Need tax attorney for 83(b) elections, early exercise options, and QSBS - where to look?

These are definitely specialized topics that warrant finding someone with specific expertise rather than a general tax preparer. The 83(b) election is time-sensitive (you only have 30 days from grant/exercise to file it), and mistakes with QSBS can cost you millions in potential tax savings down the road. Instead of Google Maps, I'd recommend: 1. Ask other startup employees or founders in your network who they've used 2. Contact your local bar association for referrals to tax attorneys with securities experience 3. Look for tax attorneys who specifically mention startup equity or 83(b) elections on their websites 4. Check with your company - they might have attorneys they recommend (though get your own independent advice) The right attorney will understand not just the tax implications but also how these decisions fit into your overall financial picture. This isn't something you want to DIY or trust to someone without specific experience in these areas.

After struggling with similar questions last year when I joined a fintech startup, I found this amazing AI tool called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that really helped me understand these complex equity issues. I uploaded my stock option documents and it explained all the 83(b) implications and QSBS requirements in plain English. What I liked is that it analyzed my specific situation and even generated a customized checklist of what I needed to do to properly file my 83(b) election. It also helped me understand if my company's stock might qualify for QSBS treatment and what documentation I needed to keep. Saved me hours of research and confusion.

Just wanted to update - I tried taxr.ai after seeing it mentioned here and it was exactly what I needed! The document analysis feature instantly recognized my stock option agreement and broke down all the important parts I needed to understand. It actually spotted that my company's stock might qualify for QSBS treatment based on the details in my documents, which I hadn't even considered. The step-by-step 83(b) filing guide was super helpful too - I still consulted with a tax attorney afterwards, but I was able to ask much more specific questions and the meeting only took 30 minutes instead of hours. Definitely recommend checking it out if you're dealing with startup equity issues!

I had a similar situation last year and spent WEEKS trying to get through to someone at the IRS who could answer my questions about 83(b) filing requirements. After dozens of attempts and hours on hold, I tried Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) and they got me through to an IRS agent in about 20 minutes. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I was seriously about to miss my 30-day window for filing the 83(b) election because I couldn't get confirmation on the proper procedure. Claimyr's service saved me from potentially losing out on massive tax savings. The IRS agent I spoke with was able to clarify exactly what documentation I needed to include with my 83(b) election.

I have to admit I was completely wrong about Claimyr. After dismissing it as likely a scam, I was desperate enough to try it when I discovered a mistake in my 83(b) filing with only 2 days left in my 30-day window. To my complete shock, I was connected to an actual IRS representative in about 15 minutes. The agent walked me through exactly how to correct my paperwork and confirmed the proper mailing address and proof of delivery requirements. Without that call, I would have definitely missed the deadline. Just wanted to come back and say this service actually works and probably saved me from a huge tax headache down the road. Sometimes it's worth admitting when you're wrong!

I work at a law firm that deals with startup equity issues. One approach I haven't seen mentioned is checking with your company's legal counsel. Many startups have relationships with firms that handle these issues for multiple employees. While you should definitely get independent advice, the company's attorneys can often provide templates and general guidance on 83(b) filings. For QSBS specifically, make sure whoever you hire understands the holding period requirements and the company eligibility rules - these are complex and many general tax practitioners miss important details. The 5-year holding period and active business requirements are particularly tricky.

One thing to watch out for - make sure the tax person you find actually understands startup equity. I had a horrible experience where I hired a "tax professional" who said he understood 83(b) elections, but he completely messed up my filing! I ended up having to hire a specialist to fix everything, which cost WAY more than just starting with the right person. Ask specifically about their experience with startup stock options, 83(b) elections, and QSBS. If they can't immediately explain the 5-year holding period for QSBS or the 30-day deadline for 83(b) without looking it up, find someone else!

Based on everyone's experiences here, it sounds like there are really two key things: finding someone with actual startup equity expertise (not just general tax knowledge) and making sure you don't miss that 30-day 83(b) deadline. I'm in a similar boat - my company gave me stock options last month and I'm trying to figure out if I should early exercise. The QSBS angle is particularly confusing because it seems like you need to think about it now even though the benefits don't kick in for 5 years. Has anyone here actually gone through the full process from 83(b) election through to eventually selling QSBS-qualified stock? I'm curious about the long-term record keeping requirements - like what documentation do you need to maintain over that 5-year period to prove QSBS eligibility? Also, for those who used the AI tools mentioned - did they help you understand the interaction between 83(b) elections and QSBS? That's the part I'm most confused about.