With so many promising companies still in the early stages of growth, qualified small business stock (QSBS) offers everyday investors a unique opportunity to back businesses they believe will become the next big thing. Even better, the tax advantages of QSBS make it an attractive option for investors looking to minimize taxes while supporting startups with low initial investments.
If you’re new to QSBS, here’s what you need to know to fully understand the tax benefits of qualified small business stock and how you can take advantage of them.
💡 Breaking Down QSB Stock
Qualified small business stock (QSBS) refers to shares issued by qualified small businesses as defined under Section 1202 of the Internal Revenue Code. This stock must be purchased after August 10, 1993, from domestic C corporations with assets under $50 million soon after the stock issuance.
✅ Qualified Small Business Eligibility Provisions
Not all industries qualify for QSBS. Eligible companies typically operate in fields like retail, manufacturing, and technology. However, sectors like hospitality, professional services (law, healthcare, etc.), agriculture, mining, and finance (banking and insurance) are excluded. To remain eligible, the business must actively use at least 80% of its assets in qualified operations and retain C corporation status during the investor’s holding period.
QSB Tax Benefits in 2024
If you invest in QSBS, here’s what you stand to gain:
- 📌 100% exclusion from U.S. federal capital gains taxes
- 📌 100% exclusion from the alternative minimum tax (AMT)
- 📌 100% exclusion from the 3.8% net investment income tax (NIIT)
However, for stock issued before September 28, 2010, the exclusion percentages range between 50-75%. Keep in mind there’s also a 28% tax on gains that aren’t excluded and are subject to the NIIT.
❗ Gain Exclusion Limitation
The tax savings under Section 1202 come with a generous cap. Investors can exclude gains up to the greater of \$10 million (or \$5 million for married couples filing separately), or 10 times the combined basis in QSBS sold during the tax year.
QSB Tax Exemption Eligibility Requirements
To claim these tax benefits, you’ll need to meet specific requirements:
- ✅ You must be an individual, not a corporation.
- ✅ You must be a U.S. citizen or non-U.S. citizen living in the U.S.
- ✅ You must have purchased the stock directly from the issuing company, not through a secondary market like the NYSE or NASDAQ.
- ✅ The stock must be held for at least five years before selling. If you need to sell earlier, you can avoid taxes by reinvesting the profit into another QSBS within 60 days—assuming you held the original QSBS for more than six months.
Does this sound like the right investment for you? Let Insogna CPA help you navigate your QSBS tax planning and ensure you’re getting the maximum benefits. Contact our wealth-building experts today to get started.
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