Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) Attestation Services

Unlock up to 100% capital gains exclusion under IRC Section 1202. Our certified experts (ABV®, ASA, CVA®, MRICS) deliver defensible QSBS attestations that hold up under IRS scrutiny, acquirer diligence, and audit review.

Globally Certified (CVA • ASA • ABV® • MRICS)

15+ Years

Valuation Experience

2500+

Valuations Completed

50+

Industries Served

3-5 Days

Turnaround Time

Missing QSBS Documentation Can Cost You Millions

Section 1202 offers one of the most powerful tax benefits in the US code - a capital gains exclusion of up to $15 million or 10 times on a basis. Without proper attestation, shareholders risk losing this benefit entirely during IRS review or acquirer diligence.

At Transaction Capital LLC, every QSBS attestation is prepared and signed by a credentialed professional who documents eligibility at issuance, throughout the holding period, and at exit - producing reports built to survive IRS challenge and buyer scrutiny.

Our QSBS Attestation Services

Transaction Capital LLC delivers certified QSBS attestations for founders, employees, investors, and funds across every stage of the Section 1202 lifecycle.
QSBS Eligibility Attestation

Gross Assets Threshold Testing

Qualified Trade Analysis

Active Business Verification

Original Issuance Documentation
Holding Period Analysis

QSBS Stacking & Packing Advisory

Section 1045 Rollover Attestation

Pre-Sale QSBS Reports

Get an Audit-Ready QSBS Attestation for Your Company Today.

QSBS Attestation Methods We Use

Method selection depends on shareholder type, corporate history, and transaction context. Our credentialed appraisers apply the correct IRC-approved framework for each qualification test.
Analysis Area What We Test Key Methodology Standard
Corporate Eligibility C-corporation status at issuance and through holding period Entity structure and tax election review IRC 1202(c)(1)
Gross Assets Test Aggregate gross assets never exceeded $75M through issuance Balance sheet aggregation with related-party rules IRC 1202(d)
Active Business Test 80% of assets used in qualified trade or business Asset-by-asset use classification across holding IRC 1202(e)(1)

Original Issuance Tracing

Confirms stock was acquired directly from the corporation for money, property, or services

Holding Period Documentation

Establishes shareholder start date and any tacking under Section 1223

Section 1045 Rollover Analysis

Tracks reinvestment into replacement QSBS within 60 days.

Exclusion Cap Calculation

Computes the greater of $15M or 10x adjusted basis per issuer, per taxpayer

When Do You Need a QSBS Attestation?

Specific Events Trigger the Need for Formal QSBS Documentation - Delaying Creates Exposure
  • Upon Original Stock Issuance - Establish contemporaneous eligibility documentation from day one.
  • Prior to Liquidity Events - Acquirers and bankers require QSBS confirmation before M&A closings.
  • During Investor Due Diligence - VC, angel, and secondary buyers request status verification.
  • Before Filing IRS Form 8949 & Schedule D - Support the exclusion claim with documented analysis.
  • Annual Portfolio Review - Confirm continued qualifications for VC and PE portfolio companies.
  • When Considering Section 1045 Rollover - Verify original and replacement stock eligibility.
  • Prior to Estate & Gift Tax Planning - Support stacking strategies using non-grantor trusts.
  • Upon Recapitalization or Restructuring - Determine whether corporate changes affect eligibility.
  • Following IRS Notice or Audit - Provide contemporaneous documentation to defend the claim.

Does Your Situation Require QSBS Attestation?

Who Needs QSBS Attestation Services?

Founders & Early Employees

Documented Section 1202 evidence to preserve tax-free capital gains

Corporate Counsel & Boards

Governance-grade eligibility reports for shareholder communications

Estate Planning Professionals

Stacking documentation supporting multi-taxpayer strategies

Venture Capital & PE Investors

Portfolio-level QSBS tracking and LP-facing documentation

Angel Investors

Shareholder Attestations for Direct Investments

CFOs & Finance Teams

Company qualification reports for shareholder distribution.

Tax Attorneys & CPAs

Third-party attestation supporting client exclusions.

M&A Advisors

Pre-closing QSBS packages accelerating deal timelines

QSBS Attestation by Shareholder & Entity Type

A comprehensive overview of QSBS attestation requirements across shareholder and entity types, addressing eligibility, holding periods, ownership structures, and key qualification considerations.
Entity / Shareholder Type Typical Analysis Focus Key Consideration
Early-Stage C-Corporation Original issuance and $75M gross assets test Timing relative to funding rounds affects eligibility
Growth-Stage Startup Active business and qualified trade verification Pivots may inadvertently disqualify prior issuances
VC-Backed Portfolio Company Company-level attestation for multiple share classes Preferred and common holders may have different periods
Founder-Held Stock Original issuance, holding period, and stacking Trust and gifting structures multiply exclusion caps
Employee-Held Stock Section 83(b) election and holding period start Cashless exercises may alter the acquisition date
Section 1045 Rollover Chain-of-custody analysis for replacement QSBS 60-day reinvestment window and basis tracking required
Trust-Held Interests Grantor vs. non-grantor status and stacking eligibility Non-grantor trusts are distinct taxpayers
Converted Entities (LLC to C-Corp) Post-conversion issuance and holding period reset Conversion timing determines whether interest qualifies

Benefits of a Professional QSBS Attestation

Tax Savings Up to $15M+
IRS Audit Defense
Faster M&A Closings
Investor Confidence
Multi-Party Stacking
Section 1045 Support
Portfolio-Wide Tracking
Governance Alignment

Find the Right QSBS Strategy
with Transaction Capital LLC.

