How to Negotiate Startup Equity: A Practical Guide for Employees
How to negotiate startup equity as an employee: understanding your offer, asking the right questions, evaluating strike price and vesting, and avoiding common mistakes.
8 posts with this tag
83(b) Election
Restricted Stock vs. Stock Options: Which Is Better for Startup Equity?
Restricted stock awards vs. stock options: how each works, the tax treatment, when an 83(b) election matters, and which is better for founders and early employees.
Founder Vesting Schedules: Why Every Co-Founder Needs One and How to Get It Right
Founder vesting protects everyone — co-founders, investors, and the company itself. Here's how to structure it correctly, including 83(b) elections, acceleration triggers, and the hard conversations.
Stock Option Exercise Timing: Planning Before Washington's 2028 Income Tax
Washington's new 9.9% income tax takes effect January 1, 2028. For startup employees and founders with stock options, 2027 is the last full year to exercise without state income tax.
83(b) Election: The Complete Guide (Deadline, Form & Tax Treatment)
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.
Why State Income Taxes Almost Always Raise Less Than Promised
Washington's millionaires' tax (ESSB 6346 / HB 2724) is projected to raise around $3.2B. History suggests revenues underperform once migration, timing, and income-shifting responses kick in—we expect closer to $2B.
January Filing Deadlines Startups Commonly Miss
January is prime time for compliance slip-ups that quietly turn into bigger problems later—loss of good standing, IRS penalties, or unpleasant surprises during fundraising.
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.