You can now e file an 83(b)! It’s much easier, faster, and less stressful than it used to be. If you’ve done it in the past, it’s quite a process.
Old 83(b) Process
The old way of doing it is cumbersome. You fill out the 83(b) form by hand, keep one copy for yourself and send the other one to the IRS. You compose your cover letter explaining your situation about qualifying for this tax provision.
Then you mail everything with a tracking number, and wait weeks or months until you receive a stamped and recorded copy to come back from the IRS. During this time you worry about something getting lost in transit.
The New Way
Now it’s updated! In 2025, you can e file your 83(b) election with IRS Form 15620. This is available through your IRS account.
You’ll need the following information when submitting your Form 15620:
- Taxpayer name, address, and SSN
- Tax year
- Security description (shares, class, company name)
- Fair market value (FMV) at transfer
- Date of transfer
- Description of restrictions (vesting schedule to show risk of forfeiture)
However, there is a catch. If the stock FMV is less than $0.01, you will need to print the Form 15620 and mail it to the IRS to file your 83(b) election. Unfortunately, you cannot use the online portal for all scenarios.
How to E File 83(b)
Once you have the information for Form 15620, here’s how to complete the filing:
- Login to your IRS account
- Complete Form 15620
- Review and e-sign
- Submit and download confirmation
The Importance of the Filing
The 83(b) election must be filed within 30 days of stock grant (or early exercise for options). Once you submit it online, you get immediate verification. You don’t have to wait around for weeks or months worrying about it.
Hopefully you find the new method a lot more seamless. Remember that this article is for informational purposes only and you should consult with your tax advisor and/or CPA when filing an 83(b) election online or on paper.