What are the tax implications of being compensated with cash, equity, and non-qualified stock options?
July 28, 1999
Subject: Capital Raising for Consulting and Equity
Date: Thu, 06 May 1999
From: Dan
Dear Michael Gray, CPA
I like your site!
NQSOs / Equity deals are driving me nutty!!!
So, I thought I’d take advantage of your question and answer offer.
I’m a high-tech consultant who is doing 2 things new:
- Investment Banking referrals for financing — I’m working with a group in New York where we are cutting deals with startups. They will pay us with a percent of cash and equity in their firm if anybody we introduce them to gives them money. Typical structure says they pay us 2% of capital raised and 2% of equity sold.
- Consulting for equity — These revolutionary startups also need management consulting. So, in addition to cash, I’d like a deal that says — you owe us options that accrue at 6x the consulting fee billed. So, @ $200 per hour we also get exercisable options worth $1,200.
My questions are —
- What are the tax implications of this insanity???
- Do these deal structures make sense or should I hide under a rock until the IRS explodes from backed up sewer pipes???
Frazzled in Minnesota
Dan
Answer
Date: Wed, 28 Jul 1999
Hello Dan,
Sorry I haven’t written to you sooner.
Many consultants in Silicon Valley are participating in the Start Up Lottery by being paid in part with non-qualified stock options.
Similar rules apply to them as to employees, but the ordinary income is not reported on a W-2. It’s reported on a 1099-Misc form.
How the income should be reported by the consultant depends on the form of business. If the business is a proprietorship, the income is reported on Schedule C.
How are you valuing the options you are receiving? You should probably define this in your agreements.
If you aren’t already, you should have an attorney help you in drafting these agreements.
I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for the IRS to explode.
Good luck!
Mike Gray