Are options from the US subsidiary of a UK company ISOs?
April 22, 2005
Subject: treatment of options granted in the UK
Date: Fri, 11 Mar 2005
From: Rupert
Dear Mr. Gray,
I work for the US subsidiary of a UK-based company. I was issued share options under a UK incentive scheme 5 years ago, but I have been a resident in the US for the last 3 years.
I believe that my option plan follows the requirements for ISO options, but this is not explicitly stated in my plan and there is no reference to any IRS regulations.
Could these options qualify as ISOs?
Thank You,
Rupert
Answer
Date: Fri, 08 Apr 2005
Hello Rupert,
No. The plan must state that it is an ISO plan to qualify, and any options that don’t qualify as ISOs are non-qualified options.
Good luck!
Mike Gray