Is an electronic signature valid on this report?

Yes. Electronic signatures are enforceable under the federal ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch.96) and UETA where adopted, provided intent, consent, attribution, and record retention requirements are satisfied.

Who is authorized to sign the report?

An authorized preparer and an approver with signatory authority should sign. Authority is determined by corporate governance (board resolution or delegation) and internal policy.

When is notarization required?

Notarization is typically not required for internal valuation reports, but documents attached to legal conveyances or state filings may require notarization or witnesses per state rules.

How do I correct or update a finalized report?

Issue a dated amendment or restatement with clear redline or replacement document; retain both versions and document the reason for change and approver signatures.

Can a remote online notary be used?

Possibly. Remote online notarization is allowed in most states subject to identity-proofing and retention requirements; verify state notary rules before using RON.

How long must I keep the signed report?

Retain for the active term plus relevant statutory periods: IRS minimum 3 years, HIPAA six years for health-related records, and longer where state law or audit needs require it.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Finance
Financial Goodwill Report

Financial Goodwill Report

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FINANCIAL GOODWILL REPORT

Report Identification

Report Title:

Prepared By

Prepared For (Client)

Effective and Transaction Dates

Report Date: Effective Date of Valuation:

Transaction Type: Transaction Closing Date:

Executive Summary

This Financial Goodwill Report summarizes the determination of goodwill arising from the identified transaction, including the allocation of purchase consideration to identifiable tangible and intangible assets, liabilities assumed, and the residual goodwill. The conclusion presented below reflects the valuation methodologies, key assumptions, and financial data provided by Client Name: .

Scope, Purpose, and Standards

Scope of Engagement: The valuation engagement is limited to determining the goodwill amount for financial reporting and purchase price allocation purposes under generally accepted accounting standards. The valuation does not constitute a legal opinion nor a forensic audit. This report is prepared for the exclusive use of Client Name: and its auditors.

Transaction Financial Summary

Consideration and Purchase Price

Identifiable Net Assets Analysis

List and quantify identifiable tangible and intangible assets and liabilities. Provide supporting schedules in Appendix.

Tangible Assets (Total) Identified Intangible Assets (describe and quantify)

Goodwill Calculation

Purchase Price: Less: Net Identifiable Assets: Equals: Goodwill:

Valuation Methodology and Assumptions

Methods employed (check all applicable): Discounted Cash Flow Market Multiples Relief-from-Royalty Other

Key Financial Assumptions

Sensitivity Analysis

Present sensitivity of goodwill to key assumptions. Provide scenario results:

Conclusion and Opinion

Valuation Opinion: Based on the procedures performed and the data available as of the Effective Date, the preparer presents the following professional conclusion regarding the reasonableness of the reported goodwill amount.

Limitations, Assumptions, and Reliance

The conclusions in this report are contingent upon the accuracy and completeness of information furnished by Client and third parties. The preparer relied upon financial statements, forecasts, and representations provided by management. The preparer does not warrant that subsequent events will not affect the conclusions and is not responsible for independent verification of all source materials.

Certification and Representations

Certification: The undersigned certify that, to the best of their knowledge, the information provided in this Financial Goodwill Report is true, complete, and prepared in accordance with the stated scope. The preparer affirms that the valuation was conducted with independence and professional integrity except as disclosed below.

Preparer Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Client Representative Printed Name:

By:

Date:

What a Financial Goodwill Report Is and When It’s Used

A Financial Goodwill Report documents the valuation and basis for recognizing goodwill in a business combination or internal valuation. It summarizes adjusted financial results, the valuation methodology (market, income, or cost approaches), and assumptions that drive the goodwill amount. The report supports accounting entries under U.S. GAAP (ASC 350/805) and provides auditors, tax advisors, and transaction parties with the evidence and calculations underlying the recorded goodwill. It is often prepared by valuation specialists or finance teams and attached to closing documentation or audit files.

Why a Financial Goodwill Report Matters

A clear Financial Goodwill Report explains valuation assumptions and audit-friendly calculations, reduces questions during review, and documents support for purchase-price allocation decisions.

Typical Users and Stakeholders

The report also serves buyers, sellers, and regulators as the documented rationale for recognized goodwill and related disclosures.

Finance teams preparing purchase-price allocations and internal financial statements for GAAP compliance.
External auditors reviewing valuation assumptions, impairment testing, and disclosure adequacy.
Tax advisors assessing deductibility or tax reporting impacts and supporting tax positions.

Step-by-step: Preparing the Financial Goodwill Report

Follow a structured workflow to gather data, perform valuation, and document conclusions. Keep each step auditable and date-stamped.

01

Collect Records: Obtain signed financial statements, purchase agreements, and closing statements.
02

Adjust Earnings: Normalize one-time items and nonrecurring expenses for pro forma results.
03

Select Method: Choose market, income, or cost approach based on transaction facts.
04

Document Conclusions: Prepare narrative, schedules, and reconciliations that support the goodwill amount.

Configuring an Online Financial Goodwill Report Workflow

Set up a repeatable digital workflow: prepare template, assign roles, add required fields, and enable audit logging.

