Probity launches due diligence software for small business buyers

Probity launched a software platform on Nov. 3 to help small business buyers verify seller earnings against tax returns before making an offer. The product is aimed at buyers using SBA loans, where lender scrutiny on earnings has tightened, and it includes search, diligence and proof-of-cash tools.

Why it matters: - Probity is targeting a common weak point in small business acquisitions: the gap between a seller’s confidential information memorandum and the tax returns behind the numbers. - The software is built to help buyers move faster on more listings while reducing the risk of overpaying before a letter of intent. - The launch comes as SBA lending rules have changed how lenders evaluate earnings on business acquisition loans.

What happened: - Probity launched its deal diligence software for small business buyers on Nov. 3, 2026. - The platform went live at Probity’s website. - The product is designed for small business buyers and entrepreneurship through acquisition. - Probity positions the software as a way to verify seller earnings against business tax returns before a buyer makes an offer.

The details: - Probity starts the diligence process from the seller’s business tax returns rather than the broker’s CIM. - The platform runs a proprietary search for businesses in a buyer’s area that fit the buy box, including businesses that are not publicly listed. - Probity checks each listing against the buy box, analyzes the tax returns and the CIM, builds a monthly forecast and supports proof of cash. - The software verifies seller earnings against three years of business tax returns. - Probity calculates seller’s discretionary earnings, or SDE, from what the returns support. - The platform shows where the SDE in the returns and the SDE in the CIM diverge. - Probity prompts buyers with questions to raise with the seller. - The product includes a deal data room, a due diligence checklist and an optional Cash Proof feature. - Cash Proof is designed to confirm that money in the seller’s bank accounts matches the tax returns. - The data room includes seats for the buyer’s CPA, attorney and lender. - Probity said the first deal is free and does not require a card. - Paid plans are aimed at buyers reviewing many deals, multi-partner firms and deeper diligence after the letter of intent, including Cash Proof. - Pricing information is listed on the company’s pricing page.

Between the lines: - The launch reflects a broader shift toward earlier, more structured screening in small business acquisitions. - Probity is framing tax returns as the factual baseline and the CIM as a sales document that may rely on seller claims. - The company is also leaning into SBA loan complexity, where a new standard, SBA SOP 50 10 8.1, took effect on Oct. 1, 2026 and changed how lenders test earnings on SBA 7(a) business acquisition loans. - The product is not positioned as a quality of earnings report, an audit or an opinion of value. - Rob Novak, Probity’s founder, said the platform is the diligence tool he wished he had for earlier acquisitions.

What’s next: - Probity plans to sell free and paid access through its pricing tiers as buyers source and review more deals. - The company expects the software to be used both before and after a letter of intent, with deeper diligence available in paid plans. - Buyers can also use the platform’s adviser seats to involve CPAs, attorneys and lenders in the review process.

The bottom line: - Probity is betting that small business buyers want faster deal screening backed by tax-return-based diligence before they commit capital.