# What documents will a buyer ask for? · Horizon Answers

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# What documents will a buyer ask for?

Short answer

Expect corporate records, 3 years of financials and tax returns, key contracts, employee agreements, IP ownership and insurance. The goal is to open a data room within 48 hours.

## What to know

-   Missing documents are findings in themselves.
-   Contracts with change-of-control clauses need early attention.
-   Organize by area with a master index.

## What to do next

1.  1Work through the diligence checklist.
2.  2Note anything you cannot find in 48 hours.
3.  3Close those gaps first.

Last reviewed September 2026 by the Horizon team. General information, not legal, tax or financial advice.

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[What happens in due diligence?](/answers/preparing-to-sell/what-is-due-diligence)[When should I start preparing to sell?](/answers/preparing-to-sell/when-to-prepare)

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