Does QSBS Avoid Washington’s New 9.9% Income Tax? (Yes — For Now)
Under ESSB 6346, Section 1202 QSBS gains should stay outside Washington’s new 9.9% income tax (for now). Here’s why, the audit risk, and what would have to change.
Under ESSB 6346, Section 1202 QSBS gains should stay outside Washington’s new 9.9% income tax (for now). Here’s why, the audit risk, and what would have to change.
The $15 million QSBS exclusion under Section 1202 isn't a hard ceiling. By gifting shares to trusts and family members before a sale, founders can multiply the exclusion. Here's how stacking works.
What is an 83(b) election, who should file, and how do you file IRS Form 15620 (including the new e-filing option)? Includes deadline rules, ISO/NSO early exercise, QSBS, and Washington state tax implications.
Oregon SB 1507 decouples the state from the federal QSBS exclusion under Section 1202. Oregon residents who sell qualified small business stock on or after January 1, 2026 may owe full state income tax on gains excluded federally.
Your tax outcome in Washington depends on how you structure your equity, entity, and exit. This post walks through the planning levers founders, investors, and high earners can pull before 2028.
The SEC just clarified that when you acquire another company, their Rule 701 equity grants get stacked onto yours for purposes of the $10 million disclosure threshold. If you're a private company doing M&A, this is a diligence item you can't afford to miss.
Governor Ferguson signed SHB 1155 on March 23, 2026, banning virtually all noncompetes in Washington effective June 30, 2027—retroactively. The prior income threshold and garden leave framework are gone. Here’s what changed and what you must do.
Governor Ferguson signed SB 6347 rolling back Washington's estate tax from the temporary 35% top rate to the prior 20% rate. The 35% rate applies through June 30, 2026; 20% returns July 1.
Washington’s 30-day safe harbor only helps if you’re already domiciled here. This explains the domicile vs residency tests, the 30-day rule, and the planning traps as 9.9% starts on Jan. 1, 2028.
Despite Washington's new 9.9% income tax, QSBS remains one of the few ways founders and angels can still exit entirely free of state tax. Here's why Section 1202 still works in Washington.