Can a CPA firm license its data?
It may be able to license a copy of firm-owned operational records, such as internal processes, templates, scheduling, and similar everyday materials the firm created. That depends on what the firm owns and on professional and tax-return rules. Many firms may not qualify, and no payout is promised.
Balance Sheet Data is an independent referral introduction, not a buyer. You can apply directly or book a free 15-minute call.
What kind of firm is usually in view?
Buyers commonly look for an established US accounting or CPA firm with about 15 or more full-time desk staff, and years of digital records. Smaller firms are welcome to ask. Law firms are a different audience; on this site the 6 or more staff figure applies only to law firms, not to CPA firms.
The criteria on the home page and the fit checklist spell this out. Every firm still goes through the buyer's own review.
What about a bookkeeping firm's data value?
A bookkeeping or write-up practice may be in the same conversation if it's an established US firm with years of digital operational records it created. I won't put a dollar value on any firm's files. Value, if any, comes only from a buyer's review and a written agreement, and many firms may not qualify.
The $100,000 to $5 million range is cited in Mode marketing materials and is discussed on the apply page. It isn't a valuation or a guarantee for any firm.
Example: Mode's online calculator estimates $180,000 to $730,000 for a 15-person US accounting firm with 5 years of records. That's Mode's estimate, not ours, and it's not a valuation or guarantee. Many firms may not qualify or may receive less.
What usually stays out?
Client information should be included only with each client's specific written consent. Tax return information should never be included without consent that meets IRC 7216. Vendor content, passwords, and anything a professional rule requires you to keep confidential stay out until your advisors say otherwise.
See AICPA confidentiality and data licensing and IRC 7216 and data licensing. Please check with your own counsel or ethics advisor.
How does a firm take a next step?
You don't have to talk with me first. The firm can apply directly with a buyer, or book a free 15-minute call if you have questions. Not a sales call. Nothing to buy. No files are needed for the call, and we never ask for passwords.
Start on the apply page, or share a firm through referral partners.
FAQ
Can a CPA firm license its data?
It may be able to license a copy of firm-owned operational records, such as internal processes, templates, scheduling, and similar everyday materials the firm created. That depends on what the firm owns and on professional and tax-return rules. Many firms may not qualify, and no payout is promised.
What kind of firm is usually in view?
Buyers commonly look for an established US accounting or CPA firm with about 15 or more full-time desk staff, and years of digital records. Smaller firms are welcome to ask. Law firms are a different audience; on this site the 6 or more staff figure applies only to law firms, not to CPA firms.
What about a bookkeeping firm's data value?
A bookkeeping or write-up practice may be in the same conversation if it's an established US firm with years of digital operational records it created. I won't put a dollar value on any firm's files. Value, if any, comes only from a buyer's review and a written agreement, and many firms may not qualify.
What usually stays out?
Client information should be included only with each client's specific written consent. Tax return information should never be included without consent that meets IRC 7216. Vendor content, passwords, and anything a professional rule requires you to keep confidential stay out until your advisors say otherwise.
How does a firm take a next step?
You don't have to talk with me first. The firm can apply directly with a buyer, or book a free 15-minute call if you have questions. Not a sales call. Nothing to buy. No files are needed for the call, and we never ask for passwords.