Do the P&Ls match the tax returns? Lenders will check.
June 02, 2025
by a lender from Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM) in United States
One of the most common issues we see during underwriting is a disconnect between the seller’s internal financials and their filed tax returns.
Buyers often get excited about strong EBITDA on a broker P&L—only to discover that the tax returns tell a different story.
Here’s what SBA lenders are looking for:
• Consistency between reported net income and add-backs
• Alignment in gross revenue, COGS, and margins year over year
• Credibility in how owner compensation and discretionary expenses are explained
If the numbers don’t tie out, it slows down the process—or worse, triggers a QofE or kills lender appetite altogether.
We help buyers spot these gaps before the deal hits underwriting.
Want help reviewing a seller’s financials?
https://calendly.com/alan-pioneercap