Use this checklist to collect the basic facts a qualified professional will usually need before they can review a QSBS fact pattern.
What to keep in view.
Separate company facts, stock facts, shareholder facts, and document status before the advisor meeting.
Mark unknown items clearly instead of guessing or filling gaps with assumptions.
Bring the timeline, documents, and specific questions to a qualified professional for review.
Part 1
Start with the company timeline
QSBS review is highly dependent on dates and entity history. A clean timeline helps an advisor see the sequence of formation, stock issuance, financing, business activity, and ownership changes.
Formation date and original entity type
Any conversions, mergers, or reorganizations
Financing rounds and major asset events
Part 2
Separate facts from documents
A founder may remember the story, but a professional review usually needs supporting records. Keep a fact list and a document list side by side so missing records are visible.
Stock purchase agreements and board approvals
Cap table history and transfer records
Tax filings and financial statements
Part 3
Prepare questions, not conclusions
The goal is not to self-determine the outcome. The goal is to make the professional conversation faster, more specific, and better documented.
What facts are strongest?
What items require document review?
What state-level or timing issues should be checked?
Turn the guide into preparation work.
Ask QSBS Agent about unclear areas
Gather supporting records
Review the facts with a qualified professional
Common preparation questions.
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.