Answers for venture-backed teams
Frequently Asked Questions
Practical, technical answers to the tax questions we hear most from venture-backed companies between $5M and $30M in revenue — and from the founders behind them.
R&D Tax Credit Eligibility
Who qualifies for the federal research credit under §41 — including software teams and pre-revenue companies.
Does our software development qualify for the R&D credit?
We build software for our own internal use. Is that treated differently?
Can a pre-revenue or unprofitable company claim the credit?
What costs actually count as qualified research expenses?
How does §174 capitalization interact with the credit?
The Payroll Tax Offset
How qualified small businesses turn R&D credits into cash by offsetting employer payroll taxes.
What is the R&D payroll tax offset?
Do we qualify as a Qualified Small Business?
How and when do we actually receive the benefit?
Can we still claim it if we missed the election on a prior return?
International & Cross-Border Compliance
Tax and structural exposure created when venture-backed teams hire and operate across borders.
We're hiring employees abroad. What tax exposure does that create?
Should we use an Employer of Record or set up a foreign subsidiary?
Are foreign contractors simpler than foreign employees?
What U.S. filings come with having a foreign subsidiary?
Founders & Section 1202 (QSBS)
Founder-level planning around qualified small business stock and the gain exclusion.
What is QSBS and why does it matter to founders?
What are the core requirements for stock to qualify?
How much gain can be excluded, and how long must we hold?
Can the $10M (or $15M) cap be increased?
How do 83(b) elections and early exercise fit in?
Get In touch
Let's talk
Discovery call
A 30-minute call to understand your situation. No pitch, no proposal. We figure out whether I'm the right person for what you need.
Scoping conversation
If we move forward, we walk through exactly what you need help with, agree on scope, timeline, and price.
We get to work
Engagement begins. You get a single point of contact, clear deliverables, and a CPA who actually knows your structure.
Get In touch
Let's talk
Discovery call
A 30-minute call to understand your situation. No pitch, no proposal. We figure out whether I'm the right person for what you need.
Scoping conversation
If we move forward, we walk through exactly what you need help with, agree on scope, timeline, and price.
We get to work
Engagement begins. You get a single point of contact, clear deliverables, and a CPA who actually knows your structure.
Get In touch
Let's talk
Discovery call
A 30-minute call to understand your situation. No pitch, no proposal. We figure out whether I'm the right person for what you need.
Scoping conversation
If we move forward, we walk through exactly what you need help with, agree on scope, timeline, and price.
We get to work
Engagement begins. You get a single point of contact, clear deliverables, and a CPA who actually knows your structure.