Do I need to report a gain for exercising non-qualified stock options?
March 10, 2004
Subject: Exercise Options
Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2004
From: Bonnie
Hi,
Confused about options. I exercised some options for a non-qualified plan. I believe the employer withheld federal and state taxes. The 1099-B showed that taxes were withheld in Box 5 description. I did not receive any money for the transaction as all money remains in the plan. Do I need to report a gain or loss? Citigroup Global Markets Inc. states that if this income is taxable and the IRS determines that it is not reported a penalty will apply.
Thanks for your help.
Bonnie
Answer
Date: Thu, 04 Mar 2004
Hello Bonnie,
If the transaction was handled properly, your employer should have included additional wages income and withholding relating to this transaction on your Form W-2. Since you received a Form 1099-B (presumably for shares sold to pay the withheld taxes), you should report the net sale proceeds on Schedule D. The cost for the shares is the fair market value on the date of exercise (equals the option price paid plus the income reported on Form W- 2). You should have received a Confirmation of Exercise statement from the company that gives this information.
Good luck!
Mike Gray