Laura Moreno here - co-founder @haventax_. We handle tax planning and filing for the tech community. Here to share a ton of tax advice and to help however I can. DMs are open.

Good to know that if you make even small investments on platforms like AngelList or Wefunder - they do issue K-1s

Many people don't realize that if they have foreign investments like partnerships, they need to file Form 8938. Single with foreign assets over $50k must file. If you miss it, the penalty is $10k+. Thresholds differ if married/abroad.

If you're trying to figure out what your estimated tax payment will be, the Safe Harbor method sets it at 110% of the prior year tax

Get asked a ton about tax implications for home sales. If you have owned the home you are selling for at least two years of the past five years and it was your primary residence, you likely can exclude up to $500k (if married) of gain from the sale or $250k if single.

1/ Let’s talk about the SALT deduction and how it may change in 2025/26. If you’re in a high-tax state (CA, NY, NJ), this is for you! 🏡💸

When to look for a new firm to prepare your taxes: While it might seem more convenient to wait until March to find a new tax person, it is the worst time. Most firms are booked by January. Don't wait.

Should You Early Exercise Your Startup Options: From a tax perspective, early exercise is great, but you will need to afford the cash to cover it. You also need to be prepared that this is a high risk decision and you might not get the money back for a long period of time.

RSUs: Taxed when they vest and not when granted

The IRS favors married couples filing jointly: The tax brackets are much more favorable. There are higher income limits for certain deductions and credits.

QSBS Tips for Startup Founders: QSBS should be top of mind. It can mean 0% federal tax on up to $10M in gains but need to be prepared from the start

Fun tax fact: Pennsylvania stands alone in treating ISOs as NSOs for state tax purposes. PA residents face immediate taxation at exercise, while all other states follow federal ISO treatment.

Why Startup Fundraising Rounds Are Priced Differently from 409A: Fundraising rounds are priced higher due to preferred shares' rights. 409A valuations focus on common stock FMV, leading to lower valuations and cheaper exercise prices for employees. Values align at IPO/exit.

Creating an LLC: This doesn't automatically generate tax deductions or savings. Self-employed individuals can claim legitimate business expenses on Schedule C, with or without an LLC. The business structure itself doesn't increase available deductions.

Marginal vs. Effective Tax Rate: - Marginal Tax Rate: The tax rate applied to your next dollar of income. - Effective Tax Rate: The average tax rate you actually pay on all your income. Just because you're in a higher bracket doesn't mean all your income is taxed at that rate.