Are option right sales long term capital gains?
May 23, 2005
Subject: Sale of Stock Option rights
Date: Wed, 27 Apr 2005
From: George
Mr. Gray
I am about to be forced to exercise NQSOs with immediate sale of the stock in a cashless transaction due to a company sale. The ordinary income will be substantial. If I sell the option rights (the option) back to the company or a majority shareholder of my company just prior to the company sale, will I be able to report a long-term capital gain? I have had the options for more than one year. Also, will this avoid the AMT?
Regards
George
Answer
Hello George,
Non-qualified stock options are not capital assets. Since they are “loaded” with ordinary income, ordinary income is reported when you (the employee, service provider, transferee spouse or beneficiary) sell them. There is no adjustment for AMT for the exercise of a non-qualified option like for ISOs, because the same income is reported for regular tax and AMT.
Good luck!
Mike Gray