How are NSO taxed?

So how exactly are NSOs taxed? NSOs are taxed at ordinary income tax rates (the highest possible rate, just like your salary) twice: When you exercise them. Then again when you make money with them after your company exits.

What is ISO and NSO?

The main difference between ISO and NSO is tax implications. Read more about incentive stock option (ISO) and non-qualified stock option (NSO). The main differences between ISOs and NSOs all have to do with taxes.

What is NSO option?

What Is a Non-Qualified Stock Option (NSO)? A non-qualified stock option (NSO) is a type of employee stock option wherein you pay ordinary income tax on the difference between the grant price and the price at which you exercise the option. 1

Are NSO or ISO better?

An ISO Leads to a Lesser Tax Liability With an NSO the difference between the exercise price and the fair market value of the stock is considered ordinary income. The tax treatment of an ISO often results in less taxes because there are no taxes owed on the spread at the time of exercise.

Are NSO taxed twice?

As mentioned above, NSOs are generally subject to higher taxes than ISOs because they are taxed on two separate occasions — upon option exercise and when company shares are sold — and also because income tax rates are generally higher than long-term capital gains tax rates.

When should I exercise NSO?

The most common expiration of NSOs is 10 years, but this does vary from company to company. Since time is often your friend when it comes to stock options, you can simply sit out the first couple of years to allow for growth and start to exercise your NSOs in a systematic way when you are nearing expiration.

Can you convert ISO to NSO?

While converting your ISO to NSO can be a great financial move, it’s not an all-or-nothing deal. Usually, your company will let you exercise some ISO (so you can get the tax advantages ISO have over NSO), and convert the rest to NSO.

Who qualifies for ISO vs NSO grants?

Only employees can receive ISOs, whereas NSOs may be granted to any service providers (e.g., employees, directors, consultants, and advisors). ISOs must be exercised within three months following termination of employment (even if the holder continues providing services in some other capacity).

How do you avoid taxes when exercising stock options?

Alert: If the cost basis is not reported on Form 1099-B, avoid double taxation by listing the market price on the date of exercise as your cost basis in the stock. The basis should be the exercise price plus the amount of ordinary income you already paid taxes on.

Should I exercise my NSO stock options?

When Should You Exercise and/or Sell? The first step in deciding when to exercise is to look at which NSOs are vested and eligible to exercise. Also, you should not exercise if the current stock price is lower than your option price, (“under water”).