Tag: Tech founder

QSBS & California: 0% State Exclusion? Myth-Busting the Rules 

Introduction Heard you can sell startup stock tax-free under Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) rules? That’s only partially true especially if you live in California. In 2025, many founders mistakenly believe the QSBS 0% exclusion applies at the federal and state level. But California repealed its state QSBS exclusion, and it’s time to separate fact […]

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Stock-Option Income: When Do CA Non-Residents Owe? 

Introduction Non-residents often believe they’re off the hook for California taxes but stock options granted while living or working in California may still be sourced to the state even years later. In 2025, with increasing audits on equity-based income, this blog explains when non-residents are liable for California taxes on exercised or vested stock options. […]

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