QSBS Exclusion Rules: Section 1202 Eligibility, Holding Period & Caps

QSBS exclusion rules under §1202 can wipe out federal tax on up to $10M (now $15M) of startup-stock gain after a 5-year hold. See the eligibility tests, the cap, and the 2025 OBBBA changes.

Mike Navarro·June 24, 2026·13 min read

#QSBS#Section 1202#Startup Equity+3 more

How to Optimize Your Equity Taxes Across Multiple Years

Bunching an ISO exercise or a big share sale into one year stacks your income into the top bracket and past the AMT break-even. Here's how to optimize equity taxes across multiple years by flattening income instead.

Mike Navarro·June 24, 2026·7 min read

#Tax Planning#Multi-Year#ISO+3 more

How Much You're Losing on Your Equity Comp Taxes

Four quiet leaks — under-withholding, the broker basis trap, bunched income, and unplanned AMT — drain thousands a year from equity-comp holders who never see them coming. Here's how much each costs, and how to plug them.

Mike Navarro·June 24, 2026·7 min read

#Tax Planning#RSU#ISO+3 more

Best RSU Tax Calculators & Equity Comp Tools (2026)

The best RSU tax calculators and equity comp tools in 2026, compared honestly by price, what they calculate, equity types, state coverage, and signup.

Mike Navarro·June 11, 2026·12 min read

#RSU#Equity Compensation#Tax Planning+4 more

How Is AMT Calculated? Step-by-Step Guide with ISO Exercise Example

A complete step-by-step walkthrough of the AMT calculation: AMTI, exemption, rates (26%/28%), and comparison to regular tax. Includes a $200K salary + $300K ISO spread worked example.

Mike Navarro·April 4, 2026·10 min read

#AMT#Tax Planning#ISO+1 more

IRS Form 6251: The AMT Form Explained Line by Line (With ISO Exercise Example)

Form 6251 is how you calculate Alternative Minimum Tax. Walk through the key lines, understand AMT adjustments and preferences, and see a worked example with ISO exercise.

Mike Navarro·April 4, 2026·10 min read

#AMT#Tax Planning#IRS Forms+1 more

Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT): What It Is, Who Pays It, and How ISOs Trigger It

The AMT is a parallel tax system that ensures high earners pay a minimum level of tax. Learn how it works, current exemption amounts, and why ISO exercises are the #1 trigger for tech employees.

Mike Navarro·April 4, 2026·10 min read

#AMT#Tax Planning#ISO+1 more

Equity Compensation Calculator: ISOs, RSUs, and 83(b) Elections in One Tool Suite

Free equity compensation calculators for ISOs, RSUs, 83(b) elections, and IPO lock-up planning. Find your AMT-free limit, RSU withholding shortfall, and optimal exercise strategy.

Mike Navarro·March 11, 2026·8 min read

#Equity Compensation#Calculator#ISO+4 more

AMT Calculator for Stock Options: Find Your AMT-Free Exercise Limit

Use our AMT calculator to find the maximum number of ISOs you can exercise without triggering Alternative Minimum Tax. Includes 2026 exemption amounts and a step-by-step example.

Mike Navarro·March 11, 2026·9 min read

#AMT#ISO#Stock Options+2 more

Quarterly Estimated Tax Guide for Equity Compensation

Complete guide to quarterly estimated taxes for equity compensation. Due dates, safe harbor rules, and penalty calculations for RSU, ISO, NSO, and ESPP income.

Mike Navarro·March 11, 2026·11 min read

#Estimated Taxes#Quarterly Taxes#RSU+3 more

2026 Federal Tax Brackets and Tax Rate Schedules (IRS Official)

Complete 2026 federal income tax brackets for all filing statuses with IRS-sourced tax rate schedules, standard deductions, AMT exemptions, FICA thresholds, and capital gains rates.

Mike Navarro·March 11, 2026·10 min read

#Tax Brackets#Federal Tax#IRS+2 more

State Income Tax Guide: Rates, Brackets & How States Tax Equity Compensation

Compare state income tax rates, brackets, and supplemental withholding rates for equity compensation. Detailed coverage of CA, NY, TX, and WA with a summary of all state tax categories for tech employees.

Mike Navarro·March 11, 2026·13 min read

#State Tax#Tax Comparison#Tax Planning+2 more