NQSOs
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NQSOs

NQSOs

Nonqualified stock options (commonly abbreviated NQSOs) are the most common type of option. Browse an overview of this section below, or explore the subtopics to the left. See also the NQSO sections of the Tax Center.

Selected Articles

Basics

Stock Options 101: The Essentials

Podcast and video included! So your company has granted you stock options. Now what? Stock options give you a potential share in the growth of your company's value without any financial risk to you until you exercise the options and buy shares of the company's stock. Before you exercise your options, their built-in value is subject to pre-tax growth—which can be significant. This article explains the essential facts that you must know to understand your options and make the most of them.
Basics

VIDEO! Employee Stock Options: Core Aspects To Know

With expert insights from the editor-in-chief of myStockOptions.com, this video covers the essential aspects of employee stock options that you must know to make the most of them, including the key concepts of vesting, exercise, and the option term. Running time: 4:12.
Taxes

Stock Option Fundamentals (Part 4): NQSO Taxation This is premium content

Video included! Understand how and when different taxes apply to NQSOs. You need to consider taxes at exercise and at sale to put together a strategy that maximizes the value of your options.
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Basics

How To Avoid The Most Common Stock Option Mistakes (Part 1)

Avoid the fumbles others made with options during past ups and downs in the stock markets. Situations where common errors tend to arise can be classed into nine categories, including option-term expiration, job termination, corporate mergers, financial planning, and various life events.
Taxes

Stock Option Fundamentals (Part 3): Income Taxes And Withholding This is premium content

Here's some advice for financial fitness: take stock of taxes before you exercise! When and how you exercise your stock options can have a major impact on how much tax and which taxes you'll pay.
Basics

Stock Options Made Simple: Comparing NQSOs & ISOs

Videos included! Stock options rose to fame in the 1990s. Even on the TV sitcom Seinfeld, Elaine got stock options and wouldn't shut up about them (annoying the heck out of George). Options remain popular. This article explains the two types and how they work.
This is simply a selection of the many articles in this section.
Use the navigation to the left to explore all of the categories in this section.

Selected FAQs

Basics

Video included! What are the top 10 questions I should ask about my stock options?

You should know the answers to the questions in this FAQ's checklist and be familiar with the topics presented in the related video. Understanding these will help you make the most of your stock options and prevent costly mistakes...
Taxes

Video included! How are nonqualified stock options taxed?

You pay taxes when you exercise nonqualified stock options (NQSOs). The taxable income that you recognize is...
Taxes Advanced

What are the biggest mistakes related to stock options I can make on my tax return, and how can I avoid them? This is premium content

It is all too easy to make costly tax-return errors that attract unwanted IRS attention. Learn how to prevent mistakes...
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Taxes Advanced

Are there financial-planning strategies for NQSOs? This is premium content

There is no universal planning strategy for nonqualified stock options (NQSOs). It is important for your option strategy to be tailored to your personal goals. With that said, we present some general advice from experts...
Taxes

When I hold NQSO shares after exercise, what tax applies when I later sell the stock at a gain?

Capital gains tax applies on the amount of your gains above...
Taxes

Will the amount of tax withheld at NQSO exercise cover the amount of tax that I am required to pay when I file my tax return? This is premium content

IRS rules do not allow you to specify your tax-withholding rate. Instead, employers usually...
Taxes

What is IRS Form W-4 and how does it apply to withholding from stock compensation?

IRS Form W-4 determines how much federal withholding tax will be deducted from your paycheck, at least from your salary. You want to submit a new Form W-4 to adjust your withholding whenever your personal or financial situation changes. In 2020, the IRS introduced a revised Form W-4 that...
Taxes Advanced

I'm about to exercise my NQSOs and will realize a lot of ordinary income. Any way to reduce the tax impact? This is premium content

Not directly. However, you can plan around the higher income. Here are a few ideas to consider...
Taxes

Form 8949 and Sch. D diagrams How are capital gains taxed and reported when I sell my NQSO shares? This is premium content

To compute the appreciation since exercise, you take the sales price after commissions and subtract...
Taxes

What are capital gain and capital loss? What are the tax rates on capital gains?

Capital gain is income that arises from the sale of a capital asset. Gain from the sale of securities held for investment, such as shares acquired from stock compensation...
Taxes

UPDATES! Is the spread at exercise of a nonqualified stock option subject to Social Security and Medicare taxes?

Yes. The spread at exercise of an NQSO is considered wages for the purposes of...
This is simply a selection of the many FAQs in this section.
Use the navigation to the left to explore all of the categories in this section.
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