/

Shout out to Wild Ventures for your kind review!

Feeling overwhelmed with financial decisions as a business owner or private equity leader? Midwest CPA's Fractional CFO service might be your solution. Why choose a Fractional CFO over a full-time one? So you can focus on growing your business while we handle the financial nitty-gritty. Schedule your free consultation 👉 https://midwest.cpa/schedule-an-appointment/

Ready to dive into acquisition entrepreneurship? Ever wondered if a couple is truly ready to take the plunge? 🤔 Tune in to hear Chris Barrett's advice for this Reddit couple! Thinking about buying a small business? Let Midwest CPA guide you! We specialize in helping acquisition entrepreneurs avoid pitfalls and thrive with the right company. 🚀 Drop your thoughts in the comments or share with someone who's considering this exciting journey! 💬

A Quality of Earnings (Q of E) report looks beyond the surface numbers to analyze the sustainability, reliability, and true drivers of a company’s earnings. It can uncover risks like customer concentration, questionable EBITA add-backs, or revenue anomalies that may impact future cash flow. For buyers, it’s one of the most important tools in financial due diligence. If you're evaluating an acquisition, understanding the quality of earnings is just as important as the earnings themselves. 📖 Read the full blog to learn how a Q of E report helps you make smarter acquisition decisions: https://midwest.cpa/resources/what-is-a-quality-of-earnings-report/

Thank you Julia for our positive review! We're so glad your experience with Alyssa was helpful.

📊 Is your bookkeeping holding back your business growth? At Midwest CPA, we believe bookkeeping is the cornerstone of effective financial management. We handle your bookkeeping so you can focus on what you do best. Ready to transform your financial strategy? Let's connect! 🔗 https://midwest.cpa/outsourced-bookkeeping-accounting/

Did you know these 3 famous businesses were once acquisitions? If you're thinking about diving into acquisition entrepreneurship, choosing the right company is crucial. At Midwest CPA, we help you avoid buying the wrong company and successfully grow the right one. Ready to explore your potential? Let's connect and make your acquisition journey a success!

“What tax strategies can real estate investors use to pay less?” It’s one of the most common questions we hear from property owners and investors. The good news? There are several powerful strategies in the tax code that can significantly reduce your tax liability if you know how to use them. In our free guide, we break down 7 proven tax strategies for real estate investors. These are the same strategies our real estate CPA team uses to help clients potentially save hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxes. Download the full guide to discover how these strategies work and how you can apply them to your real estate investments. 🔗 https://midwest.cpa/resources/real-estate-investing-tax-strategies/

Thank you Chad for trusting Midwest CPA with your Q of E needs! We're thrilled to have provided you with stellar Q of E services.

Secure your legacy with a strategic Succession Plan from Midwest CPA! Protect your life’s work, minimize tax impact, and ensure a smooth transition to the next generation, partners, or third parties. At Midwest CPA, we guide you through every step. We evaluate tax implications, analyze transaction structures, and build a succession plan that safeguards your financial future and supports long-term stability. Ready to transition your business with confidence? Let’s chat! 👉 https://midwest.cpa/transaction-advisory/business-succession-planning/

Don't fall for this earnings manipulations TRAP when buying a small business! Keep watching to learn what to look out for and how to avoid this trap. 👀

“How much working capital should I include in my deal?” It’s one of the most important questions in any M&A transaction and getting it wrong can create costly surprises. In one of our blog posts, Chris Barrett breaks down how to estimate working capital using the cash conversion cycle, explains the importance of the working capital peg, and shares practical tips to protect your deal before signing an LOI. Read the full article on our blog to approach your next acquisition with clarity and confidence. 🔗 https://midwest.cpa/resources/estimating-working-capital-before-loi/

Shout out to Ben for your review about our Q of E process!

Strengthen your business with a strategic Tax Plan! Reduce liabilities, stay ahead of changing regulations, and unlock opportunities for reinvestment with proactive business tax planning. At Midwest CPA, our business tax advisors align your tax strategy with your company’s goals. We help you navigate complex regulations, maximize credits and incentives, and position your business for long-term growth. Ready to align your tax strategy with your next milestone? Let’s chat! 👉 https://midwest.cpa/business-tax-services/

As Chris, the founder of Midwest CPA, was scrolling through Reddit, he stumbled across a thread asking for advice on whether or not OP should leave his steady 9-5 job to pursue entrepreneurship. What do you think? Should OP risk it all in his pursuit of entrepreneurship?

Buying a business can be a powerful opportunity. But without proper financial due diligence, it can also carry significant risk. Understanding normalized earnings, cash flow, and working capital is essential before taking on debt or finalizing a deal. On our blog, Chris Barrett breaks down what financial due diligence is (and isn’t), what to look for, and how to protect your investment. Read the full article on our blog and make your next acquisition decision with confidence. 🔗 https://midwest.cpa/resources/the-crucial-role-of-financial-due-diligence/

Thanks Jordan for your kind review! We are so glad we were able to help you with your acquisition.

Transform your business with the right Accounting System! Boost revenue, cut costs, and improve inventory control with the perfect accounting system. At Midwest CPA, we simplify accounting complexities by aligning systems with your goals, blending accounting expertise with tech solutions. Ready to transform your business? Let's chat! 👉 https://midwest.cpa/accounting-system-setup/

Ever wondered how to gain the upper hand in a business negotiation? 💼 In this reel, Chris Barrett, founder of Midwest CPA, shares how a well-prepared Quality of Earnings (Q of E) can do more than validate numbers. It can strengthen your position and open the door to renegotiating key terms, including interest rates. Learn how to use financial clarity as a strategic advantage to achieve the outcome you’re aiming for.

Choosing the right bank is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when starting a business. From transaction volume and lending needs to digital tools and customer support, the right banking partner can directly impact your growth and financial stability. Whether you’re considering a local, national, or online bank, understanding your options is key. Visit our blog post to explore your best business banking options and set your company up for success. 🔗 https://midwest.cpa/resources/choosing-the-right-bank-for-your-business-exploring-business-account-options/

Here are 5 things SMART buyers are doing that separate successful acquisition entrepreneurs from those who end up struggling after the deal is done. If you’re serious about entrepreneurship through acquisition, this is a must-watch on Youtube. 🔗 https://youtu.be/wGvaE12DkxY

Midwest CPA's Q of E Analysis reports are built with our 4 Step Due Diligence Process that works across a variety of industries and acquisition sizes to help you make business decisions with confidence and clarity. Let us help you avoid buying the wrong company and successfully grow the right one! 🔗 https://midwest.cpa/quality-of-earnings-analysis/

Big acquisition news happening right here in Janesville, WI with Michael's Cycles being acquired after more than 4 decades of serving the cycling community in Rock County! 🚲 This is a great example of what's important to small business owners when they are looking to sell their business.