A professional and clean illustration showing a fork in a road. One path, labeled '83(b) Election,' leads to a small tax bill and a large pile of gold coins in the distance. The other path, labeled 'Default Tax,' leads to a massive, looming tax bill that blocks the path to the gold. The style is modern, vector art, with green and orange accents, conveying a clear financial choice.

Receiving startup stock? File this first for tax savings! The 83(b) Election

  Startup equity: millionaire-maker or massive tax bill? This article breaks down stock options, restricted stock, and the critical 83(b) election you can’t afford to ignore. If you’ve just joined a startup, congratulations! You’ve probably heard the stories—that little piece of paper, that “equity promise,” that could be a lottery ticket. But let’s be real:…