Documents and records
QSBS documents to gather
A document-first guide to the company, stock, shareholder, and tax records that may support a QSBS review.
Overview
The right documents help a qualified professional test the story against records instead of relying only on memory or summary notes.
Key takeaways
- Collect formation, stock issuance, cap table, financing, and tax records in one folder.
- Use document gaps as review items rather than hiding them.
- Keep state-level and transaction-specific questions visible for professional review.
Company records
Company records help establish the entity history and business timeline. Start with formation documents and any records showing changes to the company structure.
- Certificate or articles of incorporation
- Board and stockholder approvals
- Conversion or reorganization documents
Stock records
Stock records help an advisor review how and when shares were acquired. The most useful folder usually includes original issuance documents and cap table history.
- Stock purchase agreements
- Option exercise records
- Cap tables by financing round
Financial and tax records
Financial records may be needed to review gross assets, business activity, and transaction history. Keep summaries tied to source documents where possible.
- Balance sheets and financing records
- Tax returns and accountant workpapers
- Sale, merger, or secondary transaction documents
Suggested next steps
- Create a shared review folder
- Label missing documents
- Ask the advisor which records matter most for the fact pattern
FAQ
How should founders use this guide?
Use it to organize facts, records, unknown items, and questions before speaking with a qualified professional.
What should be done with state-level questions?
List them as review questions for a qualified professional. This guide does not make state-specific tax claims.
Preparation only
Use this guide to prepare a clearer advisor conversation.