The difference between a well-planned and a poorly planned gas station sale is frequently larger than the brokerage fee — and it is decided by your accountant, months before closing.
This covers what a transaction-focused CPA does on a fuel retail sale, how to find one, and when to bring them in.
What a Transaction CPA Handles
Purchase price allocation across Class I through Class VII assets on IRS Form 8594, depreciation recapture analysis on tanks, canopy, dispensers, and any cost-segregated components, capital gain versus ordinary income modeling, installment sale treatment on seller financing, and Florida sales tax on the FF&E and inventory portions of the transfer.
They also model entity-level consequences — S corporation basis, partnership hot assets, and whether a 1031 exchange on the real property component is worth pursuing alongside a taxable business sale. See 1031 exchange considerations.
How to Find and Vet One
Look for a Florida-licensed CPA with M&A or business transaction experience, ideally with fuel retail or convenience store clients. Ask how many asset sales they have modeled in the past two years, whether they prepare Form 8594, and whether they will participate in allocation negotiation with the buyer's accountant.
Sources: the Florida Institute of CPAs directory, referrals from transaction attorneys and brokers, and trade associations serving petroleum marketers. Fees for a sale planning engagement commonly run $3,000 to $15,000 depending on complexity.
Timing: Bring Them In Before the LOI
Allocation is negotiated in the letter of intent, and once signed it is difficult to change. Planning windows for entity restructuring, installment sales, and exchange qualification generally require action before a binding contract exists — in some cases twelve months earlier.
Related: tax implications of selling a gas station and financial statements needed to sell.
Call The Gas Station Group at (305) 518-1545 and we will coordinate with your CPA from the first pricing conversation. All transactions are brokered through Fausto Commercial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Speak With a Florida Gas Station Specialist
Request a confidential consultation or off-market opportunities and pricing through our contact page, or call +1-305-518-1545. The Gas Station Group is headquartered at 8603 S Dixie Hwy, Miami, FL 33143. Principal: Bobby Berrido.