SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/founder-accredited-income-test

What income can qualify an individual as an accredited investor?

Over $200,000 individually or $300,000 jointly under the multi-year test.

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  1. Any salary in the current year
  2. $100,000 once
  3. Over $200,000 individual or $300,000 joint income ✔

Why: The person must exceed the applicable income threshold in each of the prior two years and reasonably expect the same level in the current year. Other qualification paths also exist.

Huh, didn't know that: Certain professional credentials and issuer roles can provide separate accredited-investor paths.

The dad joke
Why did the investor bring two years of tax returns? One year just would not make the cut.
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References

Answer: Over $200,000 individual or $300,000 joint income. The person must exceed the applicable income threshold in each of the prior two years and reasonably expect the same level in the current year. Other qualification paths also exist.

  1. Accredited Investors www.sec.gov/resources-small-businesses/smallbiz-essentials-accredited-investors-what-does-my-small-business-need-know
    They earned income over $200,000 (individually) or $300,000 (with spouse or partner) in each of the prior two years
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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