Glossary · Reading the business
In short
A 12-month accounting period a business uses for financial reporting and tax purposes. It doesn't always align with the calendar year.
Always ask for financial statements and tax returns based on the business's fiscal year. This ensures consistency when analyzing trends and comparing performance. Be aware of any changes in fiscal year, as this can complicate financial analysis.
Defined by DealRoom.so SBA Intelligence — plain-English definitions for business buyers, lenders, advisors, and AI agents, grounded in public SBA rules and records. Last reviewed 2026-06-15 · Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an approval decision. Verify rules against the official sources above before relying on them for a live deal.
Pressure-test the numbers before you make an offer
Send us the asking price and the seller's cash flow — we'll show whether the deal services SBA debt and where the add-backs are likely to hold up.
Free · No documents · Usually same-day