Stock Options
Options follow different rules than RSUs. Start here if you are deciding when to exercise or trying to decode grant paperwork.
Tax rules change. Federal and state rates, brackets, and reporting rules are updated regularly. This site is not always current. check dates below and verify with official sources or a qualified tax professional.
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Update needed? Contact usStock Options vs RSUs
Options and RSUs follow different tax paths. know which events create wage income vs capital gain.
ISO vs NSO Tax Difference
ISOs and NSOs are taxed differently. the exercise and sale timeline drives most of the difference.
How ISOs Are Taxed
ISO tax is a sequence: usually no tax at grant, possible AMT at exercise, capital gain treatment on qualifying sales.
ISO AMT Explained
AMT can make an ISO exercise expensive in cash even before you sell shares. understand the spread first.
ISO Exercise Tax Calculator Guide
A short guide to our ISO AMT calculator: what it estimates, what it cannot, and what to gather first.
NSO Exercise Tax Explained
NSO exercise is usually a paycheck event. wage income, withholding, and possible cash due without a sale.
NSO Withholding Explained
Withholding on NSO exercise can mirror RSU gaps. flat rates may not match your actual bracket.
Exercising Options Before IPO
Exercising before IPO can trigger tax before you have liquidity. plan cash, AMT, and 83(b) carefully.
Exercising Options After Leaving a Company
After you leave, exercise deadlines and tax on spread can collide. know your plan terms and tax timing.
Early Exercise and 83(b) Election
Early exercise with 83(b) accelerates income recognition. powerful but deadline-driven.
83(b) Election Explained
An 83(b) election tells the IRS to tax restricted stock at grant value now instead of at vest.
What Happens If You Miss the 83(b) Deadline?
Missing the 83(b) deadline usually means income is recognized at vest, not at early exercise. plan accordingly.
Private Company Equity Tax Guide
Private company equity tax is as much about cash and timing as rates. know when tax hits before you can sell.
Tender Offer Tax Guide
Tender offers can combine wage reporting and stock sales. save confirmations and plan for withholding.
Secondary Sale Tax Guide
Secondary sales may trigger capital gain reporting and company transfer restrictions. document every step.
Startup Equity Tax Checklist
Use this checklist to avoid missing elections, exercise windows, and tax payments before you have cash to pay.