Field	Configuration
Template	Create reusable report template with required schedules
Signer Roles	Assign preparer, reviewer, and approver roles
Authentication	Choose email, SMS code, or stronger verification
Audit Trail	Enable timestamps, IP capture, and version history

Technical Requirements for eSubmission and Sharing

Ensure the chosen platform supports secure storage, access controls, and an exportable audit trail compatible with internal and external review.

File Formats: PDF, DOCX, XLSX
Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Google Workspace
Security: TLS in transit and AES-256 at rest

Where to Send or File the Completed Report

Distribute the finalized report to internal stakeholders and external reviewers according to your governance and regulatory needs.

Internal Finance: Upload to corporate document repository for accounting records
External Auditor: Share certified copy with auditor via secure link
Tax Advisor: Provide supporting schedules for tax return preparation
Regulatory Filing: Attach to SEC or other regulatory filings when required

Typical Timelines and Filing Touchpoints

Plan timing around transaction closing, audit schedules, and statutory filing deadlines to avoid last-minute rework.

Pre-Closing Draft:

Complete preliminary valuation before deal closing to inform accounting entries

Post-Closing Final:

Finalize report within the company’s post-closing adjustment period

Audit Submission:

Provide final report during year-end audit cycles per auditor deadlines

Tax Support:

Supply documentation to tax advisors ahead of corporate tax filing deadlines

Regulatory Attachments:

Include report with SEC exhibits or proxy materials where required

Key Milestones from Engagement to Finalization

Track milestones consecutively to maintain control over the valuation lifecycle and sign-off process.

01

Engagement Start

Scope the assignment and identify data owners for financial inputs.

02

Data Collection

Gather financial statements, contracts, and closing statements from stakeholders.

03

Valuation Draft

Produce initial calculations and sensitivity analyses for review.

04

Final Sign-off

Obtain preparer and approver signatures and archive the signed report.

Essential Components of a Professional Financial Goodwill Report

A complete report combines narrative explanation, quantitative schedules, and documented evidence so auditors and advisors can reproduce the valuation steps.

Executive Summary

Concise description of transaction facts, valuation conclusion, and the resulting goodwill amount, including a one-paragraph rationale for the chosen methodology.

Financial Schedules

Adjusted historical and pro forma income statements and balance sheets with reconciliations to audited figures and explanations for each adjustment.

Valuation Methodology

Detailed description of methods applied (market, income, cost), key inputs, discount rates, multiples, and assumptions used in the model.

Calculations and Models

Workpapers with step-by-step math, interim schedules, sensitivity tables, and supporting data sources for numerical results and rounding rules.

Supporting Documentation

Contracts, purchase agreements, closing statements, and third-party appraisals that substantiate transaction terms and inputs.

Certification and Signatures

Prepared-by statement, signer identity, and date with an audit trail showing who approved and when the report was finalized.

Required Identifying Information

Legal Entity: Full registered name

Tax ID: EIN or SSN as applicable

Fiscal Year: Period end date

Financials: Audited statements

Supporting Docs: Purchase agreements

Signer Info: Name, title, contact

Risks and Potential Consequences of an Incorrect Report

Tax Adjustment: Potential IRS challenge and adjustments

Audit Findings: External audit restatement risk

Financial Restatement: Possible GAAP correction and disclosures

Legal Liability: Contract disputes or litigation exposure

Impairment Impact: Future goodwill write-downs affect earnings

Loss of Confidence: Stakeholder credibility and deal risk

Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Preparing the Report

Relying on unaudited or incomplete financials without reconciling to audited statements can produce inconsistent goodwill calculations and weaken audit support.
Applying an inappropriate valuation method for the transaction facts causes mismatched comparables or misleading discount rates and multiple selections.
Failing to document adjustments and assumptions, including management projections and normalization items, leads to questions during audit and tax review.
Delaying sign-off or circulating multiple uncontrolled drafts increases versioning errors and may create disagreement about the final recognized goodwill.

eSignature Pricing and Feature Comparison — signNow First

Comparison of starting prices and selected capabilities across common eSignature vendors. Confirm vendor plans for full feature details before procurement.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	7-day trial	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan
Bulk Send	Yes (Premium)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Varies
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No

Frequently Asked Questions About the Financial Goodwill Report

Answers to common questions on validity, signatory authority, e-signatures, notarization, amendments, and retention.

Need help? Contact support

Is an electronic signature valid on this report?
Yes. Electronic signatures are enforceable under the federal ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch.96) and UETA where adopted, provided intent, consent, attribution, and record retention requirements are satisfied.
Who is authorized to sign the report?
An authorized preparer and an approver with signatory authority should sign. Authority is determined by corporate governance (board resolution or delegation) and internal policy.
When is notarization required?
Notarization is typically not required for internal valuation reports, but documents attached to legal conveyances or state filings may require notarization or witnesses per state rules.
How do I correct or update a finalized report?
Issue a dated amendment or restatement with clear redline or replacement document; retain both versions and document the reason for change and approver signatures.
Can a remote online notary be used?
Possibly. Remote online notarization is allowed in most states subject to identity-proofing and retention requirements; verify state notary rules before using RON.
How long must I keep the signed report?
Retain for the active term plus relevant statutory periods: IRS minimum 3 years, HIPAA six years for health-related records, and longer where state law or audit needs require it.

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