Equity Compensation for Startups vs Public Companies
Expert guide on equity compensation for startups vs public companies. Covers tax implications, strategies, IRS rules, and practical examples for tech employees and expats.
Technical deep-dives on equity compensation taxation
Our comprehensive guides cover every aspect of stock options taxation, including RSU (Restricted Stock Units), ISO (Incentive Stock Options), NSO (Non-Qualified Stock Options), ESPP (Employee Stock Purchase Plans), 83(b) elections, and international tax planning strategies for tech professionals with equity compensation.
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Equity compensation is a significant part of total compensation for tech professionals, but the tax implications can be complex. Our guides cover the essential topics including:
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Expert guide on equity compensation for startups vs public companies. Covers tax implications, strategies, IRS rules, and practical examples for tech employees and expats.
Expert guide on section 409a valuation: understanding your stock's fair market value. Covers tax implications, strategies, IRS rules, and practical examples for tech employees and expats.
Guide to selling startup equity before an IPO. Covers tender offers, secondary markets, 409A valuation, tax treatment (capital gains vs compensation), and SEC compliance.
Expert guide to phantom stock and stock appreciation rights (SARs) taxation. Covers Section 409A compliance, payout triggers, tax withholding, FICA timing, and comparison with traditional stock options and RSUs.
Expert guide to Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation (NQDC) plans for tech executives. Covers Section 409A compliance, deferral elections, rabbi trusts, distribution rules, bankruptcy risk, and strategies to optimize deferred compensation alongside equity compensation.
Complete tax guide to equity compensation for independent contractors, consultants, and startup advisors. Covers NSO-only eligibility rules, warrant structures, 1099 vs W-2 tax treatment, Section 409A compliance, self-employment tax, advisory share agreements, and vesting considerations.
Expert analysis of AI startup equity compensation in 2026. Covers OpenAI and Anthropic equity structures, Profit Participation Units, capped-return equity, 100% refresh rates, secondary tender offers at sky-high valuations, QSBS eligibility, and how to evaluate AI equity offers vs traditional tech.