Free tool

Exit tax estimator

A starting point for understanding what a business sale will cost in taxes. Adjust the inputs and see federal and California estimates side by side. Use the result to start the planning conversation early enough to matter.

Estimates only — not tax advice. Every deal has facts that change the number. Talk to a CPA before acting.

One tool inside the owner wealth model

Estimate what an exit actually nets you — or use it to book a planning call.

The exit-tax calculator is a high-intent way in, but we work with owners long before a sale is on the table. Adjust the inputs, then tell us which track fits — we’ll follow up with a planning call. Educational illustration only — not tax, legal, or investment advice.

Your numbers

Sale price

Tax basis

Your adjusted basis in the business or stock.State

Sale type

Ordinary / recapture allocation15%Portion of gain taxed at ordinary rates (depreciation recapture, inventory, etc.).QSBS eligibleQualified Small Business Stock §1202. Applies to qualifying stock sales only; modeled with a simplified $10M exclusion cap.

Estimate

Estimated gain

$7,300,000

Total estimated tax

$2,852,840

Net proceeds

$5,647,160

Effective rate on sale price

33.6%

Federal LTCG (20%)$1,241,000

NIIT (3.8%)$235,790

Federal ordinary (37%)$405,150

State$970,900

Planning flags

California applies an additional 1% mental health surtax over $1M — not modeled here.

Structure comparison

Asset sale

$2,852,840

Net: $5,647,160

Effective: 33.6%

Assumes 15% ordinary allocation.

Stock sale

$2,708,300

Net: $5,791,700

Effective: 31.9%

No ordinary allocation; QSBS if toggled.

Installment

$2,852,840

Net: $5,647,160

Effective: 33.6%

Same total tax, spread over 5 yrs.

Talk with Matt

Tell us where you are — we’ll follow up with a short planning call.

A few quick questions help us triage which of the four tracks fits and whether a CPA-only review, a wealth conversation, or both is the right next step.

Name*Email*CompanyPhone (optional)Which track fits you?Business stageInvestable assetsExit / sale timeline (if relevant)Need a business return?Need an individual return?Currently have an advisor?

I understand this is an educational estimate.The output of this calculator does not constitute tax, legal, or investment advice. I consent to Matt Reese, CPA and Measured Risk Portfolios contacting me about my submission. View our Privacy Policy.

Educational estimate only — not tax, legal, or investment advice.

Educational estimate only. This calculator uses simplified assumptions: top federal LTCG rate of 20%, NIIT 3.8%, federal ordinary 37%, California 13.3% (other states as shown above). California’s additional 1% mental health surtax on income over $1M is not modeled. It ignores AMT, other state-specific surtaxes, phase-outs, deductions, credits, and the full QSBS rules. Results are illustrative estimates only — not projections or forecasts — and do not constitute tax, legal, or investment advice. Consult a qualified CPA and adviser before acting on any exit decision. Full calculator assumptions and disclaimer.