When do I pay AMT for my ISOs?
May 10, 2000
Date: Thu, 6 Jan 2000
From: Paul
Relating to your ISO article, I am confused as to the AMT consequences if I were to exercise my options in 1999 and sell the stock in 2000, but before I held the stock for the 1 year holding period. Since it will be included as compensation income in 2000, am I still liable for AMT in 1999???
Thanks alot.
Answer
Hello Paul,
When stock received from exercising ISOs is sold before the end of the year of exercise, ordinary income equal to the lesser of the tax preference at exercise or the actual gain is reported as W-2 ordinary income. No tax preference is reported on the AMT form.
When the stock is sold the next year before the holding period requirements are met, the taxpayer will have the same results for “regular tax” reporting. For AMT, the taxpayer is required to report the tax preference for the year of exercise and will report a negative gain or loss adjustment on the AMT schedule in the year of disposition. In many cases, this means the taxpayer will have an alternative minimum tax in the year of exercise and a tax credit in the year of disposition.
Good luck!
Mike Gray