For tech professionals with RSUs, ISOs, NSOs & QSBS
Your equity type determines your tax strategy. Most people don't know which they have.
Most tech employees hold multiple grant types across different jobs and stages — each taxed differently, each with different timing windows. Understanding what you hold is step one of any equity strategy. Start here.
The problem isn't that equity is complicated. It's that nobody maps it for you.
Multiple grant types, each taxed a different way
You may hold RSUs, ISOs, NSOs, and QSBS simultaneously — each taxed at a different rate, at a different time, with different planning requirements. Misread any one and the bill arrives without warning.
Too smart to ask, too busy to dig in
Most tech professionals know something is at stake but can't find a trusted, unbiased guide who speaks their language — without trying to sell them a generic financial plan.
Value built over years, lost to complexity
It's wrong that the engineers who built the most company value are the ones most likely to lose it to taxes nobody warned them about — because no one built them a clear map.
Understanding what you hold — and what to do with it — is step one.
Choose Your Grant Type
Find your equity type. Understand what's at stake.
Each grant type has its own tax treatment, timing windows, and planning requirements. Select yours below to get the full strategy breakdown.
“You've spent years earning equity that could change your family's financial future — and the fact that you're not sure what to do with it doesn't mean you're not smart enough. It means nobody built you a clear map.”
Specialized expertise. Direct access. No handoffs.
The EQUITY System™ wasn't designed in a classroom — it was built working directly with engineers at unicorn startups and companies like Amazon, where the stakes of getting it wrong were real.
Mitchell Ludwig, CFP® built his practice around one problem: helping tech professionals turn equity compensation into lasting wealth. Every client relationship begins with equity — the strategy is built around it from day one.
- Works exclusively with tech professionals and equity compensation
- Deep specialization in ISO, RSU, ESPP, AMT, and QSBS
- No generic portfolios — every strategy is equity-compensation-first
- Direct advisor relationship — you work with Mitchell, not a junior associate
Works exclusively with tech professionals and equity compensationBook Your Free Equity ReviewMost advisors see RSUs as income. I see them as a 3–5 year tax and diversification problem that needs a plan today.
Not ready to book?
Start with the framework — or run a quick estimate.
Common questions about equity compensation types
- What is an RSU?
- An RSU (Restricted Stock Unit) is a company equity grant that vests over time and is taxed as ordinary income at vesting based on the fair market value of the shares on the vest date. The employee does not pay tax at grant — only when shares are delivered.
- What is the difference between ISO and NSO stock options?
- ISOs (Incentive Stock Options) are available only to employees and can qualify for long-term capital gains treatment with proper holding periods. NSOs (Non-Qualified Stock Options) are taxed as ordinary income at exercise and can be granted to employees, contractors, and advisors. ISOs trigger AMT; NSOs do not.
- What is QSBS and Section 1202?
- QSBS (Qualified Small Business Stock) issued under Section 1202 of the IRC can exclude up to $10M of capital gains from federal tax when held more than five years. The issuing corporation must be a domestic C-Corp with gross assets under $50M at issuance and operate in a qualifying active business.
Important disclosures
Mitchell Ludwig is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and a Registered Investment Adviser Representative of Carolina Wealth Partners. Securities are offered through United Planners Financial Services, Member FINRA/SIPC. Carolina Wealth Partners and The Equity Architect are separate entities. Jon Ludwig is a Series 65–registered Investment Adviser Representative and promoter.
All content on this page is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Examples, illustrations, and client archetypes are composite in nature and do not represent any specific client. All tools and calculators are estimates only. Consult a qualified tax advisor or CFP® professional before making any financial decisions.
All marketing content is reviewed and approved by United Planners compliance in accordance with SEC Marketing Rule (Rule 206(4)–1). Past performance is not indicative of future results.