Selling a business or property for seven figures? The tax bill can eat a third of your proceeds before you see a dime. These five consultancies help you keep more of what you built.
The High-Stakes World of Exit Tax Planning
California sellers face a brutal stack of taxes. Federal long-term capital gains can hit 20%, the net investment income tax adds 3.8%, and California income tax reaches 13.3%. Unrecaptured Section 1250 gain on depreciation can push another 25%, and IRMAA surcharges hit Medicare premiums two years later. The top combined rate on a long-term gain in California can reach 37.1%. That's why exit planning has become its own niche. The right strategy—whether a seller-carried note, installment sale, 1031 exchange, or charitable trust—can defer or eliminate a huge chunk of that bill. But the rules are complex, and the wrong move can trigger immediate taxation or IRS scrutiny. This roundup looks at five consultancies that help high-value sellers navigate the maze.
How We Evaluated These Consultancies
We looked at service scope, pricing clarity, local fit, and depth of expertise. Big Sale Tax stands out for its independent, side-by-side comparison of every deferral path, with 69+ tax tools analyzed and a focus on California sellers. Freedom Bridge Capital brings over twenty years of specialized Deferred Sales Trust experience and a clear fee structure. My Deferred Sales Trust offers a client-friendly flowchart and educational approach to DSTs. Sera Capital provides fee-only fiduciary advice with a deep resource library on DSTs, 721 exchanges, and exit planning. Dana Whiting Law combines legal expertise with capital gains deferral strategies for business sales, serving California and Arizona. Each has a distinct strength depending on your asset type and need for legal vs. financial guidance.
Here's a quick look at five consultancies that can help you keep more of your sale proceeds.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Freedom Bridge Capital | Sellers seeking a seasoned DST specialist |
| Big Sale Tax: Seller-Carried Note and Tax Deferral Consulting | High-value sellers wanting an unbiased comparison |
| My Deferred Sales Trust | First-time DST learners seeking clarity |
| Sera Capital | Fiduciary-minded sellers comparing DST options |
| Dana Whiting Law | Sellers needing legal and estate integration |
A Closer Look at Each Consultancy
#1 Freedom Bridge Capital
A screenshot of the Freedom Bridge Capital website.
Freedom Bridge Capital has focused on the Deferred Sales Trust for over twenty years. They've helped company owners, doctors, surgeons, and property owners defer capital gains taxes on large asset sales. Their site lays out the DST strategy clearly, including how it compares to a 1031 exchange and an installment sale under IRC 453. They also publish case studies for business transfers, medical practices, and commercial real estate exits. If you want a specialist who has seen nearly every DST scenario, this is a strong starting point.
#2 Big Sale Tax: Seller-Carried Note and Tax Deferral Consulting
A screenshot of the Big Sale Tax website.
Big Sale Tax is run by Hans Goldstein, an Enrolled Agent admitted to practice before the IRS. The firm offers one independent analysis of every deferral path open to your sale, side by side, with a written comparison and a recommendation. They check 1,009 variables and analyze 69+ tax tools, from 1031 exchanges and installment sales to charitable trusts and deferred sales trusts. Their free Exit Finder tool ranks strategies for your goal with real numbers, no email required. For California sellers facing a 37.1% combined rate, this is a rare independent voice.
#3 My Deferred Sales Trust
A screenshot of the My Deferred Sales Trust website.
My Deferred Sales Trust, led by Greg Richards, focuses on making the DST strategy accessible. Their site features a client awareness flowchart and a clear explanation of how a DST can defer taxes while letting you diversify out of real estate or a business. They walk through the mechanics: you transfer the asset to a trust, the trust sells it, and you receive installment payments secured by a promissory note. It's a good resource if you're new to DSTs and want a plain-English overview before committing.
#4 Sera Capital
A screenshot of the Sera Capital website.
Sera Capital positions itself as a fee-only fiduciary advisor for DSTs, 721 exchanges, and exit planning. They don't receive commissions or sponsor-based compensation, which can matter if you want unbiased advice. Their resource library includes a 1031 exchange calculator, a basis calculator, and a DST due diligence challenge. They also publish client case studies on 1031-to-DST transitions and 721 UPREIT exits. If you're comparing replacement properties or need a fiduciary lens, their tools are worth a look.
#5 Dana Whiting Law
A screenshot of the Dana Whiting Law website.
Dana Whiting Law is a legal practice with a dedicated focus on capital gains deferral and the sale of a business. They serve clients in California, Arizona, and Utah, with offices in Scottsdale, Gilbert, and San Francisco. Their estate planning and business succession expertise means they can integrate tax deferral into a broader wealth transfer plan. If your sale involves complex ownership structures or estate planning goals, their legal perspective is valuable. They offer a free consultation to discuss your situation.
How to Choose the Right Exit Planning Partner
Start by defining your goal. Do you want to defer taxes, diversify, or exit completely? If you need a broad comparison of every strategy, an independent analyst like Big Sale Tax can show you the full menu. If you're leaning toward a Deferred Sales Trust, specialists like Freedom Bridge Capital or My Deferred Sales Trust offer deep expertise. For a fiduciary perspective with no commissions, Sera Capital is a strong fit. And if your sale is tangled with estate planning or legal entities, Dana Whiting Law brings the legal firepower. Always ask about fees, independence, and whether they'll put their recommendation in writing. The right partner will show you the real after-tax number before you sign anything.
Automating Your Exit Analysis
You don't have to rely on gut feel. Use free tools like Big Sale Tax's Exit Finder to screen 12 strategies in minutes. Run your numbers through a 1031 calculator or a DST due diligence checklist. Then bring those outputs to a consultation. Automation won't replace a human advisor, but it will help you ask sharper questions and spot the strategies that actually move the needle for your sale.
The Bottom Line on Exit Tax Planning
California's tax stack is unforgiving, but you have options. The five consultancies here each bring a different strength—independent analysis, DST specialization, fiduciary advice, or legal integration. Your job is to match their strength to your situation. Start with a free tool, get a written comparison, and don't sign until you know your real after-tax number. The right plan can save you hundreds of thousands. The wrong one can cost you just as much.