Accounting for Startups
Startups face tax decisions early that are expensive to reverse later: entity type, how founder equity is issued, and whether the company qualifies for qualified small business stock treatment. Blue Sage handles the accounting and returns, and flags the decisions that need making before a financing round rather than after.
What we handle
- Entity structure and Delaware C-corporation considerations
- Founder equity, vesting, and 83(b) election timing
- Qualified small business stock eligibility tracking
- Research and development cost treatment and credit analysis
- Investor-ready monthly reporting and burn tracking
- Multi-state registration as the team grows
Who this is for
Pre-seed through Series A companies, and founders deciding how to structure before they incorporate.
The 83(b) election is the clearest example of an early decision with a hard deadline. It must generally be filed within 30 days of the equity grant, and the window cannot be reopened. Founders who miss it can face tax on equity as it vests, at values they cannot access.
Deadlines and rules worth knowing
| Item | What applies |
|---|---|
| Entity | Delaware C-corporation is the common structure for venture-backed companies, largely for investor familiarity |
| 83(b) election | Must generally be filed within 30 days of the grant. The deadline is strict and missing it is not correctable. |
| QSBS | Qualified small business stock can allow substantial gain exclusion on an eventual sale, subject to entity type, holding period, and asset tests |
| R&D costs | Must be capitalised and amortised, which can create taxable income for a pre-revenue company |
| Remote hires | Each new state generally brings payroll registration, withholding, and filing obligations |
| Franchise tax | Delaware entities owe an annual franchise tax regardless of income |
How we work
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Review what exists
We read last year’s return and whatever records you have. Most of what needs fixing is visible quickly.
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Fixed quote in writing
Scope and price before anything starts, counting entities, states, and any cleanup needed.
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File and maintain
Returns prepared and filed, notices answered, and a projection before year end.
Questions
What is an 83(b) election and when do I file it?
It elects to be taxed on restricted equity at grant rather than as it vests. For founder stock granted at a very low value, that usually means a negligible tax bill now instead of a growing one later. It must generally be filed within 30 days of the grant, and that deadline is not extendable.
What is QSBS and does my company qualify?
Qualified small business stock can allow a substantial portion of gain on an eventual sale to be excluded from federal tax. Qualification depends on the entity being a C-corporation, meeting asset tests at issuance, operating in a qualifying business, and the shareholder meeting a holding period. It should be tracked from the start rather than reconstructed at exit.
Last reviewed 11 September 2026 by Fahadun Nabi, Founder, Blue Sage Tax and Accounting Inc.. General information, not advice for your specific situation.
Related
Talk it through before the deadline, not after.
A free consultation call, no obligation, and a fixed quote if you want to go further.