<ul data-eligibleForWebStory="true">Startup founders can save significantly on federal taxes through Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) exclusion.QSBS allows for up to 100% exclusion of capital gains on qualified stock sales, benefiting C-corporation shareholders.Founders may overlook the tax-saving potential of QSBS and lose eligibility with preventable errors.Criteria include being a U.S. C-Corp, acquiring stock at issuance, a five-year holding period, and <$50M gross assets.Eligible businesses include tech, biotech, manufacturing, while service-based firms are excluded.Founders must monitor ongoing eligibility amidst structural changes, business pivots, and financing rounds.Preserving QSBS status involves meticulous documentation, consulting advisors, and strategic tax planning.Founders are advised to assess QSBS qualification early to optimize tax benefits and avoid missed opportunities.Understanding and leveraging QSBS can lead to substantial tax savings for startup founders and early employees.Consulting legal and financial advisors is crucial to navigating QSBS eligibility and maximizing tax incentives.