We believe in growing with our clients and offering tailored solutions.

How Our QSBS Attestation Process Works

From Your First Call to Your Final Report - Simple. Fast. Defensible. Standard engagements delivered in 3 to 5 business days after document receipt.
1
Discovery

Free Consultation

Discuss your corporate structure, shareholders, and objectives to receive a transparent flat-fee quote.

2
Gathering

Document Collection

Securely upload cap tables, financials, and stock purchase agreements via our custom checklist.

3
Analysis

Multi-Test Analysis

Credentialed analysts apply to the corporate, asset, active business, and qualified trade tests.

4
Valuation

Draft Report Delivery

Receive your complete draft - methodology, tests, and conclusion - before any payment is due.

5
Delivery

Final Report & Support

Signed attestation delivered immediately. IRS defense and diligence support included at no charge.

What Your QSBS Attestation Report Includes

A comprehensive, IRS-ready report documenting QSBS eligibility, qualification tests, holding-period requirements, and supporting evidence for tax, legal, and audit review.
  • Executive Summary - Eligibility conclusion, effective date, and engagement scope
  • Corporate Profile - Entity structure, incorporation history, and shareholder classification
  • Original Issuance Analysis - Documentation of direct acquisition from the qualified corporation
  • Gross Assets Test - Balance sheet aggregation and $75M threshold verification
  • Qualified Trade Analysis - Activity classification against Section 1202(e)(3) excluded categories
  • Active Business Test - 80% asset utilization verification across the holding period
  • Holding Period Verification - Start date, tacking analysis, and tiered exclusion applicability
  • Exclusion Cap Calculation - Greater of $15M or 10x adjusted basis, per issuer and taxpayer
  • Section 1045 Analysis (if applicable) - Replacement stock eligibility and rollover documentation
  • Compliance & Signatures - Signed certifications by credentialed experts (ABV®, ASA, CVA®, MRICS)
  • Audit Defense Package - Complete supporting schedules, source logs, and representations

IRC Section 1202 Requirements

What You Need to Know

Non-Qualifying Stock Loses the Exclusion Entirely - There Is No Partial Credit

Corporate Structure

Issuer must be a domestic C-corporation at issuance and substantially throughout holding

Gross Assets Threshold

Aggregate gross assets cannot exceed $75M immediately before and after issuance

Original Issuance

Stock must be acquired directly from the corporation - not from another shareholder

Per-Issuer Exclusion Cap

Limited to the greater of $15M or 10x the taxpayer's adjusted basis

Holding Period

Tiered exclusion: 50% at 3 years, 75% at 4 years, 100% at 5 years for post-2025 stock

Qualified Trade or Business

Excluded activities include services, finance, farming, hospitality, and extraction

Active Business Requirement

At least 80% of corporate assets must be used in an active qualified trade

Compliance Standards We Follow

IRC Section 1202

Federal tax framework establishing QSBS eligibility and gain exclusion rules.

IRS Revenue Ruling 59-60

Foundational framework for determining fair market value of closely held businesses.

IRC Section 83(b)

Election rules affecting stock acquisition timing and QSBS holding period.

NACVA Professional Standards

Applies to all CVA-credentialed engagements, ensuring consistent quality and standards.

IRC Section 1223

Holding period tacking rules for gifted, inherited, and exchanged QSBS

USPAP

Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice - foundational US standard

IRC Section 1045

Tax-deferred rollover of QSBS proceeds into replacement qualified stock

AICPA SSVS-1

Governs valuation-based attestations by ABV-credentialed CPAs

Insights From Real Valuation Engagements

2,500+ Valuations. 50+ Industries. Deep Expertise in Each.

Our Appraisers Understand QSBS Qualification Nuances Across Every Sector - Not Just Generic Tax Analysis

Technology & SaaS

Fintech & Financial

Agriculture & Agribusiness

Manufacturing & Industrial
Real Estate

Energy, Oil & Gas

Consumer Goods & Retail

E-commerce & Digital Businesses
Education Technology

Telecommunications

Logistics & Transportation

Startups & Venture-Backed Companies
Professional Services

Healthcare & Medical

Media & Entertainment

Construction & Infrastructure

Why Choose Transaction Capital LLC?
(Big 4 Quality. Boutique Speed. Zero Compromise.)

