POTENTIALS AND PITFALLS OF AN 83(B) ELECTION
If you have received restricted stock as part of your equity compensation package, you may have heard about the potential tax benefits of making an 83(b) election. An 83(b) election is a relatively simple process, but it's important to understand the steps involved and to make sure that you meet all of the necessary requirements.
What is an 83(b) Election?
An 83(b) election (named after Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code) is a tax election that allows an individual who receives equity (shares of restricted stock) as compensation for services to pay taxes upfront on the fair market value of the equity at the time of grant, rather than paying taxes on the equity's value at a later date when it vests. In other words, you pre-pay your tax liability at today's value of the stock.
When a person receives equity as compensation, it is typically subject to vesting restrictions, which means that the person does not have full ownership rights until a certain condition is met, such as the completion of a specified period of service or the achievement of certain performance goals or milestones. When the equity vests, it becomes taxable as ordinary income to the stockholder.
By making this “83(b) election,” the individual can choose to include the fair market value of the equity in their income in the year in which it is granted, rather than waiting until it vests. This can potentially result in significant tax savings, especially if the equity increases in value between the grant date and the vesting date. If the value of the stock increases, this results in a benefit (potentially very significant) to the stockholder. Of course, if the value of the stock goes down over time, the opposite is true: the stockholder will have overpaid her or his taxes.
It is important to note that making an 83(b) election is a complex tax decision, and stockholders should consult with their qualified, independent tax advisors before making the election. Additionally, the election must be made within 30 days of the grant date, and must include certain information, such as the fair market value of the equity and a description of the property for which the election is being made.
How to Make an 83(b) Election
Here is a step-by-step guide to making an 83(b) election:
Step 1: Obtain the Necessary Forms
To make an 83(b) election, you will need to file a completed copy of IRS Form 83(b) with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) within 30 days of the date that you receive the restricted stock. You will also need to provide a copy of the form to your employer. You can download a copy of Form 83(b) from the IRS website or from your tax advisor.
Step 2: Provide the Required Information
The completed Form 83(b) must include the following information:
- Your name, address, and Social Security number
- The name of the company that issued the restricted stock
- The date that the restricted stock was granted to you
- The number of shares of restricted stock that you received
- The fair market value of the restricted stock at the time it was granted
- A statement indicating that you are making an 83(b) election under Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code
Step 3: File the Form with the IRS
You must file the completed Form 83(b) with the IRS within 30 days of the date that you receive the restricted stock. You can do this by mailing the form to the appropriate IRS office or by filing the form electronically using the IRS's e-file system. It's important to keep a copy of the form for your records.
Step 4: Provide a Copy to Your Employer
You must also provide a copy of the completed Form 83(b) to your employer within 30 days of the date that you receive the restricted stock. This can usually be done by simply providing a photocopy of the form to your employer's human resources department.
Step 5: Monitor Your Tax Situation
Once you have made an 83(b) election, you will need to monitor your tax situation carefully. You may need to pay taxes on the fair market value of the restricted stock at the time it was granted, and you will need to report any future gains or losses on the sale of the stock on your tax return.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, making an 83(b) election can offer significant tax benefits for employees who receive restricted stock as part of their equity compensation package. However, it's important to understand the steps involved and to make sure that you meet all of the necessary requirements. If you're not sure whether an 83(b) election is right for you, it's always a good idea to consult with a tax professional.
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