"From early-stage biotech startups to publicly traded life sciences firms, companies ... use equity-based compensation (e.g., stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs)) and nonqualified deferred compensation (NQDC) to attract and retain top scientific and executive talent. However, without careful legal structuring and administration, these arrangements can easily run afoul of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), triggering steep tax penalties and administrative exposure."  MORE >>