How will my incentive stock option buyout be taxed?
October 17, 2011
Date: 2 Jan 2008
From: Lauren
My company is being sold in an all-cash buyout. All of my incentive stock options will vest. I will be forced to sell the stock. Since I will be forced to sell, are the profits from the sale taxed at the capital gains rate or as straight income?
Answer
Date: 1 Feb 2008
Hello Lauren,
Assuming the transaction is an exercise and sale (or just a settlement of the value of the options), all of the income will be taxable as ordinary income. Employee stock options aren’t capital assets and you will not meet the holding period requirements for the stock to qualify for long-term capital gains or to avoid having a disqualifying disposition.
Good luck!
Mike Gray