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Date:   Tue, 14 Oct 2008
From:   Tom

Does a company stock option ever have any value unless the company goes public?

My sister and brother-in-law are bragging he will be a millionaire three times over because he received stock options for a solar panel manufacturing plant that he works for. They haven't opened for business yet, haven't earned a penny, and the biggest contract for the company is from the CEO's brother in Taiwan.

Answer

Date:   7 Nov 2008

Hello Tom,

Yes, stock options often have value before a company goes public. I have a client who works for a company that has technology that venture capitalists and potential acquirers are very excited about. Even though the company "has never made a penny," his options are potentially very valuable.

These days, most employees of private companies are cashing out their options when their companies are bought out by another company.

Time will tell what will happen for your brother-in-law. He could end up with a fortune or with nothing.

Meanwhile, try not to be irritated with your family members.

Good luck!

Mike Gray

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IRS Circular 230 Disclosure: As required by U.S. Treasury Regulations, you are hereby advised that any written tax advice contained in this answer was not written or intended to be used (and cannot be used) by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.