What is QSBS?

As a small business owner, you know the importance of every dollar. You pour your heart and soul into your company, and you want to see it thrive. But taxes can eat into your profits, leaving you feeling frustrated and discouraged.

That's where QSBS (Qualified Small Business Stock) comes in.

QSBS is a powerful tax-saving tool that can help you keep more of your hard-earned money. It allows eligible shareholders of a qualified small business to exclude up to 100% of the capital gains on their shares from federal income tax. That's right, you could potentially pay no taxes on the sale of your QSBS!

Here's what you need to know about QSBS:

• What is it? QSBS is a tax exemption available to shareholders of certain qualified small businesses.

• How does it work? If you meet the requirements and sell your QSBS after holding it for at least five years, you can exclude up to 100% of the capital gains on your shares from federal income tax.

• What are the benefits? By excluding a significant portion of your capital gains from taxes, you can keep more money in your pocket to reinvest in your business, grow your wealth, or simply enjoy life.

• What are the requirements? To qualify for QSBS, the business must meet certain criteria, such as having gross assets of less than $50 million, being a C corporation, and not being engaged in certain prohibited activities.

Here are some key highlights of the QSBS program:

• Tax exclusion of up to 100% of capital gains

• Minimum 5-year holding period ⏳

• Applies to both common and preferred stock

• Protects up to 10x your investment from long-term capital gains taxes, or $10 million, whichever is greater

• Can be used in conjunction with other tax benefits, such as the Section 1202 exclusion

Examples of QSBS in action:

• Imagine you invest $10,000 in a startup company that qualifies for QSBS.

• Five years later, the company is acquired for $10 million, and you sell your shares for $1 million.

• Without QSBS, you would have to pay capital gains tax on your $990,000 profit.

• But with QSBS, you can exclude up to $1 million of your gain from federal income tax, saving you a significant amount of money.

QSBS is a valuable tool for any small business owner who wants to save money on taxes. It can help you keep more of your hard-earned money, which you can reinvest in your business and help it grow.

Here are some tips for maximizing your QSBS benefits:

• Consult with a tax advisor to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements. ‍

• Keep detailed records of your investment in the QSBS.

• Plan your exit strategy carefully to maximize your tax benefits.

• Be aware of the limitations of the program. ⚠️

QSBS is a complex tax benefit, but it can be a powerful tool for any small business owner. By understanding the program and working with a tax advisor, you can take advantage of this valuable opportunity to save money on taxes and grow your business.

In addition to the information above, here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

• Internal Revenue Service (IRS): https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-regs/ia2694.txt

• Small Business Administration (SBA): https://www.sba.gov/blog/qualified-small-business-stock-what-it-how-use-it

• National Association of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA): https://www.dlapiperaccelerate.com/knowledge/2017/qualified-small-business-stock.html

By taking advantage of QSBS, you can unlock significant tax savings and fuel the growth of your small business.