At Veritas Global, we’re committed to helping founders and early employees master equity compensation from day one. One of the most strategic moves you can make—especially when receiving restricted stock—is filing a Section 83(b) election. Great news: the IRS now supports electronic filing, and here’s exactly how you can navigate it.
Official IRS References for Section 83(b) Filing
- Download Form 15620, the IRS-approved template for submitting a Section 83(b) election:
Form 15620. - Confirmation that electronic submissions of Section 83(b) elections are valid under IRS guidance.
- IRS regulations explaining filing deadlines, required contents, and non-revocability.
What Filing Online Offers
| Traditional Filing (Paper) | IRS E-Filing Advantage |
|---|---|
| Mailed submission with mailing risk | Instant digital confirmation and timestamp |
| Risk of missing 30-day deadline | System validation helps ensure timely submission |
| High burden for recordkeeping | Electronic proof is easily archived and shared |
Electronic filing enhances accuracy, compliance, and record control without sacrificing the 30‑day filing rule.
Mandatory Filing Deadline Still Applies
Even with e-filing, remember:
- The 30-day deadline is unwavering. Your election must be submitted within 30 days of restricted stock transfer.
- You still need to provide a copy to your employer, even after submitting via IRS.
- Revocation is extremely limited. Once filed, the IRS will only allow revocation in rare cases of mistake of fact. Legal misunderstandings don’t qualify.
What Founders Should Do Now
- Watch the clock. Set a reminder when your restricted stock is granted—30 days is non-negotiable.
- Register for IRS e-filing. Ensure you or your legal provider have access to submit Form 15620.
- Save confirmations. Download and store your submission receipt and company acknowledgment for your records.
- Document filing and receipt. Send your employer a copy—ideally tracked or acknowledged—and keep all confirmations.
Final Thought
A Section 83(b) election can be a powerful lever in reducing your future tax burden and maximizing long-term gains. With the IRS now supporting electronic submissions of Form 15620, founders and employees are more empowered than ever—but only if they act deliberately and on time.
Let Veritas Global help you set up your equity frameworks to be tax-efficient from day one—whether you’re granting options, RSAs, or planning for acquisition scenarios.
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