"In a start-up or early-stage company where the value of the company's stock often starts off low but has the potential for significant future appreciation, founders can potentially save taxes by making an 83(b) election.... If the restricted shares are forfeited (for example, because the employee quits before the vesting date) or the shares decrease in value, the employee may be limited in their ability to recoup the taxes already paid when the 83(b) election was made[.]"  MORE >>