Welcome to The Startup Law Blog! This page highlights some of our most popular posts and resources. Think of it as your hub for clear, actionable guidance on startup law, equity and tax planning. I'm Joe Wallin, a corporate and tax lawyer based in Seattle. I help tech founders save millions in exit tax and structure their equity smartly. Use this guide to dive right into the topics that matter most to you.
Key topics
QSBS / §1202 / §1045 – Learn how qualified small business stock rules and rollovers can reduce or eliminate capital gains on exit.
Equity compensation – Understand the tax and legal issues around founder stock, stock options, restricted stock, RSUs and 83(b) elections.
Startup financing – Explore SAFE agreements, convertible notes and fundraising regulations like Reg D and Reg S.
Term sheets & negotiation – Get tips for understanding and negotiating term sheets with investors, including protective provisions, valuation and dilution.
Founder issues – Plan for vesting, co‑founder separation, IP ownership and other early-stage issues to prevent disputes down the road.
Washington taxes – If you’re in Washington State, stay informed on capital‑gains tax, B&O tax, payroll tax and other local issues affecting startups.
Feel free to browse through the categories in our navigation menu to see all related articles. If you don’t see a topic you need, use the search at the top of the site.
Work with me
If you need personalized help with equity structure, financing documents or a specific tax question, schedule a consultation or send me a note. I also publish deep‑dive guides and new articles regularly—subscribe below so you never miss an update.
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