Capital Gains Exemption Strategies Using Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS)

Capital Gains Exemption Strategies Using Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) If you're a founder, angel investor, or early-stage startup employee, the Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) exemption under Section 1202 of the U.S. tax code might be one of the most powerful tax strategies available to you. With the right planning, you could exclude up to 100% of capital gains on stock sales—potentially saving millions in taxes. In this post, we explore how QSBS works, who qualifies, and how to structure equity to unlock its benefits. 📌 Table of Contents What Is QSBS? Who Qualifies for Section 1202 Exemption? Exemption Amounts and Holding Period Advanced Planning Strategies Risks and Reporting Considerations What Is Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS)? QSBS refers to shares in a C-corporation that meet certain IRS criteria under Section 1202 of the tax code. If eligible, gains from the sale of QSBS held for more than five years can be exclude...