Guides

83(b) election for a non-US founder: hard stops

A hard-stop guide for non-US founders and cross-border cases that should not be handled as a routine packet.

By Yann LephayPublished · Last updated

Summary

Non-US founder cases are not a simple MVP lane when residence, source of services, withholding, treaty, immigration, securities, or entity facts matter. 83(b) Election Desk does not provide cross-border tax or immigration advice. Use counsel or a qualified tax professional before preparing any election packet if those facts are present.

Cross-border and immigration facts are professional-review cases.

MVP postureHard stop for non-US complexityNo treaty, withholding, or immigration analysis.
Supported only ifNo cross-border question remainsUser already decided and has settled facts.
Output limitOperational packet onlyNo legal or tax conclusion.

Why the case changes

A founder's citizenship, tax residence, service location, visa facts, treaty posture, withholding, company jurisdiction, and securities facts can change the analysis. A simple packet tool cannot safely resolve those issues.

What the product can still do

If all advice questions are already resolved, the app can still organize a deadline, Form 15620 field checklist, copy letter, proof evidence, and filing-method reminder from user-entered facts.

When to stop

Stop for nonresident alien questions, treaty questions, visa or immigration facts, foreign address implications, withholding, compensation sourcing, foreign entity grants, or uncertainty about whether filing is appropriate.

Common questions

Can the app tell me whether a nonresident should file?

No. That is outside the product and can require individualized tax and legal review.

Can a non-US founder ever use the packet?

Only if the filing decision and all cross-border facts have already been resolved outside the app and no advice is needed.

Use the scope gate

The wizard stops cases needing residence, immigration, securities, treaty, or withholding review.

Open checker