Services for Small Businesses

We work with a range of business sizes, from sole proprietors to larger corporations. We typically work with privately owned businesses, helping owners with comprehensive financial, retirement, and succession planning services, including:

RETIREMENT PLANNING

Small business owners are often interested in setting up a retirement plan but are not sure where to start. Because the business owner is responsible for choosing the company retirement plan’s design and investment options, there are critical decisions to be made. Specializing in retirement planning strategies, we can assist clients with qualified plan designs, including:

  • Safe Harbor and Traditional 401(k)
  • Profit Sharing Plan (Integrated, Age-Based, New Comparability)
  • SEP/SIMPLE IRA Plans
  • Defined Benefit Plan
  • Cash Balance Plans
  • Combination Plans

OTHER BUSINESS STRATEGIES

We can also assist with other nonqualified business strategies, connecting them with the business’ other qualified retirement plans to create the most appropriate comprehensive solutions, including:

  • Executive Bonus Programs
  • Buy / Sell Agreements
  • Deferred Compensation Programs
  • Split Dollar Programs (using corporate dollars for personal insurance)
  • Corporate Sponsored Group Life Plans
  • Captive Insurance Programs*

*Creation of the Captive Insurance Company subsidiary is arranged by an independent third party specialist.

TAX PLANNING STRATEGIES

Tax planning refers to the process of reviewing tax options and determining how taxes can be minimized. Many small business owners are unaware that by adjusting their business transactions, they may be able to mitigate taxes. Tax planning is a continual process that occurs throughout the year, rather than waiting until the end of the year. We work with clients’ CPAs or, if needed, refer them to one to create an appropriate overall plan. Our goal is to help clients reduce their taxable income and simultaneously create a more effective retirement plan.

BUSINESS CONTINUATION PLANNING

Many business owners desire to transfer their business interest to either family members or key employees. By working with a client’s professional advisors, we help the business owner create a business continuity and/or succession plan. Then we help the business owner implement the plan and provide them with funding alternatives. Buy/Sell Agreement funding strategies and key man insurance are available to help protect a business financially against the premature death or disability of a business stakeholder or key employee. In addition, our ability to provide tax-deferred funding vehicles for buy/sell agreements and business succession plans allows us to potentially help a client’s business both today – and tomorrow.

FINANCIAL AND INVESTMENT SERVICES

We recognize the privilege and responsibility we undertake when providing clients retirement planning, business succession planning, and investment services. We prioritize our clients’ objectives and help them choose the proper high-quality products and investments based on their risk tolerance and investment time horizon.

Registered Representatives of Equity Services, Inc. do not offer tax or legal advice. For advice concerning your own situation, please consult with your appropriate professional advisor.