The 83(b) Election: One Decision That Can Save You Tens of Thousands in Taxes
If you've received restricted stock or founder shares, you have 30 days from the grant date to file an 83(b) election with the IRS. Miss that window, and you could owe ordinary income taxes on the full value of your shares at vesting, instead of capital gains rates on the growth. This is a decision you want to get right the first time.
⚠ 30-Day Window — No Exceptions
The 83(b) election window is 30 days from your grant date. It cannot be filed late. If you've recently received a restricted stock grant, contact us immediately.
What You Get
- A clear explanation of what an 83(b) election does and whether it's right for your situation
- Analysis of the tax impact of filing vs. not filing, modeled for your specific grant
- Coordination with your CPA to ensure the election is filed correctly and on time
- Integration with your broader equity compensation and financial plan
- Ongoing planning as your vesting schedule progresses
Who Needs This
Startup Founders
Receiving equity at low current value with high growth potential.
Early Employees
Receiving restricted stock grants as part of an early-stage offer.
Anyone With Restricted Property
Any grant subject to a vesting or forfeiture condition.
Recently Received a Restricted Stock Grant?
Your 30-day window is running now. Let's get your 83(b) analysis done before it closes.
Schedule an Equity Compensation ReviewFrequently Asked Questions
An 83(b) election is a filing with the IRS that lets you pay tax on restricted stock based on its value at grant, rather than at vesting, potentially converting future gains from ordinary income rates to capital gains rates.
You must file within 30 days of your grant date. There are no exceptions and no extensions, so the moment you receive restricted stock or founder shares is the moment to get this analyzed.
If you miss the 30-day window, you lose the ability to file. You'll owe ordinary income tax on the full value of your shares as they vest, which can mean a significantly larger tax bill than if the election had been filed.