New York Tax Push on Startup Investments Draws Tech Sector’s Ire

Kathy HochulPhotographer: Adam Gray/Bloomberg

A proposal by New York lawmakers to raise taxes on startup investment gains is setting off a fight with the tech industry, which says the move would drive venture capital out of the state.

Under federal tax law, the Qualified Small Business Stock exclusion permits eligible investors to exclude up to 100% of capital gains from the sale of certain company stock up to $15 million. The level was increased from $10 million as part of President Donald Trump’s tax and spending legislation last year.