• QuickRead Top Story - Valuation/Appraisal

    The Bankability Method

    April 22, 2026

    Ensuring SBA 7(a) Financing Success to Close a Small Business Sale The bankability method is an approach the author has developed using the income method of valuation, primarily for companies valued at $5 million and below, to assess the business can be financed under SBA 7(a) and sold. In the articles, the author describes the method and reasons for it being used. The bankability method is an approach I use under the income method of valuation, primarily for companies valued at $5 million and below. These businesses are typically sold to individual buyers—often solo entrepreneurs—who rely on bank financing, most…

  • Litigation Consulting - QuickRead Featured - QuickRead Top Story

    Preventing Case Over Valuation

    August 16, 2017

    Why Attorneys Tend to Overvalue Their Cases and What to Do! Research indicates that most lawyers over value their cases, and what is even more fascinating, it does not matter how long the attorney has been in practice! There are a number of reasons over valuation occurs; sometimes the answer is just that the attorney did not spend enough time reviewing the case, or failed to consider getting a second opinion. Then there are significant psychological factors that influence case valuation: anchoring, confirmation bias, and just plain old over confidence. The good news is there are some very simple steps…

  • Case Law - QuickRead Featured

    Federal Case Law Weighs In On Partnership Interests, Charitable Contributions

    January 16, 2013

    A Valuation Misstatement Results in Tax Underpayment; An Appraisal is “Not Qualified.” In Alpha I, L.P., v. United States, Judge O’Malley of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit considers the legitimacy of certain partnership transfers to charitable remainder unitrusts (CRUTs).  In Rothman v. Commissioner, Judge Laro at the U.S. Tax Court rules on the importance of a “qualified appraisal.” 

  • Case Law - QuickRead Featured

    Federal Case Law: Fifth Circuit and Tax Court Rule on Penalties, Charitable Deductions

    November 14, 2012

    Fifth Circuit Disallows 40% Valuation Misjudgment Penalty, OKs 20% Negligence Penalty The Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit disallows a 40% valuation misjudgment penalty in Bemont Invs., LLC v. United States, but affirms a Texas Court’s 20% negligence penalty.  Judge Goeke at the Tax Court draws distinctions on when charitable deductions are allowable in Dunlap v. Commissioner.