Skip to content
StartupCFO logoStartupCFO.AI
Back to glossary

Tax

QSBS (Qualified Small Business Stock)

Quick definition

Tax exemption for gains on qualifying startup stock held 5+ years.

Under IRC Section 1202, gains on QSBS held 5+ years can be excluded from federal tax (up to $10M or 10x basis). Founders and early employees should confirm QSBS eligibility at the time of grant — it's one of the most valuable tax breaks available to startup employees.

Related tax terms

See this in action

Insights and tools where QSBS (Qualified Small Business Stock) shows up.

Service spotlight

Planning a QSBS-eligible exit?

Our tax team handles §1202 elections, basis tracking, and §1045 rollovers — and runs the math state-by-state so you know exactly what you'll owe.

Talk to our tax team