Had to pay a lot of taxes for exercising and holding ISOs. Since I didn’t sell yet would this amount I paid be deducted when I actually do sell and get taxed on the gains? Not sure how this works, thanks!
You work at Google, and you're telling me you don't know how to use a search engine to find resources for yourself?
If you owe AMT (likely), then you owe it now. In the year you sell, the basis on which you were already taxed will be deducted from your AMT income, likely triggering a partial refund. Talk to a CPA. You probably should have done so before exercising the shares, since it is pretty easy to walk yourself into a situation where you accidentally are forced to give the government an interest-free loan that will take you decades to recover.
Before I find a CPA next time would you happen to know the answers to these questions? Do I eventually break even with the taxes I had to pay now? Because I didn’t sell yet why am I paying taxes on imaginary gains versus later? Seems like it’ll eventually net out?
The AMT system will eventually net equal, but it may take decades to get there. Seriously though. Talk to a CPA, and do your research. Don't just ask randos on Blind. There are a ton of resources for not screwing yourself over online.