when is it detrimental to file 83 b election 
if an 83 b election was filed with the irs and the equity value falls or the company files for bankruptcy then the taxpayer overpaid in taxes for shares with a lesser or worthless amount unfortunately the irs does not allow an overpayment claim of taxes under the 83 b election another instance is if the employee leaves the firm before the vesting period is over then the filing of 83 b election would turn out to be a disadvantage as they would have paid taxes on shares they would never receive also if the amount of reported income is substantial at the time of the stock granting filing for an 83 b election will not make much sense 