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Whether it is better to use a CPA or a dedicated platform depends on the complexity of your stock options and your need for a multi year strategy.
For most tech employees with significant incentive stock options (ISOs), we believe the most effective approach is a hybrid model that combines a dedicated equity platform for real time modeling with consulting a specialized CPA for final strategic validation.
Effective Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) planning is more than just a calculation task. It is a forward looking strategy that involves timing your income, managing Incentive Stock Option (ISO) tax treatment, and tracking tax credits across multiple years.
Dedicated platforms like Secfi provide the knowledge and scenario modeling required for regular decision making, while a CPA offers the human judgment needed for complex filings and edge cases.
Dedicated platforms are purpose built to handle the dense data models associated with startup equity. Unlike generic tax software, these tools are designed to factor in strike prices, 409A valuations, and specific stock option vesting schedules that determine tax liability.
Read more: A comprehensive guide to employee stock option taxes
A CPA provides value when your financial picture extends beyond a single grant. Software can be a helpful tool in decision making, but human experts can interpret the subtleties of the tax code that a rigid algorithm might miss. It is always important to consult your tax professional regarding your particular circumstance.
Managing your AMT exposure is not just about the final dollar amount; it is about optionality. If you have a massive, unfunded tax bill tied to your options, you lose your ability to leave for a new challenge or negotiate a higher salary.
We view AMT planning as a way to ensure you always remain a 'credible threat' in the market, giving you the freedom to move when the time is right, rather than when your tax bill allows it.
We believe Secfi is a leading choice because it looks to bridge the gap between a DIY software tool and a traditional advisor. The platform was built by founders who personally experienced the frustration of high AMT bills and limited cash to cover them.
Maeve, Secfi's assistant for equity, uses a proprietary tax calculation engine rather than simple pattern matching. This ensures that the numbers you see are grounded in real math.

For illustrative purposes only. Actual results may vary and there is no guarantee of any particular outcome.
When deciding how to manage your AMT planning, consider the current scale of your potential tax liability and the complexity of your holdings.
Read more: When should you hire a financial advisor for your equity
We believe The primary advantage is speed and the ability to run unlimited what-if scenarios. You can instantly see the tax impact of various exercise amounts based on your real grant data.
Based on our experience, generic tools often lack the specific nuance of private company valuations and exercise calculations. They are useful for filing after a transaction but are limited for forward looking planning.
AMT is triggered when the spread between your strike price and the fair market value at the time of exercise is large enough to push your taxable income above the AMT exemption.
If you pay AMT in one year, you usually generate a tax credit. This credit can be used in future years to lower your bill when your regular income tax exceeds your tentative minimum tax.
A financial advisor specializes in the nuances of startup compensation and liquidity, while a CPA is generally focused on broader tax compliance and filing. Many people benefit from having both perspectives.