Top Startup Law Updates for 2025: QSBS and 83(b) Changes
2025 has already brought several noteworthy changes to U.S. tax and corporate law that will affect tech founders, early‑stage employees and investors.
Joe Wallin
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Can You Exercise a Stock Option With a Nonrecourse Note and Start Your QSBS Holding Period?
Can You Exercise a Stock Option With a Nonrecourse Note and Start Your QSBS Holding Period?
Golden Parachute Taxes: A Hidden Trap for Founders
By Joe Wallin What this post covers: Section 280G ("golden parachute") taxes are triggered when compensation connected to a change of control (cash, accelerated vesting, retention bonuses) exceeds...
Don’t Accidentally Disqualify Your QSBS by “Resetting” It
Don’t Accidentally Disqualify Your QSBS by “Resetting” It Congress is considering the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which would expand the QSBS exclusion but only for stock issued after July 4...
Seattle B&O Tax 2026: Proposition 2's New Progressive Rates Explained
Seattle voters approved Proposition 2 on 4 November 2025, ushering in a major overhaul of the city’s business and occupation (B&O) tax.
Gifting QSBS: What the New York Times Got Wrong — and How Founders Can Do It Right
In late 2021, The New York Times ran a feature titled “A Lavish Tax Dodge for the Ultrawealthy Is Easily Multiplied.
It’s Time to Reverse the 83(b) Election Presumption
The 83(b) election is one of the most consequential decisions most startup founders ever face—yet it’s designed to punish oversight. It’s time to modernize the rule: make the election automatic unless you opt out.
Only C-Corps Can Issue QSBS — and That’s a $15 Million Reason to Care
Choosing the wrong entity structure can cost startup founders millions. Only C-corporations can issue Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) under Section 1202. Here’s why that matters — and how to preserve your shot at the $15 million tax exclusion.
The Big Beautiful Bill: A New Era for QSBS and Startup Investment
On July 4, 2025, President Donald Trump signed into law the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (often called the "Big Beautiful Bill").
Qualified Small Business Stock: Redemption Issues
Stock redemptions and buybacks can silently disqualify your QSBS under Section 1202. Here is how the redemption rules work, what triggers disqualification, and how to protect your tax exclusion worth millions.