QSBS Exclusion Calculator (2026)
Qualified Small Business Stock can shelter a large gain from federal tax — but the break depends on holding period, the asset cap, and whether your state conforms. Most calculators ignore the state layer; FiscTalk flags it.
OBBBA created a tiered holding schedule: 3 years → 50%, 4 years → 75%, 5+ years → 100% exclusion, with the per-issuer cap raised to $15,000,000 (or 10× basis) for post-enactment stock. The gross-asset test rose to $75,000,000.
QSBS relief is exempt from AMT and NIIT. State conformity varies widely — many states don’t follow federal QSBS, so state tax can still apply. Check the state guide for the relevant jurisdiction.
Not tax, legal, or financial advice
FiscTalk provides general educational information from public sources. Tax outcomes depend on your full facts, filing history, and jurisdiction-specific rules that change yearly. Before filing or making decisions, consult a licensed CPA, EA, or attorney. FiscTalk is not a fiduciary and is not affiliated with the IRS or any state agency.
Sources & methodology
Figures as of: 2026-08-09
- IRS — Tax inflation adjustments for tax year 2026 (Rev. Proc. 2025-32) — Internal Revenue Service
- IRS Pub. 15 (Circular E), Employer’s Tax Guide 2026 — Social Security wage base $184,500 — Internal Revenue Service
- IRS Pub. 15-T (2026), Federal Income Tax Withholding Methods — Internal Revenue Service
- IRS Form 1041-ES (2026) — capital gains rate thresholds — Internal Revenue Service
- OBBBA (One Big Beautiful Bill Act), Pub. L. 119-21 — SALT, estate, QBI, QSBS, senior deduction — Internal Revenue Service