Accountnats for Equity Compensation
If you receive RSUs, ISOs, NSOs, or startup equity, your tax situation can get complex—fast. This page features vetted CPAs who specialize in equity compensation for employees, founders, and executives.
They help with:
• AMT planning for Incentive Stock Options (ISOs)
• Tax strategy for RSUs, NSOs, and ESPPs
• Filing 83(b) elections correctly and on time
• Maximizing the Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) exclusion
• Preparing for IPOs, tender offers, or acquisition events
Whether you're navigating a cashless exercise, planning a future exit, or just want to avoid surprise tax bills, these accountants know how to guide you through every stage of your equity journey.
Need to outsource something else? Search for proactivefinancial advisorsandfractional CFOson Sam’s List too. Make sure to check the reviews, it’s one of the most important parts of your vetting process!
They help with:
• AMT planning for Incentive Stock Options (ISOs)
• Tax strategy for RSUs, NSOs, and ESPPs
• Filing 83(b) elections correctly and on time
• Maximizing the Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) exclusion
• Preparing for IPOs, tender offers, or acquisition events
Whether you're navigating a cashless exercise, planning a future exit, or just want to avoid surprise tax bills, these accountants know how to guide you through every stage of your equity journey.
Need to outsource something else? Search for proactivefinancial advisorsandfractional CFOson Sam’s List too. Make sure to check the reviews, it’s one of the most important parts of your vetting process!
Accountants
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"My experience with them has been fantastic. They make it super easy for me to stay hands off while still giving me all the important financial info I need. Would highly recommend!"
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"Fantastic team at Anomaly - Been a client for years and this is the ONLY place where you get CPA brainpower and legal advice IN ONE PLACE. Before working with Anomaly about something complex, the response from my accountant was "speak to your attorney", who in turn would say "we should hop onto a call with your CPA".
Anomaly brings it all together - like it should be!!!
Brilliant team and terrific insights."
Anomaly brings it all together - like it should be!!!
Brilliant team and terrific insights."
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"without a doubt 💯 Worked together for 2-3 years. Great service. Organized. Responsive. Knowledgeable. Always learning and sharing new info!"
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"Our experience with The SaaS Bookkeeper has been fantastic. The bookkeeping process is effectively streamlined, requiring minimal input from my team and me. Their team is superbly responsive and immediately addresses my questions, and they even accommodate my occasional, short-notice expedited closing asks."
Red Bike Advisors is on a mission to help small business owners and medical practice owners simplify, streamline, and save with “Know Your Numbers” financial and tax insights.
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One dedicated team handles your complete financial operations—bookkeeping, CFO advisory, and tax strategy—so you can focus on growing your business.
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What Does an Equity Compensation Accountant Help With?
Accountants who specialize in equity compensation provide guidance on:
• Tax strategy for RSUs, ISOs, NSOs, ESPPs, and private stock
• AMT planning and ISO timing
• Filing 83(b) elections for early exercise
• QSBS qualification and capital gains exclusion
• IPO, M&A, and tender offer tax planning
• Stock-based compensation reporting (ASC 718)
• Multi-year modeling for equity-based wealth
These CPAs work closely with tech employees, startup founders, and high-earning executives to reduce taxes and avoid costly mistakes.
• Tax strategy for RSUs, ISOs, NSOs, ESPPs, and private stock
• AMT planning and ISO timing
• Filing 83(b) elections for early exercise
• QSBS qualification and capital gains exclusion
• IPO, M&A, and tender offer tax planning
• Stock-based compensation reporting (ASC 718)
• Multi-year modeling for equity-based wealth
These CPAs work closely with tech employees, startup founders, and high-earning executives to reduce taxes and avoid costly mistakes.
FrequentlyAsked Questions
Q1: What type of accountant helps with stock options and RSUs?
A CPA who specializes in equity compensation can help you navigate taxes on RSUs, ISOs, NSOs, and startup stock. They advise on timing, withholding, AMT risk, and how to reduce your tax bill.
Q2: Do I need to pay taxes when I exercise stock options?
Yes. Exercising NSOs creates ordinary income tax, while exercising ISOs may trigger the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). An accountant can help you model the best timing to minimize taxes.
Q3: What is an 83(b) election, and do I need one?
An 83(b) election lets you pay taxes on restricted stock at grant instead of vesting. It can lower your future tax bill, but must be filed within 30 days. Ask your accountant before deciding.
Q4: How can I qualify for the QSBS tax exclusion?
If your startup stock meets Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) rules and you hold it for 5+ years, you may be eligible for a capital gains exclusion of up to $10M. A tax pro can confirm eligibility.
Q5: What happens to my equity compensation in an IPO or acquisition?
Events like IPOs and M&A deals often create major tax events. Your accountant can help you plan for exercises, sales, and tax withholding ahead of the transaction.
Not sure who’s right for you as an equity compensation holder? Answer a few quick questions, and we’ll introduce you to someone who fits.
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