The QSBS attestation market offers two extremes: automated tax platforms that miss critical qualification nuances, and large firms charging $10,000+ with a 4-week wait. Transaction Capital LLC operates where neither can compete.
Transaction Capital LLC Big 4 Firms Automated Platforms
Credentials ABV, ASA, CVA, MRICS PASSES - High cost FAILS - No credentials
Turnaround 3-5 Business Days 3-6 Weeks 24-72 Hours
Starting Price $750 Flat Fee $5,000-$15,000+ $1,500-$2,000
Pay After Draft Review
All 5 Qualification Tests PASSES - Every engagement PARTIAL
Trust & Stacking Structures PASSES PARTIAL FAILS
Acquirer Diligence Support PASSES - Always Extra cost FAILS
IRS Audit Defense Included PASSES Extra cost FAILS

QSBS Attestation Pricing

All engagements are priced on a flat-fee basis. You receive your quote before work begins and pay only after reviewing your draft.
Engagement Type Starting Price Turnaround Primary Methodology
Individual Shareholder Attestation $750 2-3 Business Days Original Issuance + Holding Period
Company-Level QSBS Attestation $1,500 3-5 Business Days Full 5-Test Corporate Eligibility
Pre-M&A QSBS Confirmation $2,000 3-5 Business Days Diligence-Ready Data Room Package
Section 1045 Rollover Attestation $1,200 3-5 Business Days Replacement Stock Eligibility + Reinvestment
QSBS Stacking & Packing Custom Quote 5-7 Business Days Multi-Taxpayer Exclusion Planning
VC Portfolio-Wide Attestation Custom Quote 5-10 Business Days Portfolio-Level Multi-Company Review
IRS Audit Defense Package Custom Quote As Required Full Documentation & Response

Trusted by Big 4 Auditors, Investors, Attorneys, and Acquirers

Transaction Capital LLC provides independent QSBS attestations and documentation designed to support tax compliance, investment reporting, and M&A diligence — helping clients move through audits, exclusions, and transactions with confidence.
  • Big 4 Audit Firms

    QSBS attestations aligned with IRS, USPAP, and AICPA standards - accepted without additional scrutiny
  • Venture Capital and PE Investors

    Portfolio-level tracking, LP disclosures, and fund-wide exclusion documentation
  • Tax Attorneys and CPAs

    Independent third-party attestation supporting client Section 1202 exclusion claims
  • M&A Counsel and Investment Banks

    Pre-closing confirmation packages accelerating diligence and deal timelines

Thousands of Shareholders. One Standard of Quality.

Join thousands of founders, employees, investors, and family offices that rely on Transaction Capital LLC for QSBS attestations that hold up when it matters most.

Do Not Take Our Word for It.

Transaction Capital LLC is rated on G2, Trustpilot, and Clutch by founders, CFOs, tax attorneys, and legal professionals across the United States.
★★★★★

Transaction Capital LLC delivered a high-quality Fair Market Value (FMV) analysis with exceptional responsiveness, professionalism, and depth. The team communicated clearly throughout the process and provided strong transparency around their methodology, allowing stakeholders to understand not just the conclusions, but the rationale behind them.

★★★★★

The work delivered by TXN Capital LLC on the IVS 105 valuation for our deeptech startup demonstrates great quality. Their clarity in documenting assumptions and methodologies ensures transparency and ease of understanding.

★★★★★

Working with Gaurav at Transaction Capital LLC for our 409A valuation was seamless and professional. He delivered a thorough, defensible report quickly and explained every detail clearly. Highly recommend for any startup seeking a reliable and efficient valuation partner.

★★★★★

Transaction Capital LLC, led by Dr. Gaurav, is truly the best in the business valuation space. I’ve seen the results firsthand — working with anyone else would be a waste of money. Believe me, they are the best.

★★★★★

Gaurav is very knowledgable in his field and was super helpful in his response and explanations. He finished the contract well before the deadline! Highly recommended. Thanks Gaurav

★★★★★

We got the Financial Model made by Gaurav which included all the standard things. Gaurav was helpful in explaining all the complex lingos and make it simple for us to understand. Strongly recommend him for getting FM made

Best QSBS Attestation Services in the USA

Transaction Capital LLC provides certified Qualified Small Business Stock attestation services across all 50 US states. Headquartered in New York, with active engagements in Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Austin, Boston, and beyond.

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    Your Liquidity Event Cannot Wait. Neither Should Your QSBS Attestation.

    Flat-fee pricing from $750. Pay after draft review. Delivered in 3 to 5 business days. Signed by a credentialed appraiser.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is QSBS attestation and why do I need it?

    What are the main Section 1202 requirements?

    How much can be excluded under QSBS?

    Can I claim QSBS if my company converted from an LLC to a C-Corp?

    What businesses do not qualify for QSBS?

    How quickly can you deliver a QSBS attestation?

    What is the Pay After Draft Review model?