The most tax-efficient exit depends on your structure, but common strategies include:

1. Structuring as a stock sale (if a corporation) to get favorable capital gains rates, versus an asset sale which often creates ordinary income.
2. Qualifying for Section 1202 (Qualified Small Business Stock), which can exclude significant capital gains for C-corp stock held 5+ years.
3. Using an installment sale to spread gain recognition over multiple years, reducing tax bracket impact.
4. Considering an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan), which can defer or eliminate capital gains under Section 1042.
5. Timing the sale around income and holding periods.

I’m not a tax advisor. Consult a CPA or tax attorney before deciding.