Sell your business in Quebec

Most sales close 6 to 10 months after going to market, typically following up to a year of preparation. Documents a buyer needs in French, and a notary where real estate secures the price, should be arranged early. How long a sale takes

In a share sale of a qualifying small business corporation, the lifetime capital gains exemption can shelter up to $1,275,000 of gain federally in 2026, and Quebec has its own claim on line 292 of the provincial return. Gains above the exemption are taxed at a top combined federal and Quebec rate of about 26.65 percent. Taxes when you sell

In an asset sale, GST at 5 percent and QST at 9.975 percent apply to the taxable assets. When the buyer acquires substantially all of the business property, the parties can elect jointly on Form FP-2044-V so that no QST is charged, with Form GST44 doing the same for the GST. Selling a business in Quebec

They apply when land or buildings are transferred to the buyer. The provincial rates run from 0.5 to 1.5 percent, municipalities may set higher rates above $500,000, and Montréal’s reach 4 percent. A $1.5 million commercial property carries $20,610.50 at the provincial rates and $27,325.50 in Montréal. Keeping the real estate

Under section 97 of the Act respecting labour standards, the sale of all or part of an enterprise does not interrupt labour standards, and employment continues with the new employer. Wages and vacation pay owing at closing are settled in the agreement. What happens to your employees

Yes. Under section 34 of the Act respecting industrial accidents and occupational diseases, the buyer of an establishment assumes the seller’s obligations under the Act, including assessments owing at the transfer. No CNESST certificate releases a buyer, so the amounts owing are confirmed in due diligence.

Under the Charter of the French language, written employment contracts are drawn up in French by default, and an enterprise with 25 or more employees must register with the Office québécois de la langue française. A buyer will ask for both in due diligence.