Administering an estate that holds a business means valuing it as at the date of death.
When a business or a company interest forms part of a deceased estate, executors and beneficiaries need an independent value as at the date of death — for probate, for a fair distribution, and for the capital-gains cost base. Sherwood Australia prepares independent, AFSL-licensed valuations to that standard, with the sensitivity these matters require.
A business interest in an estate has to be valued once and stand for everyone who depends on it — the executor administering the estate, the beneficiaries sharing in it, the ATO for the capital-gains cost base, and, if a claim arises, the court.
Getting the date-of-death value right avoids disputes between beneficiaries, supports the executor in meeting their duties, and sets a defensible cost base for any later sale. Where an estate is contested, the same independent report gives the court a value it can rely on.
Sherwood's valuations are prepared to that standard — independent, documented, and defensible.
A date-of-death value of the business interest to support the grant and the executor's duties.
An independent number so beneficiaries share in the estate on an agreed, defensible basis.
Market value at the date of death, as required for the CGT cost base of an inherited business interest.
Independent, court-admissible valuations where the estate is contested.
Valued as at the date of death, clear and reasoned, and prepared to withstand challenge.
Every assumption and adjustment stated and justified, including owner-benefit normalisations.
Benchmarking against relevant transactions and market evidence to anchor the conclusion.
Where required, support through estate administration and any family-provision proceedings.
We discuss the estate, the business interest, and the date of value — and confirm our independence.
We work with the executor or solicitor to gather financials and documents to the date of death.
We value the interest as at the date of death and document the reasoning in full.
We explain the findings and, if needed, support the report through administration or a claim.
"Sherwood's valuation work brought clarity and credibility at a critical moment. Their expert report helped resolve a long-standing dispute without the need for costly litigation. It was a game-changer."
"The valuation was robust, defensible, and tailored to the reality of our situation — exactly what we needed."
"They took on a complex company most firms wouldn't touch and delivered a valuation we could stand behind."
Estate matters often overlap with family-law valuations and tax & CGT valuations. See the full range of business valuation services.
Confidential, no-obligation. Executors, beneficiaries, and solicitors welcome.
Tell us a little about your situation and Anthony Vago will be in touch — confidential, no obligation. Prefer to talk? Call +61 492 280 220 or email anthony@sherwoodaustralia.com.au.
