What is an 83(b) election?
February 15, 2008
Failing to make a timely 83(b) election with the IRS is something that could lead to disastrous tax consequences for a startup company founder or employee.
Founders typically purchase stock pursuant to restricted stock purchase agreements that allow the company to repurchase “unvested” stock upon termination of employment. Similarly, employees may “early” exercise options subject to the company’s ability to repurchase “unvested” shares upon termination of employment.
Under Section 83 of the Internal Revenue Code, the founder/employee would not recognize income (the difference between fair market value and the price paid) until the stock vests. However, if a founder/employee makes a voluntary Section 83(b) election, the founder/employee recognizes “income” upon the purchase of the stock.
Typically, the purchase price for the stock and the fair market value are the same. Therefore, if an 83(b) election is made, there is no income recognized. Thus, a founder/employee should almost always make an 83(b) election. The benefits of an 83(b) election generally are starting the one year capital gain holding period and freezing ordinary income (or alternative minimum tax) recognition to the purchase date.
If the founder/employee does not make the 83(b) election, then he or she may have income at the stock “vests.” The income will be substantial if the value of the shares increases substantially over time.
For example, assume that a founder purchases stock for $0.01 per share (fair market value is $0.01) and the stock is subject to four year vesting with a one year cliff. The founder does not make an 83(b) election. At the end of the one year cliff, if the stock is worth $1.00/share, then the founder would recognize $0.99/share of income. As the remaining stock vests each month, the founder would recognize income equal to the difference between the fair market value and $0.01/share. In addition, the company is required to pay the employer’s share of FICA tax on the income and to withhold federal, state and local income tax.
If the founder had made an 83(b) election, the founder would not recognize any income as the stock vests, as the 83(b) election accelerates the timing of recognition of income to the purchase date.
In order for an 83(b) election to be effective, the individual must file the election with the IRS prior to the date of the stock purchase or within 30 days after the purchase date. There are no exceptions to this timely filing rule. The last possible day for filing is calculated by counting every day (including Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) starting with the next day after the date on which the stock is purchased. For example, if the stock is purchased on May 16, the last possible day for filing is June 15. The official postmark date of mailing is deemed to be the date of filing. The election should be filed by mailing a signed election form by certified mail, return receipt requested to the IRS Service Center where the individual files his or her tax returns. If the election is mailed after the 27th day, the individual should hand deliver the letter to the post office to obtain an official date-stamp on the certified mail receipt. A copy of the election should be provided to the company, and another copy should be attached to taxpayer’s federal income tax return for the year in which the property is acquired.
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7 Responses to “What is an 83(b) election?”
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Brilliant post - this is a MUST read for every entrepreneur.
This is a great post. We are going through this right now. My attny’s are suggesting that we have a stock purchase agreement and a stock grant agreement. Can the same thing be accomplished through a stock purchase and vesting agreement? Are there different tax consequences.
Not sure what the question is. Typically, founders stock is issued pursuant to a restricted stock purchase agreement that has a right of repurchase in favor of the company that lapses over time as the stock vests. If the founders stock is initially issued pursuant to a stock purchase agreement without a right of repurchase, the founder would enter into a stock restriction agreement in order to implement the repurchase right. This typically occurs in connection with a financing when the investors insist that the founders stock be subject to vesting.
Great post! Is 83(b) only applicable to employees? I wanted to invest in a friend’s company and wanted to see if I can pay taxes on my investment ahead. I understand I might lose both my investment and taxes paid if the company goes bankrupt, but in the event of a successful exit, I would have saved money in taxes should I paid it on the lower valuation. Is it possible as an investor to take advantage of 83(b)?
Section 83(b) is only applicable to property transferred in connection with the performance of services. It is not a mechanism to pre-pay taxes in connection with an investment.
As founders of a start-up company, my husband and I were presented with a restricted stock purchase agreement that contains death and divorce clauses. Basically, if he dies or we get divorced before the stock is totally vested, any stock that is awarded to the spouse will be subject to repurchase by the company. I have not seen these clauses in other example documents (I would like them removed). Is it customary to include these clauses?
Unvested founders stock is typically subject to repurchase upon death of a founder. Repurchase upon divorce is unusual.