Non-qualified stock options (NSOs) 101
NSOs are the simple, flexible option type: ordinary income at exercise, capital gains after.
How they are taxed
At exercise, the spread between strike and fair market value is ordinary compensation income, reported on your W-2 with federal, state, Social Security and Medicare withholding applied.
After exercise
Your cost basis is the fair market value at exercise. Sell immediately and there is essentially no further gain; hold more than a year and any additional appreciation is long-term capital gain.
Who gets them
NSOs can go to employees, contractors, advisors and board members, and there is no $100,000 annual limit. Companies often grant NSOs above the ISO limit or after an employee's ISO window closes.
Educational content, not tax advice. Your outcome depends on your grant documents, income and state. Equity Tax Engine models your actual position — join the waitlist.